The Best Rock Tumblers
Fascinated with rocks? Love geology? Have infinite patience for discovering beauty in otherwise unsightly, drab surfaces? The joy of a rock tumbler might require time and a hefty dose of patience, but you'll be rewarded with the potential of discovering what takes nature thousands of years to complete. For hobby rock tumblers and jewelry makers alike, it's important to use a rock tumbler that's durable, quiet, and properly manufactured. After all, if you're waiting a solid month to discover your newly polished gems, you don't want to learn that your time was wasted by a subpar rock tumbler. The rock tumblers listed below are all excellent choices, whether you're just starting out or have a bit of experience.
National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit – Extra Large Capacity
Everything you need
Finally, a rock tumbler that has a larger capacity. Most durable tumblers have only a 1-pound capacity…a drag if you want to create custom jewelry pieces in bulk or want to polish a bit more at a time. And beyond the jumbo size, this pick features all the best features that we look for in a rock tumbler. Truly, this kit is an excellent investment in your rock tumbling hobby. The leak-proof barrel and stainless-steel lid make for quieter tumbling overall, which is a highly beneficial pro as any seasoned tumbler will tell you.
Pros:
- All-in-One Kit includes three pounds of rough rocks with nine different gemstones, jewelry fastenings, grit, strainer, and the innovative technology behind the GemFoam rock polisher.
- Easy-to-Use display for optimal functionality.
Cons:
- If you’re new to rock tumbling, this is an excellent option. It is a bit on the pricier side of things, but worth it to those that want bulk and precision.
National Geographic Starter Rock Tumbler Kit
The perfect starter
If you’ve always wanted to try polishing drab stones to reveal what’s hidden underneath, this National Geographic kit is your best bet. Included in this heavy-duty kit is all you’re going to need to begin learning how to tumble rocks. In fact, if you’re a true newbie, there’s even a full-color 8-page learning guide that’ll help you learn how to pick the proper stones and how to use the tumbler. There’s even a jewelry kit for creating one-of-a-kind jewelry with your newfound gems…a neat perk to this quality set.
Pros:
- Appropriate for all skill levels.
- The silicon lining of this tumbler means you don’t have to worry about any leaks.
Cons:
- Tumbler is a bit on the louder side and has a fairly substantial vibration. You’ll want to keep this tumbler out of sight…but not out of mind, as tumbling requires some supervision.
Dan&Darci Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit
Serious business
With a low-noise barrel, this professional-grade rock tumbling kit rises above the rest. With advanced speed controls, a built-in timer, and LCDs, this rock tumbling kit has all the bells and whistles that the higher-level tumblers require. Better yet, it features a heavy-duty motor that’s built to last a long time. And although the barrel capacity is only about a pound, you’ll be thrilled with the results.
Pros:
- Kit includes 4 grit packets, 1/2 lb of assorted rocks, strainer, jewelry fasteners, a storage bag, and an instructional guide.
- The leak-resistant barrel is far quieter than comparable rock tumblers.
Cons:
- The small, 1 pound capacity of this tumbler is a bit of a bummer.
Classic Crafts NSI Rock Tumbler Classic
Rock their world
Appropriate for all skill levels, this classic rock tumbler is an ideal gift set for newbies, rock tumbling pros, and every level in between. This kit comes as a complete set–literally everything you need to start and finish a successful tumble. That’s a serious positive, as a rock tumbling session typically takes about a solid month to complete.
If this kit is indeed given as a gift, you’ll need to make sure an adult helps out with this entire process. First, this kit does not come assembled, so you’ll have to put everything together and properly lubricate the tumbler. Once set up, however, this tumbler works seamlessly to roll gritty stones into gorgeous shiny, polished rocks.
Pros:
- The kit comes with a small bag of gritty stones for polishing.
- A fantastic gift for a budding geologist.
Cons:
- This rock tumbler is pretty loud during its operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best kinds of rocks to use in a rock tumbler?
Think any ol’ rock will transform into a gorgeous gem upon being tumbled? Think again. Not every rock will work well in a rock tumbler. The best rocks to use are very hard rocks, as soft rocks are difficult to properly polish in a tumbler. On the Mohs Hardness Scale, we’re looking at between a 6 to an 8 on the hardness scale for appropriate rocks. Other factors to look out for: you don’t want splintered or fractured rocks, but rather a smooth, non-porous surface.
If you’re unsure, typically rock tumblers come with a set of instructions. Grab yourself a rock identifying book, and follow the instructions for tumbling accordingly.
How do you properly care for a rock tumbler?
The proper care of your rock tumbler keeps it in prime shape. After each use, you’ll want to thoroughly clean the barrel. Otherwise, course grit can build up and cause scratching that’ll ruin the polish of your newfound gem. The best way to clean a barrel? A hard bristle toothbrush. With proper barrel care and selection of rocks, you should be tumbling and polishing without an issue.
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