Advice for purchasing a tumbler

beauxartz · #1 2012-05-14, 9:23am

I have asked for a tumbler for my birthday. I was wondering what type of tumbler I should get. I would be using it to etch glass beads. Also, what type of medium works best for this purpose? Any help would be appreciated.

mnoelker · #2 2012-05-14, 3:15pm

Harbor freight sells one that I have had for 5 years and it works well and it was inexpensive. You'll need some silicon carbide grit to etch your beads.

mnoelker · #3 2012-05-14, 3:17pm

Here's some good info...

http://lampworketc.com/forums/showth...t=tumbler+etch

Alaska · #4 2012-05-14, 5:09pm

Have used the Ultra Vibe 10 Industrial 10 lb Capacity Vibratory Rock Tumbler. It is a bit of an overkill for small quantities of boro beads. Takes about 2 hours, give or take, for a nice faux sea glass surface.

The Ultra Vibe 3 - 2 1/2 lb Capacity Vibratory Rock Tumbler could also be a good choice for smaller quantities. But have not used this model.

http://www.therockshed.com/tumbler3.html

fionac · #5 2012-05-14, 5:34pm

I've been using a Lortone for the past 5 years. For etching I use 800# carbide grit for a sea glass finish on transperant glass and 80# grit on opaques for a stone like finish, I use ceramic media in the barrel as well to get the weight up.
It's worth getting a spare barrel and some stainless steel shot so you can do all your silver hardening and burnishing as well.

glvz · #6 2012-05-14, 10:06pm

If you purchase the harbor Freight tumbler be sure to get an extra belt or two. My HF tumbler works well but the belts do seem to go rather quickly.

Georgia

beauxartz · #7 2012-05-15, 10:39am

Hi Mary, thanks for the Harbor Freight info and the link to the thread.
Georgia, I'll make sure to order extra belts if I go with that model.

Alaska, I appreciate the link to the rock shed. I'll do some looking around on their site.
Fionac, you anticipated my question about tumbling metals. It sounds like an extra barrel could really come in handy.
Thanks to all of you for your help. Nice to know you can so easily access the help of so many knowledgable folks.

blong2001 · #8 2012-05-17, 2:24pm

I have 2 of the Harbor Freights ones. One single and one double barrel. I have had them at least 6 years. I buy the belts on Ebay for a little of nothing.
Good luck!

beauxartz · #9 2012-05-18, 6:34am

Thanks, Bethany. I love Harbor Freight. I've passed on all the particulars to DH. Can't wait to try out my new tumber.

FosterFire · #10 2012-05-18, 10:46am

I love my Thumler's Tumbler. Solid, dependable, lasts forever.

beauxartz · #11 2012-05-21, 6:29am

Thanks, Robin. Which model do you have?