Thanks for the great video. We just purchased this tumbler. We are addicts of Rob Abram's Michigan Rocks videos. However, he uses a Lotto tumbler and we weren't sure if the process is the same. Turns out, you do things exactly the same. We really appreciate the step by step video. Really good job.
Thanks for this! I just got one to use for finishing stages and have noticed that there seems to be one area of the bowl where rocks/media like to gather - they don't move in the up and down motion, just move through left to right. I noticed in your video the rocks and media all move the same motion across all parts of the bowl. I tried it with JUST ceramic media in the bowl to see how the action would go and it's the same result. Anyone else ever encounter a "Dead spot" like this? Is it something to do with the springs out of balance maybe?
Thanks for this comprehensive video. I've been following some procedures from a book (not the manual) and my results are less than satisfactory. I was probably using too much water. You add water method seems both logical and effective. Also the run times from the book are less than half what you use. The book times may be too short, IMO. It's nice of you to share a video for this product and to know that good results are possible. Thanks, again.
Great video. Currently only have a rotary tumbler and am still in the 120/220 stage after 2 weeks. I can definitely see how the vibratory tumbler speeds up the process!
Nice video. Thanks for posting! I did just order this exact Raytech Polishing Kit from Amazon for $154. I'd prefer a Lot-O, but they seem to be continuously out of stock!
GREAT VIDEO! VERY EASY TO LISTEN TO BECAUSE OF YOUR CALM AND VERY UNDERSTANDABLE VOICE. I LOVE THE RESULTS THIS MACHINE HAS GIVEN TO ME. HOWEVER TIGHTENING THE LID HAS BEEN AN ISSUE. I CAN SEE THAT THE TIPS OF USING FOAM SEALER ON THE LID AND THE RUBBER GASKET ARE GREAT TIPS. WHAT ARE THE DIMENTIONS OF THE FOAM SEALER THAT YOU USED AROUND THE LID? WOULD 1/2'' WIDE BY 1/8'' THICK WORK? ALSO WHAT ARE THE DIMENTIONS (HOW THICK AND HOW WIDE) OF THE RUBBER GASKET YOU USED UNDER THE RUBBER NUT? THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR A RESPONSE TO THESE QUESTIONS.
That size foam should work great! Even if its a little too big it wouldn't be a big deal at all. I don't remember on the washer but I just took the bowl in with me and matched it at the hardware store. Rubber gasket is still working perfect and after 6 months I need to do a new lid seal but that's not a big deal at all
The stock rubber nuts have worked loose a couple of times even after I tightened them with pliers. A big mess to clean up. I went to the hardware store and got some neoprene washers and a couple of coupling nuts. I'm adding some metal and lock washers. I'll be using a wrench to tighten everything from now on. It will be a little tricky to keep from damaging the bowl.. I'm mainly using my Highland Park 4.5lb rotary tumbler and I've ordered a mini-sonic since I mostly do small loads. I also cut 1.5" off the center rod.
I have had it happen twice too but both times it was obvious I hadn't tightened enough. I don't use pliers and it didn't make a mess but the slurry dried completely and I had to redo stage two to get it all off the rocks. Now I am extra careful to get the washers tight
I had this problem initially - make sure the center bolt it tight in the base of the tumbler. I also use a rubber washer below the bowl nut and hand tighten until it just begins to bulge.
Good videos, thank you. Deciding which to buy to get started. On the Tumble Vibe would it help to put a lock washer between the rubber gasket and nut? Is your Tumble Vibe a 0.5 cu ft model?
Hello! Just got one of these tumblers to try and get in to tumbling my own rocks! What do I do if I don't have a rotary tumbler to do "stage 1" (which I am not even sure what that is)? Can I do "stage 1" in my tumble vibe?
I honestly have never tried it myself but you can absolutely do stage one in a vibratory tumbler. You will get more natural looking results because they don't round the rocks. It basically will cut off the sharp edges and then move to stage two.
It seems like you don't weigh your rocks before polishing. For the RTVibe10 the limit is listed at 8 pounds. I always worry about "overloading" the machine. Have you found that weight is not all that critical?
I have never one time weighed any and have never had an issue. Im more worried about the machine being properly loaded to polish well than the weight. I think it would be pretty hard to get a true 8 pounds in there though
You wash that down your sink? Doesn't the slurry dry like concrete in the drain pipes? I have always been told never wash it down the sink, but I use a tumbler. I haven't tried my new big vibe.
@@terricoffey6295 you are correct not to put it down your drain. This is just a shop sink with a 5 gallon bucket underneath that I then empty out into the yard later
@@RockOnUtah Does the Borax kill the plants around where you empty the bucket? Borax is bad for both plants and animals, so I am a bit concerned about using it. Would Ivory soap shavings accomplish the same result?
@@michaelc6817 I have never had that issue but I pour it in places where I don't want weeds to grow but I put enough out that it basically turns to concrete
I enjoy your videos , I have the same tumbler. Question, I get what I think is the polish grit in the fracture of some of my finished rocks I do burnish and use a brush but i seem to still get it , do you have any suggestions? Thanks
The absolute best would be a textile gun but its slow and tedious. I also use the sonic cleaner on hard rocks that gets most of it. Some people run the tumbler with borax and water but I don't get great results with that method. I usually learn to just live with a little bit of it.
I Just got one of these and got it up and running!! However, mine goes great till i put the top on and then it seems to not move as good in the circular motion as well as with top off. Can one leave top off or what would i need to do differently?
@@craftingandcookingwithcraf6067 hmm I have never had that problem. Are you sure the rocks are really slowing down much or is just because it gets quieter? It does really slow down as the slurry thickens which is why you add water but it doesn’t need to be moving really fast to be working
mine does the same thing. kinda seems like the lid dampens the vibration. I usually tighten the lid pretty tight to minimize evaporation - I may try leaving it a little looser and see if that helps
I have never had any issues with high heat but I would definitely not go from high heat and immediately spray them with cold water. As long as you let them cool naturally I don't see an issue although I have heard to not use heat on feldspar
Great video and the rocks turned out beautiful! My one concern is that it seems like you rinsed the grits down your sink drain, which would be a huge issue and would clog up the drains!
You absolutely could. I have just never found it necessary. It’s just quicker to do it by hand then to heat the sonic cleaner up every two days lol. I have only found it to be a must going in to polish. After 2 days of being used 220 grit is really not much different than 500 and I haven’t seen a problem with cross contamination
How long have you been using this vibe? I was told that the raytech wasnt for rocks, i am curious and maybe a little concerned that i wasnt given good advice, lol
They have a model that has a drain hole in the bowl. That one is not for rocks. The model I have is for rocks and has been running flawlessly for a year
Every batch is different. As long as the rocks are moving then you are good. I'm currently working on a rock that's been very hard to keep moist enough. Its literally taking 2-3 times the water I normally add. Each rock is just unique
Enjoyed your video. But please do not put that water down your sink. It is like cement, when it settles. It will plug your drain pipes! I fertilize my plant beds with it.
that’s a really good idea, i’ve never thought about using it for fertilizer!! but i’m pretty sure this is a garage/outdoor sink so it doesn’t have the same plumbing and is just dumped outside
@@rennie5693…. i’ve used it on my weeds and it killed my weeds instantly.. I can’t imagine using it for fertilizer. But hey, if it works for you, that’s great.
I couldn't disagree more. I get great results with mine and have for a long time. I rarely have issues with them and if I do they send out a new one. Most of the issues you hear are people regurgitating something they heard online or watched on a UA-cam video. Or they don't know what they are doing and what to do/not do with a fast tumbler. Its the cool thing in this hobby to hate on them but I personally find it lame. (especially in the current situation where its hard to get parts for most machines these days) No reason to cut down a company who is supporting the industry when everyones little darling (looking at you Lortone) sold out and you can't get diddly for them.
@@RockOnUtah Thats why you build your own. My nat geo died within a month. Yes they have good customer service but theyll only replace them for a limited time, then youre out of luck. It makes much more sense to build one that will last a lifetime
@@jacknife10000 3 year warranty is pretty reasonable IMO but you're right something more heavy duty is always going to be better but the vast majority aren't interested enough in the hobby to put in that kind of effort haha
@@RockOnUtah Highland Park makes one that will last a lifetime for not much more. My only real drawback with the nat geo other than short life span is that it spins more than twice the optimum speed on the lowest setting which is fine for mohs 6+ but not much else
@@jacknife10000 This is by far the biggest gripe people have. I think the newest models have fixed that issue but I like the fast speed because it gets my first stage done quicker. I have a video about an easy way to slow them down for people who want the slower speeds of other models.
Oh and by the way loved your video it was so helpful.
Thanks for the great video. We just purchased this tumbler. We are addicts of Rob Abram's Michigan Rocks videos. However, he uses a Lotto tumbler and we weren't sure if the process is the same. Turns out, you do things exactly the same. We really appreciate the step by step video. Really good job.
Plus, you can't even buy a lot-0 tumbler nowadays. Crazy!
@@kenstrid3506 thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed!
@@daveninjaneuro7089 this is becoming true of many popular tumbler brands lately. It’s sad
To keep my rocks from drying out I put a piece of plastic wrap over top of the bowl lid and hold it to the bowl just below the lid with a rubber band.
Thanks for this! I just got one to use for finishing stages and have noticed that there seems to be one area of the bowl where rocks/media like to gather - they don't move in the up and down motion, just move through left to right. I noticed in your video the rocks and media all move the same motion across all parts of the bowl. I tried it with JUST ceramic media in the bowl to see how the action would go and it's the same result. Anyone else ever encounter a "Dead spot" like this? Is it something to do with the springs out of balance maybe?
Thank you for the video. It pushed me over the edge and I just purchased the TV-10.
Thanks for this comprehensive video. I've been following some procedures from a book (not the manual) and my results are less than satisfactory. I was probably using too much water. You add water method seems both logical and effective. Also the run times from the book are less than half what you use. The book times may be too short, IMO. It's nice of you to share a video for this product and to know that good results are possible. Thanks, again.
Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you learned something. Its really been a great machine for me
Very nice. I do the same as you except I use large HARBOR FREIGHT vibrator.
just got this tumbler for myself for my birthday :) thanks for the tutorial
@@rennie5693 good luck! Always love the results with mine
Have same tumbler but have noticed that we get better movement with the lid off. Bowl is nice and tight. Any ideas because this is driving me nuts.
Great video. Currently only have a rotary tumbler and am still in the 120/220 stage after 2 weeks. I can definitely see how the vibratory tumbler speeds up the process!
It's really not necessary to own one at all but its great for impatient people like me
Fantastic video 👍
The jasper with the red vain’s is gorgeous!
All are beautiful ✌️🫶😃
Thank you! I'm partial to all of them. haha
I thought you weren’t suppose to put slurry down the drain
Thanks for the great video
I don't. This is just a shop sink with a 5 gallon bucket that I catch it in and then pour in the yard
Nice how to. Thanks for sharing.
@@christopherharrylang7424 thanks! Glad it helped
Nice video. Thanks for posting! I did just order this exact Raytech Polishing Kit from Amazon for $154. I'd prefer a Lot-O, but they seem to be continuously out of stock!
I'm still happy with mine and still going strong. My biggest advice is just to make sure the rubber washer is tight!
GREAT VIDEO! VERY EASY TO LISTEN TO BECAUSE OF YOUR CALM AND VERY UNDERSTANDABLE VOICE. I LOVE THE RESULTS THIS MACHINE HAS GIVEN TO ME. HOWEVER TIGHTENING THE LID HAS BEEN AN ISSUE. I CAN SEE THAT THE TIPS OF USING FOAM SEALER ON THE LID AND THE RUBBER GASKET ARE GREAT TIPS. WHAT ARE THE DIMENTIONS OF THE FOAM SEALER THAT YOU USED AROUND THE LID? WOULD 1/2'' WIDE BY 1/8'' THICK WORK? ALSO WHAT ARE THE DIMENTIONS (HOW THICK AND HOW WIDE) OF THE RUBBER GASKET YOU USED UNDER THE RUBBER NUT? THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR A RESPONSE TO THESE QUESTIONS.
That size foam should work great! Even if its a little too big it wouldn't be a big deal at all. I don't remember on the washer but I just took the bowl in with me and matched it at the hardware store. Rubber gasket is still working perfect and after 6 months I need to do a new lid seal but that's not a big deal at all
@@RockOnUtah THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE AND GREAT SUGGESTIONS. EVERYTHING IS WORKING GREAT NOW!
The stock rubber nuts have worked loose a couple of times even after I tightened them with pliers. A big mess to clean up. I went to the hardware store and got some neoprene washers and a couple of coupling nuts. I'm adding some metal and lock washers. I'll be using a wrench to tighten everything from now on. It will be a little tricky to keep from damaging the bowl.. I'm mainly using my Highland Park 4.5lb rotary tumbler and I've ordered a mini-sonic since I mostly do small loads. I also cut 1.5" off the center rod.
I have had it happen twice too but both times it was obvious I hadn't tightened enough. I don't use pliers and it didn't make a mess but the slurry dried completely and I had to redo stage two to get it all off the rocks. Now I am extra careful to get the washers tight
I had this problem initially - make sure the center bolt it tight in the base of the tumbler. I also use a rubber washer below the bowl nut and hand tighten until it just begins to bulge.
I so want to get one of these kind of Tumblers!
Do it! They are worth it
Beautiful results.
@@RockandLap appreciate that! That’s the funnest part for sure
Excellent tutorial- thanks!
@@bruceboatner3877 thanks for watching!
New subscriber. I appreciate your video.
Thank you so much! Very much appreciated
Good videos, thank you. Deciding which to buy to get started. On the Tumble Vibe would it help to put a lock washer between the rubber gasket and nut? Is your Tumble Vibe a 0.5 cu ft model?
As long as you install the nuts correctly I really don't have issues and don't think it would be necessary
Can you reuse the ceramic from the vibatory tumbler.
Yes I reuse all of mine and constantly add new which over time gives you a good mix of sizes. They last a long time
@@RockOnUtah Thank you
Have a question, we have the same tumbler and have noticed that the movement of rocks is much better with the lid removed. Is this normal?
I have not noticed that. Are you certain that it doesn't just seem that way since its so much louder with the lid removed?
Hello! Just got one of these tumblers to try and get in to tumbling my own rocks! What do I do if I don't have a rotary tumbler to do "stage 1" (which I am not even sure what that is)? Can I do "stage 1" in my tumble vibe?
I honestly have never tried it myself but you can absolutely do stage one in a vibratory tumbler. You will get more natural looking results because they don't round the rocks. It basically will cut off the sharp edges and then move to stage two.
I got the same vib tumbler not getting thr slurry. Just gray water on the bottom. My media is much smaller than yours. Is that it?
It's hard to say without seeing in person but it sounds like the rocks aren't circulating enough
too much water
So I just got the tumbler-vibe 10, when you use yours do you just double the amount of grit that you use in the 5?
I have never used the 10 bu the principle should be the same. It is when I use bigger rotary tumblers
It seems like you don't weigh your rocks before polishing. For the RTVibe10 the limit is listed at 8 pounds. I always worry about "overloading" the machine. Have you found that weight is not all that critical?
I have never one time weighed any and have never had an issue. Im more worried about the machine being properly loaded to polish well than the weight. I think it would be pretty hard to get a true 8 pounds in there though
You wash that down your sink? Doesn't the slurry dry like concrete in the drain pipes? I have always been told never wash it down the sink, but I use a tumbler. I haven't tried my new big vibe.
@@terricoffey6295 you are correct not to put it down your drain. This is just a shop sink with a 5 gallon bucket underneath that I then empty out into the yard later
@@RockOnUtah Does the Borax kill the plants around where you empty the bucket? Borax is bad for both plants and animals, so I am a bit concerned about using it. Would Ivory soap shavings accomplish the same result?
@@michaelc6817 I have never had that issue but I pour it in places where I don't want weeds to grow but I put enough out that it basically turns to concrete
I enjoy your videos , I have the same tumbler. Question, I get what I think is the polish grit in the fracture of some of my finished rocks I do burnish and use a brush but i seem to still get it , do you have any suggestions? Thanks
The absolute best would be a textile gun but its slow and tedious. I also use the sonic cleaner on hard rocks that gets most of it. Some people run the tumbler with borax and water but I don't get great results with that method. I usually learn to just live with a little bit of it.
Thanks man
Textile guns also works well for cleaning between stages
I have one that I use for certain things and it does work better but can be tedious on a large scale
I Just got one of these and got it up and running!! However, mine goes great till i put the top on and then it seems to not move as good in the circular motion as well as with top off. Can one leave top off or what would i need to do differently?
@@craftingandcookingwithcraf6067 hmm I have never had that problem. Are you sure the rocks are really slowing down much or is just because it gets quieter? It does really slow down as the slurry thickens which is why you add water but it doesn’t need to be moving really fast to be working
mine does the same thing. kinda seems like the lid dampens the vibration. I usually tighten the lid pretty tight to minimize evaporation - I may try leaving it a little looser and see if that helps
Hi again! I am afraid to usevthe heat as high as you do. Have you ever had any problems?
I have never had any issues with high heat but I would definitely not go from high heat and immediately spray them with cold water. As long as you let them cool naturally I don't see an issue although I have heard to not use heat on feldspar
Great video and the rocks turned out beautiful! My one concern is that it seems like you rinsed the grits down your sink drain, which would be a huge issue and would clog up the drains!
Thank you for watching! My little shop sink in the video is only used for rocks and drains into a 5 gallon bucket :)
Shew! I wasI wondering how your pipes weren't turning into concrete!
Why wouldn’t you use the sonic cleaner after stage two please and thank you.
You absolutely could. I have just never found it necessary. It’s just quicker to do it by hand then to heat the sonic cleaner up every two days lol. I have only found it to be a must going in to polish. After 2 days of being used 220 grit is really not much different than 500 and I haven’t seen a problem with cross contamination
How long have you been using this vibe? I was told that the raytech wasnt for rocks, i am curious and maybe a little concerned that i wasnt given good advice, lol
They have a model that has a drain hole in the bowl. That one is not for rocks. The model I have is for rocks and has been running flawlessly for a year
those washers actually work better if you put them on upside down
I think I add to much water! Lol. On stagec3 I would have sprayed the barrel a few times!
Every batch is different. As long as the rocks are moving then you are good. I'm currently working on a rock that's been very hard to keep moist enough. Its literally taking 2-3 times the water I normally add. Each rock is just unique
Enjoyed your video. But please do not put that water down your sink. It is like cement, when it settles. It will plug your drain pipes! I fertilize my plant beds with it.
that’s a really good idea, i’ve never thought about using it for fertilizer!! but i’m pretty sure this is a garage/outdoor sink so it doesn’t have the same plumbing and is just dumped outside
I catch all my water in a 5 gallon bucket but I use mine in areas that I don't want weeds because it usually dries out like concrete
@@rennie5693…. i’ve used it on my weeds and it killed my weeds instantly.. I can’t imagine using it for fertilizer. But hey, if it works for you, that’s great.
Why do you have so many nat geo tumblers? Those things are junk
I couldn't disagree more. I get great results with mine and have for a long time. I rarely have issues with them and if I do they send out a new one. Most of the issues you hear are people regurgitating something they heard online or watched on a UA-cam video. Or they don't know what they are doing and what to do/not do with a fast tumbler. Its the cool thing in this hobby to hate on them but I personally find it lame. (especially in the current situation where its hard to get parts for most machines these days) No reason to cut down a company who is supporting the industry when everyones little darling (looking at you Lortone) sold out and you can't get diddly for them.
@@RockOnUtah Thats why you build your own. My nat geo died within a month. Yes they have good customer service but theyll only replace them for a limited time, then youre out of luck. It makes much more sense to build one that will last a lifetime
@@jacknife10000 3 year warranty is pretty reasonable IMO but you're right something more heavy duty is always going to be better but the vast majority aren't interested enough in the hobby to put in that kind of effort haha
@@RockOnUtah Highland Park makes one that will last a lifetime for not much more. My only real drawback with the nat geo other than short life span is that it spins more than twice the optimum speed on the lowest setting which is fine for mohs 6+ but not much else
@@jacknife10000 This is by far the biggest gripe people have. I think the newest models have fixed that issue but I like the fast speed because it gets my first stage done quicker. I have a video about an easy way to slow them down for people who want the slower speeds of other models.