But, it is a great tool. I got it for my girlfriend for Christmas. It caught me off guard when she said she wanted one, but I figured what the heck, why not. Now, almost 3 months after Christmas I'm finally writing a review. Why the delay? Because it takes a long time to finish the job.
Her first batch was with a bunch of various rocks we bought from another vendor. They looked just like a bunch of rocks, nothing fancy at all. Well, after about a week in the course grit, you could see these rock were going to look really nice. In time. All in all, the rocks went through various levels of grit, and finally polish, and came out with some very nice looking polished stones. The next step is to make some jewelry with some of the nicer ones. It's hard to believe the difference in what a plain looking rock looks like after several weeks of being ground down, smoothed and then polished.
Before her first batch was done, I decided I wanted to try some, too (a good reason to buy the two barrel model). I bought a couple pounds of Apache Tears. Well, after almost seven weeks, I took them out this past weekend. I found out after I started them, that Apache Tears are not easy to smooth and polish, but I'd already started them by then, so I was going to see it through. Wow, did they turn out great!
I do wish some of the instructions had been a bit clearer though. You need to oil the unit, but the instructions left me, at least, not sure exactly where and how to do so. Be careful when you oil it not to get any oil on the drums or rollers. The lids are a bit of a bear to get on and off until you figure it out, and perhaps there could have been better directions on those as well.
If you are going to get one of these, and you plan on doing two batches of rocks at a time, I would suggest you buy another drum, so you have at least three. Keep one for nothing but the polish stage, so you don't run the risk of contamination of the polish with some of the grit. A very thorough cleaning may alleviate that problem, but with the time it takes to complete a batch, the cost of a new barrel is negligible to ensure no problems. I actually bought two more barrels and use a different barrel for each stage. Mark them with a silver permanent marker (lids too) and you're good to go.
(Remember, too, this set is not a kit. You will need to buy the grit and polish separate.)
Although young kids will enjoy this, I still don't consider it a toy.
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This is my first experience with a tumbler. The directions said to start with agates, (I didn't know what they were, so we went to a rock shop & bought some.) The tumbler works great, was made in the USA, and my 9 year old grandson is having a good time checking the progress every week. And so am I! It is incredible how beautiful the rocks are! This is more of a hobby tool than a toy, and I hope it will be something he will enjoy when he is older, too.Best Deals for Model A-R2 Kit Rock Tumbler
This is my second Thumler's tumbler. The other is the 15lb model. They are both great products. The Model A-R2 is probably the best rotary tumbler for most people that will buy only one tumbler. The barrels are inexpensive, which allows you to have separate barrels for each polishing step or you can stick with the two that come with it and dedicate one to the polish stage to help avoid contamination of the polish stage with courser grits from earlier stages. The three pound barrels of the A-R2 probably make the most sense for small hobby use because they do not require as much rough rock (the 15lb model needs around 6-7lbs of rough) to fill the barrel to the correct level.Honest reviews on Model A-R2 Kit Rock Tumbler
I see several references to the utter lack of clear instructions on the oiling...My problem exactly, except that I have not been able to get a reply from the manufacturer!! A couple of people seem to have solved the problem but the postings have still not shed light on HOW to do it. I have also been unable to find the oil.
I want to use this thing Not return it but there lack of good instructions or failure to respond leaves me disgusted.
REVISE Finally got a tel number ( 800 225 1017) and very helpful lady.
Drop oil into the half moon shaped openings on top of the motor housing. Do not open anything just put in a drop or 2. Can use sewing machine oil or 3 in 1 oil. It is working YEA
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