HOW DO I CHOOSE WHAT SIZE TUMBLER TO PURCHASE?

It depends on the size of the product you wish to tumble. Please find below the models & size guide.
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3A Model: 20mm x 30mm max rock size.
33B Model: 20mm x 30mm max rock size.
45C Model: 20mm x 40mm max rock size.
QT66 Model: 25mm x 45mm max rock size.
​QT12 Model: 30mm x 70mm max rock size.

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I WANT TO TUMBLE RIVER OR BEACH PEBBLES, WHAT MEDIA DO I NEED?

Silicon Carbide grain - 80/100grit, 220 grit, and either 400 or 600grit.
Polishing Compounds - I recommend our 1 step Tumble Polish, used with plastic pellets.

 

I WANT TO TUMBLE BROKEN ROCK PIECES.

Use the same method as for river or beach pebbles; you may need to
​prolong the 80/100grit process by a couple of days.

 

HOW DO I GET A HIGH POLISH ON MY STONES?

You can use Tin Oxide - this is expensive, however for good quality Greenstone
​it makes a brilliant difference.

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CAN I TUMBLE GLASS OR SHELL?

Yes, you can, however other tumbling media and methods are involved. Please phone us on (07) 3488996 for correct method.

 

IF I TUMBLE STONES, CAN I USE THE SAME BARREL FOR TUMBLING METAL FINDINGS OR COMPONENTS?

No, it is strongly not recommended because of contamination from Silicon Carbide
with the media used for polishing metal products.

 

DO I NEED A SEPARATE BARREL FOR SILICON CARBIDE AND POLISHING COMPOUNDS?

If you thoroughly clean your barrel between each step of tumbling you should be OK to
use the same barrel; however after some time it is a good idea to purchase a separate barrel
​as the rubber does become impregnated with the Silicon Carbide.

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WHY DO SOME OF MY STONES NOT POLISH UP?

Some stones are very porous and will never polish up. I recommend you refer to the
"Mohs' scale of hardness" in the Lortone manual.

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SOME OF MY STONES APPEAR TO BE STILL ROUGH AFTER THE FIRST TUMBLE AND OTHERS ARE SMOOTHER.

Separate out the smother stones ready for the next process and give the rougher ones
more time in the first process.

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CAN I RE-USE SILICON CARBIDE GRAIN?

I don't recommend it as it contains pieces of chipped off rock etc off the stones which 
will damage rather than grind the stones.

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CAN I USE A VIBRATORY TUMBLER FOR POLISHING MY STONES?

This is ideal when you have profile shaped stones, it retains the shape. You must use
​the correct media for the stone type.

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DO I NEED TO USE PLASTIC FILLERS WHEN TUMBLING?

It is best used with our 1 step Tumble Polish. You can also use it when you don't have a full barrel when using silicon carbide grit. Always have separate Plastic Pellets for the Silicon Carbide process and the Polishing
to prevent contamination of the Tumble Polish and having unsuccessful polishing. If tumbling
Jade or Greenstone, Moonstone or Calcite (as the stones are easily damaged) use felt 
squares as a filler - again keep separate for the Silicon Carbide and Polishing process.

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MY TUMBLERS RUNNING WARM IS THIS COMMON?

The Lortone Tumblers will run warm.

 - It's important that the Tumbler is plugged straight into the power source, not through an extension cord or multi plug.

 - Ensure the barrel is not over loaded.

 - Make sure it's on a level surface.

 - Make sure the room or garage the Tumblers being used in doesn't get to warm over summer.

If you are concerned about the warmth give us a call.

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