Has anyone used a rock tumbler?

[Alessandra]

I'm looking for a b'day present for a kid who loves geology. I was wondering about this Lortone tumbler

 

http://www.hometrainingtools.com/deluxe-rock-tumbler-kit/p/RM-TUMBKIT/

 

I'm completely unfamiliar with these -- do you think it would be nice for a 10 yr old who loves mechanical things, as well as rocks?

[Starr]

Yes, I think he will love it. They are fun and not difficult to operate once you get the order of all the "grit" worked out. Ds says you can reuse the grit a couple of times if you strain out the water. Enjoy.

[Melissa B]

I did some research a few months ago as my dd10 asked for a rock tumbler for her birthday. I narrowed my choices down to two - the one you have linked and the one linked below.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Model-T-Kit-Rock-Tumbler/dp/B000066CMM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1273501189&sr=8-4

 

 

I decided to go with the Model T (simply because of the price and the fact that I have never had any issue ordering from Amazon - including purchases from dealers using Amazon as a store front.)

 

We have been very happy with it so far. But the one you linked is often recommended as well. :)

[Tutor]

Our kids loved it, too! I'm sure your son would, too. It is LOUD though (at least ours was). The silver lining to our chest freezer breaking was that we could put the rock tumbler in there, and it would muffle the sound. Definitely put it in a garage, basement or shed... or in ds's closet under a quilt. :)

[FaithManor]

One word of advice, its noisy. We have one and I make DH keep it in the basement. He used to keep it upstairs and I could hear the thing tumbling all night long. So, you will want to find somewhere to keep it that is away from the bedrooms or study areas when it is running.

 

Faith

[Gooblink]

We have an el-cheapo brand and had some fun with it. I think your child will love the one you've picked!

[Perry]

I'm looking for a b'day present for a kid who loves geology. I was wondering about this Lortone tumbler

 

http://www.hometrainingtools.com/deluxe-rock-tumbler-kit/p/RM-TUMBKIT/

 

I'm completely unfamiliar with these -- do you think it would be nice for a 10 yr old who loves mechanical things, as well as rocks?

 

That's the one we have. It will be a great gift.

[seibert4kids]

Can someone share what ages this works best for? My daughter is just 6 and LOVES to collect rocks. I've thought about something like this as a gift for her, but just don't know if she is too young to really enjoy it (and use it by herself!)

Thanks!

[Desert Rat]

Rock tumblers are fun but we kept ours in the garage because of the noise. Just a head's up.

[Alessandra]

Thanks for all the replies -- I'll keep checking the thread too in case there are more.

 

perry - I am glad to hear that you have the one I was looking at & that you like it!

 

melissa -- the one you recommended has more positive reviews than the first one I saw... and I have Amazon prime. I'll call Home Science Tools and ask why they feature the Lortone.

 

Thanks again!

[gaillardia]

Looks like you know about how LOUD it is, all night long, back porch, garage, we could still hear it. And it was supposed to run for a long time, two weeks? Well worth the annoyance if you like rocks.:tongue_smilie: