The author of this site makes no warranties, express or implied, and assumes no responsibility for the use of the materials presented here. Any use of these materials is strictly at the risk of the user.
Tumbling Instructions
(Article ID: 000919)
Tumbling Instructions for Thumler's Tumbler
NOTE: These are taken directly from the instruction sheet that came with the unit.
Tumbling is the simplest way to polish agates and other gem stones. The rocks you use should be sorted by hardness and roughness. Your rocks may vary in size to include a few up to 1-1/2" in diameter for the quart-size barrels to up to 2" in diameter for the 6 lb. or 12 lb. barrels.
Agates and other hard stone should not be tumbled with soft materials such as Opal. Tiger Eye, etc. If you are planning to tumble beach-work rocks, don't complicate the process by mixing them with hammer-broken rocks.
When selecting rocks to tumble, remember, the finished product is determined by the quality of the rocks with which you start.
Your tumbler should be placed on a firm, level surface with a protective tray or pan under it, and ample clearance around it. Place your tumbler where it will not be in the way; because tumbling takes several weeks of continuous operation and there is a constant sound of rolling rocks.
Step 1
Fill barrel 1/2 to 5/8 full of stones. Pour in package marked coarse. Add water even with top of stones. Run tumbler with this mixture for at least 7 days, 24 hours a day, or until smooth. Wash stones and barrel well. (Kitchen colander is ideal for washing stones, but do not wash into sink drain.)
Step 2
Place stones back into barrel. Pour in package marked fine. Add water even with top of stones. Run tumbler with this mixture for approximately 7 days, 24 hours a day, or until rocks are shiny when wet. Wash stones and barrel well.
Step 3
Place stones back into barrel. Pour in package marked prepolish. Add water even with top of stones. Run tumbler with this mixture for approximately 3 days, 24 hours a day, or until rocks show luster when dry. Wash stones and barrel well.
Step 4
Place stones back into barrel. Put in package marked polish. Add water even with top of stones. Run tumbler with this mixture for approximately 7 days, 24 hours a day, or until rocks shine when dry. Wash stones and barrel well.
Step 5
Places stones back into barrel. Add enough powdered detergent to make stiff suds. Add water even with top of stones. Sawdust or other filler may be added also to cushion rocks during this clean-up stage. Run tumbler with this mixture overnight. Wash stones and barrel well.
Spread out rocks on dry surface, and inspect your finished gemstones!
Note: Check tumbler during the first few hours of operation to be sure everything is working properly. Tumblers with metal cans should have edge of lid lifted slightly each day to relieve any build-up of gas pressure.
Amount of Grit to Use:
R3 Barrel or Quart Can -- 1 small pack
R6 Barrel (9 lb.) -- 2 small packs
R12 or B Barrel (12 lb.) -- 1 large pack
GRIT PACK SIZES
SMALL PACKS:
Coarse & Fine - 4 oz. ea.
Prepolish & Polish - 2 oz. ea.
LARGE PACKS:
Coarse & Fine - 1 lb. ea.
Prepolish & Polish - 1/2 lb. ea.
FOR BEST RESULTS USE THUMLER'S GRIT
Care and Maintenance of Tumbler
- Before operation, be sure white nylon bearings are in place, cradled in end plates of base with anti-rotation dog in groove of nylon bearing in UP position. Do not use petroleum-based products in rubber barrels.
- Be sure both shafts turn freely. A binding shaft may throw barrel off rollers.
- Oil motor bearings when beginning operation and once each month after that. Use oil sparingly. (Unnecessary on Mod. T Series)
- Do not spill abrasives on bearings or motor. Replace barrel lids if they wear thin in the center.
- Motor is designed to run hot to touch.
- Do not use pliers or wrench to tighten wing nuts on the Model B barrel or warranty is void.
- All tumblers (except the Model T series) are protected by thermal overload device. If motor overheats, unit automatically shuts off. When this happens, check for bound bearing or overweight; wait for motor to cool and it will restart by itself. Model T series tumblers are impedance protected.
- To assure long belt life, make certain that motor and drive pulleys are in line. Necessary adjustments can be made by adjusting the set screw on the motor pulley. (Except Mod. T Series)
If your dealer cannot supply you with necessary abrasives and accessories, write to factory.
CAUTION, ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PRODUCT. Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
As with all electric products, precautions should be observed during handling and use to prevent electric shock.
The author of this site makes no warranties, express or implied, and assumes no responsibility for the use of the materials presented here. Any use of these materials is strictly at the risk of the user.
