Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[AchingBack]

I have seen the tumbler in action and read the instructions. It takes a lot of effort for miniscule results. Basically, you will use it one time and it will then sit forever in a state of suspended animation until you or your wife donate it to the thrift store.

It takes quite a while to find enough of the right rocks to fill a tumbler, unless you have a special source. I bought mine at a thrift store, 30 years ago, and I used it one time.

 

[sixdogs]

It takes quite a while to find enough of the right rocks to fill a tumbler, unless you have a special source. I bought mine at a thrift store, 30 years ago, and I used it one time.

Still got it or already donated to the thrift store?

 

[AchingBack]

Still got it or already donated to the thrift store?

I still have it, although it is a bit different than current models; it still works quite well. I used it to clean some small bearings.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

The source of rocks is not a problem. My kids are constantly bringing home "special" rocks that they have found on various outings. Thank you to all for the cautions about delayed gratification. I'm considering the tumbler since so many of the brainless toys we have given in the past are lying unused in the bottom of closets and on shelves. The delayed gratification may be a good thing.

 

[downsizingnow48]

bought the bearing separator set today. used it to pull the head stock and table off a rusted old drill press column. worked great.

 

[jinman]

Any feedback on the rock tumblers?

Item 67632 Dual Drum Rotary Rock Tumbler
Item 67631 Rock Tumbler, 3 Lb. - Save on this Rotary Rock Tumbler

I'm thinking of getting one or the other for my kids for Christmas. Do the tumblers come with a grit starter pack?

There are a lot good reviews of the rock tumbler (single) and many people are happy with the performance. Mine rapidly broke the first 0-ring type belt and then proceeded to break the 2nd one too. The reviews say the alignment between the pulleys is critical. I also think you would be wise to keep plenty of spare belts and the pulleys on hand. I ended up using large rubber bands to finish my polishing cycle, changing the rubber bands daily because they wouldn't last any longer. I love the results as far as rocks go. Read the instructions well and follow them. Grits are readily available on eBay, but the first grits are fine for a beginning. Don't be afraid to exceed the times for tumbling. If it says 10 days, go 12 days or 2 weeks. As bcp mentioned, this hobby will teach your kids patience. The results are worth it. You can turn average rocks into really beautiful gems. Mine is a cautious thumbs-up. Setting up and aligning the polisher is critical.

 

[daugen]

I wonder how someone figured out the optimum rotation speed for a tumbler.
Could you make it go faster?

Gee Dad, this is, like, nice, but two weeks?
I'll be, like, so old by then...

 

[sixdogs]

Since I have tried the rock tumbler, used it once and was flustered at every turn, I think I found a solution.

I was at the local Thrift Store this morning and there was a bag full of nicely polished stones. Maybe 25 or 30 of them and the price was a steal for 35 cents. That's my first choice for any future time when I feel the desire to have small polished rocks.

 

[daugen]

c'mon SixDogs, it's the journey not the destination...
round and round and round and round and round and round....

 

[Midniteoyl]

Since I have tried the rock tumbler, used it once and was flustered at every turn, I think I found a solution.

I was at the local Thrift Store this morning and there was a bag full of nicely polished stones. Maybe 25 or 30 of them and the price was a steal for 35 cents. That's my first choice for any future time when I feel the desire to have small polished rocks.

Let the kids put the rock in the tumbler, then while sleeping, exchange them for the polished ones