Rock tumbling is a fun hobby that allows you to turn rough rocks into beautiful polished stones. Vibratory tumblers are a famous rock tumbler that uses vibration to smooth and polish rocks. If you’re looking to get into rock tumbling, choosing a suitable vibratory tumbler is key to achieving outstanding results. In this article, we’ll explore the top vibrating rock tumblers on the market and help you select the best model for your needs and budget.
We’ll cover essential factors like barrel capacity, noise levels, and ease of use when comparing leading tumbler brands and models like Thumler’s UV-10, the Lot-O-Tumbler, and others. You’ll learn the pros and cons of different tumblers to choose the right one confidently. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first tumbler or a seasoned rockhound, you’ll find the best-vibrating rock tumbler.
Let’s dive in and explore the top options for smooth, polished stones with a high-quality vibratory tumbler. By the end, you’ll know exactly which model is the best fit for your rock tumbling needs and budget
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby, Rock Tumbler Kit, is a comprehensive set for children and adults interested in geology and science. This kit provides everything needed to create polished gemstones, including a tumbler, four types of polishing grits, a sifter, and nine varieties of genuine rough gemstones. It also comes with a detailed full-color learning guide, making it an excellent gift for young boys and girls.
The tumbler machine is high-quality, featuring a durable motor designed to last for years. It has an automatic shutoff timer and a noise-reducing, leak-proof barrel with a stainless steel lid. The kit also includes a half-pound of assorted stones worldwide, four stages of polishing media, and jewelry fastenings, allowing users to create unique wearable items with their tumbled gems.
The rock tumbler kit is easy to use, with simple instructions and one-touch settings. It’s an engaging project that teaches about erosion and the natural process of rock formation, mimicking what nature does over millions of years in just a few weeks. The ongoing project allows users to see the progress of the rocks as they transform, adding to the excitement and educational value.
The kit costs $49.19, with additional shipping and import fees for international customers. It’s recommended for ages 8 and up because small parts could pose a choking hazard for younger children. The product dimensions are 13.81 x 4.88 x 8.06 inches.
Customers have praised the product for its ease of use, educational value, and quality of the finished gemstones. They’ve also highlighted the exceptional customer service provided by National Geographic Toys. However, some users have noted the need to ensure the lids are correctly fitted to prevent leaks. Overall, the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit is highly recommended for geology, science, or simply looking for a fun and engaging project.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbling Kit
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbling Kit is a comprehensive set designed for both children and adults interested in geology and the creation of gemstones. This kit, part of the Platinum Series, is known for its ultra-quiet operation, making it suitable for use in shared or small spaces.
The kit includes a 2 water-tight lb barrel, a selection of rough rocks weighing 1lb, four bags of polishing grit, a newly-designed filter, and a patented GemFoam polisher to add a stunning sheen to the finished gems. It also has five jewelry settings, allowing users to transform their polished rocks into wearable treasures.
One of the standout features of this kit is the Ultimate Tumbler, which has been designed with professional features to make rock tumbling fun and easy. It boasts an all-new, sleek exterior, an easy-set timer with day/hour settings, variable tumbling speeds, and a patented agitate mode that reduces rock breakage.
However, some users have reported issues with the tumbler, such as leakage if not secured tightly and occasional stopping during cycles. Despite these issues, the kit is praised for its quiet operation and the high-quality polished stones it produces.
As a product of National Geographic, a world-renowned nonprofit scientific and educational organization, this kit is backed by exceptional service. It aims to inspire people to care about the planet. It is an excellent STEM science kit encouraging a love of geology and showcasing Earth’s natural beauty.
Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit
The Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit, available on Amazon, is comprehensive for hobbyists and educational purposes. Manufactured by Dan&Darci, the kit is designed to transform rough rocks into polished gems, making it an engaging science and STEM project for all ages.
The kit includes a rock tumbler machine with a powerful motor that ensures longevity. The device features a leak-resistant barrel that operates quieter than other brands. It also has advanced features such as speed controls for more granular tumbling results and a digital 9-day timer that automatically shuts off when desired. All these features are displayed on an easy-to-read LCD screen.
The kit has a low-noise barrel with a 1 lb. capacity, four grit packets, half a pound of assorted rough rocks, a mesh strainer, jewelry fasteners, a gem storage bag, and an illustrated instruction and learning guide booklet. However, some users have noted that the amount of grit provided may not be sufficient for optimal polishing results, suggesting the purchase of additional grit.
The rock tumbler has three-speed settings and can be loud, especially at its fastest speed. Some users have found that adding plastic pellets can help reduce the noise. The tumbler’s capacity is smaller, making it ideal for hobby use. Despite its size, it has been praised for its user-friendly design and ease of use.
The kit also includes an illustrated learning booklet with step-by-step instructions and a comprehensive guide on the history of rock tumbling. This makes it an excellent educational tool that fosters a love for science, geology, and mineralogy in a fun and exciting way.
Despite its many strengths, some users have pointed out potential areas for improvement. These include better instructions for cleaning and burnishing and the need for a larger volume for the tumbler. However, overall, the Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit is a well-received product combining education and entertainment, making it a unique gift for children and adults.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbling Kit
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit is a unique and well-crafted product for adults and children. The kit includes a rock tumbler with an extra-large 3 lb. capacity barrel, rocks for tumbling, and rock polisher grit. The tumbler stands out due to its three-speed motor and a 9-day timer, which allows users to control the tumbling cycle duration.
One of the key features of this tumbler is its speed. Even at its slowest setting, it operates faster than most other tumblers on the market. This speed, combined with efficient grinding, enables the rocks to hit each other more frequently, resulting in quicker shaping and smoothing. However, this might necessitate cushioning for more fragile gemstones to prevent damage.
The barrel’s design is another distinctive feature. It has a larger diameter but is less profound than other tumblers, allowing for a larger internal volume. This design enables users to put more rocks in each cycle, increasing the grinding efficiency.
The tumbler is robustly built, with a sturdy base that houses the motor and control panel. The barrel has an effective sealing mechanism to prevent leaks, and an extra drive belt is included when the original one wears out. Despite its robust operation, the tumbler produces minimal vibrations and noise, with most of the sound absorbed by the barrel material.
However, the kit does have some limitations. The included rocks mix different types and hardnesses, which may not be ideal for tumbling together. Users may need to order additional stones of a single class for optimal results. Additionally, the included grit and polish packets may not be sufficient for achieving the best results, so purchasing additional supplies from a rock shop is recommended.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Tumbler has received positive reviews for its performance and customer service. One user reported that when their tumbler’s motor failed, the company promptly sent a replacement unit free of charge. The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit is a high-quality, efficient, and reliable product for rock-tumbling enthusiasts.
Leegol Electric Rock Tumbler Double Drum 6LB Lapidary Polisher
The Leegol Electric Rock Tumbler Double Drum 6LB Lapidary Polisher is a professional-grade rock polishing tool that offers free returns for any reason, provided the item is in new and unused condition. The product comes with a power adapter, two 3LB barrels, a packaging list that includes the tumbler, walnut shell media, five v-belts, and instructions.
The tumbler’s durable motor allows multiple batches of rocks to be tumbled simultaneously. It features an improved, leak-proof barrel lined with rubber for quieter operation. Detailed instructions guide users through the rock tumbling, making it easy to use. The manufacturer also provides a warranty, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.
The tumbler simulates the natural action of flowing water or ocean waves, grinding rocks against each other to round and smooth them. This process usually takes 4-6 weeks. The product has received a global rating of 3.8 out of 5 from 2,418 reviews.
However, some users have reported issues with the product. These include noise levels, difficulty securing the lids on the canisters, and the need for regular maintenance. Some users also found that the tumbler struggled with larger stones and could potentially strain the motor. Despite these issues, many users found the dual-barrel design beneficial as it allowed for continuous rocks tumbling at different polishing stages.
Leegol Electric ships from Amazon Fulfillment sell the product. It is priced at $77.59 and is available for delivery on Tuesday, Aug 15. The total price, including add-ons, is $136.53.
Professional Rock Tumbler Kits for Adults and Kids
The Professional Rock Tumbler Kits for Adults and Kids is a comprehensive set designed for educational and recreational purposes. This kit, available on Amazon, is an ideal STEM project that allows users to transform rough rocks into polished gemstones. The kit includes a 3LB large-capacity rock polisher, a durable special belt, rough stones, and controls for speed and time. It also has a Christmas Science Kit for kids and a pig-shaped toy.
One of the standout features of this rock tumbler kit is its large-capacity rubber barrel. This barrel has been improved with a double leak-proof closure, a stainless-steel lid, and a reinforced cover. It’s also 75% quieter than most plastic barrels due to a layer of tire rubber that absorbs sound.
The rock tumbler kit also boasts advanced features such as 3-speed controls for more granular tumbling results, a 9-day timer with an automatic shutoff feature and memory function, all displayed on transparent LCD screens. This allows users to easily fine-tune their settings for precise tumbling every time.
The kit also includes reusable TPE plastic particles that can be added during cycles 2-4 to reduce rock breakage and enhance shine. The polishing cycle takes 24 days, 7 days shorter than other machines.
This all-in-one rock tumbler kit has everything you need to create polished gemstones: four polishing grits, 1lb quality rough stone (tiger eye and jasper), a power cord, a screwdriver, a filter mesh bag, and an educational user manual.
Customer reviews indicate that the product is generally well-received, with some users praising its ease of use and the quality of the polished rocks it produces. However, some users have reported issues with the durability of the unique belt and the noise level of the machine. Despite these concerns, the seller appears to be responsive in addressing problems and sending replacements when necessary.
The Professional Rock Tumbler Kits for Adults and Kids is priced at $99.99 and is sold by Wyaoyang US on Amazon. Please note that shipping restrictions may apply to specific locations.
Thumler’s Tumbler Rotary Rock Tumbler
Thumler’s Tumbler Rotary Rock Tumbler, model A-r2 #115, is a new and modern rotary tumbler designed for tumbling rocks. This product is extensively used by hobbyists, laboratories, schools, and industries for various tumbling and mixing operations. It effectively polishes gems, stones, coins, brass, and other metals, revealing their hidden natural beauty.
The tumbler comes with two rubber tumbling barrels, each capable of holding up to 6 lbs of rocks. The interior of each barrel measures 4 1/4″ in diameter and 4″ deep (107 x 101 mm). The product also includes an instruction booklet titled “A Guide for Rock Polishers,” providing helpful information for beginners and experts.
The tumbler operates on 110V, 60Hz power and features a fan-cooled motor that is overload protected. Despite its robust functionality, the product has been criticized for quality control issues. These include a blurred ink pad print, a low-quality motor housing with chipped paint, and a motor fan that does not circulate much air. The motor case can get hot, reaching up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, and there have been complaints about the motor cord wiring being separated beyond the strain relief.
The product lacks rubber feet, which can result in loud vibrations and potential damage to table surfaces over time. However, it has been suggested that installing 4 stick-on rubber cone feet (20mm dia x 22.5mm height) can significantly reduce these issues. Applying a little Tri-Flow Teflon lube to the plastic sleeve bearings can make the unit quieter.
Despite these drawbacks, Thumler’s Rotary Rock Tumbler remains famous for rock tumbling enthusiasts and professionals alike. It is made in the USA, but it is currently unclear when or if this item will be back in stock on Amazon.
Tumble-Bee Rotary Rock Tumbler with Rock Grit Polish Kit
The Tumble-Bee Rotary Rock Tumbler with Rock Grit Polish Kit, Model TB-14-KIT, is a rock polishing machine designed for adults and children. It serves as tumbling equipment for stone, glass, and metal collection. The product has been praised for its durability and consistent performance, as evidenced by a user who reported that the tumbler functioned effectively for nearly a year without interruption.
However, the user also noted a few minor issues. The gasket seal in the lid had to be replaced once within the year of use. Additionally, the barrel began to slip and not rotate after several months due to the drive shaft becoming polished. This issue was resolved by roughing up the post with coarse emery cloth.
The user also cautioned against loading the tumbler to its suggested weight limit, which could cause the motor to overheat. Despite these minor setbacks, the user expressed satisfaction with the product’s quality and performance. The Tumble-Bee Rotary Rock Tumbler with Rock Grit Polish Kit can be purchased on Amazon, where it is part of a vast selection of items available for fast delivery.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbler Kit
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Rock Tumbler Kit is a comprehensive set designed for both adults and children interested in rock tumbling. The kit includes a durable 2 lb. barrel, rough stones, grit, and patented GemFoam Finishing Foam Polish. The tumbler itself is equipped with professional features such as an automatic shutoff timer, a reliable and long-lasting motor, a leak-proof barrel, and noise-reduced operation.
The kit comes with 1 lb. of rough stones containing nine different gemstones from around the world. It also includes four levels of grit, jewelry fastenings, and GemFoam to add shine to the polished stones. The tumbler allows users to set their speed and tumbling time, automatically shutting off when the set time expires.
Despite its many features, some users have noted issues with the product. For instance, the amount of rocks included is not sufficient to fill the tumbler adequately for an effective tumble. Additionally, the mix of stones varies in hardness, which can lead to softer stones being damaged by harder ones. Some users also found that the included grit was insufficient and lacked clear instructions for use.
The kit also includes GemFoam, a reusable polishing foam that adds shine to the polished rocks. Despite this, some users reported that the GemFoam did not significantly improve the shine of the stones.
Overall, while the tumbler itself is considered decent and comparatively quiet, the included accessories may require supplementation for optimal results. The product is backed by National Geographic’s commitment to high-quality educational toys and exceptional service.
WireJewelry Double Barrel Rock Tumbler Kit
The WireJewelry Double Barrel Rock Tumbler Kit is a comprehensive set designed for rock tumbling enthusiasts. The kit includes a professional-grade double barrel rotary rock tumbler, equipped with a reliable, heavy-duty motor that’s designed to operate 24/7 for years. The tumbler features two leak-proof hard rubber barrels, each with a capacity of 3 pounds, which are designed to minimize noise during operation.
The kit also comes with 3 pounds of handpicked rough gemstones from around the world. These stones are a mix of at least 20 different types, including Amethyst, Black Tourmaline, Bloodstone, Citrine, Green Aventurine, Rose Quartz, and Tiger’s Eye among others. Each stone averages in size between 1.5 to 2 inches and weighs between 20-30 grams.
In addition to the tumbler and gemstones, the kit includes two batches of premeasured grit and polish. This four-step abrasive grit and polish process includes coarse, medium, pre-polish, and final polish stages, along with plastic pellets. The grit is conveniently packaged in single-use tear packs, with the batch size based on the 3-pound capacity of the barrels.
The kit comes with an easy-to-follow step-by-step instruction booklet, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. It also offers a 2-year manufacturer warranty and a lifetime belt replacement warranty, ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term use. However, it’s important to note that the warranty becomes void if used with power sources other than 110 volts. As of now, there is no information on when or if this item will be back in stock.