What supplies do you need for rock tumbler?

Rock tumblers, instructions, supplies, everything you need for rock tumbling!

  • Beginner’s Rock Tumbler. Thumler’s MP-1 Kit: Our best-selling tumbler because it is inexpensive and quiet.
  • Tumbled Stones.
  • Rock Tumbling Library.
  • Rock Tumblers.
  • Vibratory Tumblers.
  • Rock Tumbler Parts.

What kind of rocks do you put in a rock tumbler?

The best rocks for tumbling are hard, dense, smooth rocks such as quartz, agate, jasper, tiger’s eye, and aventurine. Other popular tumbling rocks include obsidian, hematite, petrified wood, feldspars, dalmatian stone, and moonstone.

How much grit do I put in my rock tumbler?

When tumbling you will place enough rocks in the barrel to make it about 1/2 to 2/3 full. Then, add about two level tablespoons of grit for each pound of rock.

Why are my tumbled rocks not shiny?

A lack of thorough cleaning is undoubtedly the biggest culprit when it comes to poor rock tumbling results. It can be very tempting to just rinse off the entire batch and the inside of the tumbling barrel and call it good, but that is almost never enough when it comes to cleaning between steps.

Can you just polish rocks in a tumbler?

Place your clean rocks in the tumbler and fill the barrel to about 2/3 full of stones. Add 24 oz. of the coarse grind (60/90) and then add enough water to just cover the stones. Run the tumbler with this mixture for at least 7 days, 24 hours a day, or until the rocks are smooth.

What can I use instead of grit in a rock tumbler?

Silica sand. This can work as a substitute grit. The process will take a couple weeks longer than commercial rock tumbling grit. Silica sand can be found at your local sandblasting company.

Why are my rocks not shiny after tumbling?

Can I put regular rocks in a rock tumbler?

Every rockhound should have a good idea of the Moh’s scale. It’s important for most aspects of the hobby. Soft stones don’t do well in rock tumblers, while rocks that are too hard also do not do well in tumblers. If you combine hard rocks with soft rocks, the harder rocks will scratch and etch the softer stones.

Can I reuse grit from a rock tumbler?

Because grit gradually breaks down as you’re tumbling, you cannot reuse it. However, the slurry that your tumbler creates can be used from the previous stage to help the grinding action. For the polish stage, you do not want any slurry or grit in the barrel from your prior stage.

How do you get super shiny rocks?

The quickest solution to this is to give them a good coat of shellac or polyurethane that makes them appear to be polished. The more permanent solution is to tumble them yourself to get that glorious shine! Rock tumbling can be a very fun hobby. Many folks have tried it, and almost as many have quit.

How do you make rocks look wet permanently?

Spray silicone coatings penetrate rocks to produce a shiny, wet look. However, a silicone spray finish may dull over time. A more permanent shine may be attained with a polycrylic or polyurethane coating.