7 best rock tumblers for beginners
Rock tumblers for beginners are educational and enjoyable devices that allow individuals, especially children and hobbyists, to polish and transform rough rocks into smooth, shiny, and attractive gemstones. Here's what you need to know about rock tumblers designed for beginners:
Purpose: Rock tumblers are used to round, smooth, and polish rocks, minerals, and gemstones. This process is called rock tumbling and is often used as a hobby, educational activity, or even for jewelry making.
How They Work: A rock tumbler consists of a barrel or drum that rotates, usually powered by an electric motor. Inside the barrel, you place rough rocks along with abrasive grit and water. The rotation of the barrel causes the rocks to tumble against each other, gradually wearing down rough edges and polishing the surfaces.
Types of Rock Tumblers: There are two main types of rock tumblers:
Rotary Tumblers: These are the most common for beginners. They have a barrel that rotates on a horizontal axis. Rotary tumblers are generally more affordable and straightforward to use.
Vibratory Tumblers: These tumblers use a vibrating motion rather than a rotating barrel. They are often preferred for polishing delicate or intricate shapes but can be more expensive and complex to operate.
Tumbling Stages: Rock tumbling typically involves multiple stages, with each stage using finer grit than the previous one. The stages include shaping, smoothing, pre-polishing, and final polishing.
Materials Included: Many beginner rock tumblers come as kits and include the tumbler itself, rough rocks, various grades of grit, and sometimes jewelry findings for making finished pieces.
Safety: While rock tumbling is a safe and educational activity, it's essential to follow safety guidelines, especially when working with children. Goggles and gloves should be worn to protect against grit and splashing water.
Duration: The tumbling process can take several weeks, depending on the type and hardness of the rocks and the desired level of polish. Patience is key.
Learning Experience: Rock tumbling is not only about producing polished stones but also provides a valuable educational experience. It teaches patience, geology, and an appreciation for the beauty of natural materials.
Final Products: Once the tumbling process is complete, you'll have a collection of polished stones that can be used for various purposes, including jewelry-making, display, or as unique gifts.
Cost: Beginner rock tumblers are generally affordable, making them accessible to a wide range of people interested in the hobby. More advanced and larger tumblers can be pricier.
Maintenance: After each tumbling cycle, it's important to clean and maintain the tumbler for optimal performance in subsequent runs.
Rock tumbling is a fun and educational pastime that allows beginners to explore the world of geology and craftsmanship while producing beautiful, polished gemstones. It's a great activity for both children and adults to engage in and learn from.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best rock tumblers for beginners on the market
Disney Princess Reading Book Set -- Collection of 2 Classic Stories and Stickers (Spanish and English)
Product description
Delight your Disney Princess fan with this bilingual Disney Princess Reading Book Set -- Collection of 2 Classic Stories in English and Spanish, and Over 100 Disney Princess stickers! Deleite a su Disney Princesa fanatica con este bilingüe juego de libros de lectura de Disney Princesa - colección de 2 historias clásicas en ingles y español, y más de 100 pegatinas de Disney Princesas. Disney Princess reading book set, fun with Ariel, Cinderella, Belle and Snow White. Disney Princesa juego de libros de lectura, diversión con Ariel, Cinderella, Belle y Snow White. This Disney Princess reading book set with Disney Princess stickers will provide quality reading time. Este libro de lectura de Disney Princesa con Disney Princesa pegatinas proporcionará tiempo de lectura de calidad. This deluxe Disney Princess Story Collection with hard cover and full color illustrations. International Bilingual Edition featuring Spanish and English language -- a fun way to teach about languages. Esta lujosa colección de Disney Princess Story con tapa dura e ilustraciones en color. Edición bilingüe internacional con idioma español e ingles -- una forma divertida de enseñar sobre idiomas. Great gift for your favorite Disney Princess enthusiast! Disney English / Spanish books for kids and toddlers -- girls and boys alike. Perfect as Disney Princess party supplies and party favors. Gran regalo para su entusiasta favorito de Disney Princesa! Libros de ingles / español de Disney para niños y niños pequeños: niños y niñas por igual. Perfecto como articulos para una fiesta de Disney Princesa y favores para una fiesta.
- Delight your Disney Princess fan with this bilingual Disney Princess Reading Book Set -- Collection of 2 Classic Stories in English and Spanish, and Over 100 Disney Princess stickers! Deleite a su Disney Princesa fanatica con este bilingüe juego de libros de lectura de Disney Princesa - colección de 2 historias clásicas en ingles y español, y más de 100 pegatinas de Disney Princesas.
- Disney Princess reading book set, fun with Ariel, Cinderella, Belle and Snow White. Disney Princesa juego de libros de lectura, diversión con Ariel, Cinderella, Belle y Snow White.
- This Disney Princess reading book set with Disney Princess stickers will provide quality reading time. Este libro de lectura de Disney Princesa con Disney Princesa pegatinas proporcionará tiempo de lectura de calidad.
- This deluxe Disney Princess Story Collection with hard cover and full color illustrations. International Bilingual Edition featuring Spanish and English language -- a fun way to teach about languages. Esta lujosa colección de Disney Princess Story con tapa dura e ilustraciones en color. Edición bilingüe internacional con idioma español e ingles -- una forma divertida de enseñar sobre idiomas.
- Great gift for your favorite Disney Princess enthusiast! Disney English / Spanish books for kids and toddlers -- girls and boys alike. Perfect as Disney Princess party supplies and party favors. Gran regalo para su entusiasta favorito de Disney Princesa! Libros de ingles / español de Disney para niños y niños pequeños: niños y niñas por igual. Perfecto como articulos para una fiesta de Disney Princesa y favores para una fiesta.
User questions & answers
| Question: | is there a soley English version of this? I don't need the Spanish |
| Answer: | Yes! My daughter is around that weight and it fit very well! |
| Question: | Are the pages of hard material? My toddler loves tearing appart paper and tissues all over the place |
| Answer: | I believe that is close to a 18-24 months. These run small. So if your baby is a cute little chubby order up one size. Head band is super cute? |
| Question: | Cuantas paginas trae cada libro |
| Answer: | I belive i ordered a 12-18 months and my daughter was about 24 bls it fit good i would say it was a bit loose but its it's super cute! |
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit - Includes Rough Gemstones, 4 Polishing Grits, Jewelry Fastenings and Detailed Learning Guide - Great STEM Science Kit for Mineralogy and Geology Enthusiasts
Product description
Learn about the exciting hobby of rock tumbling with National Geographic!
Rock tumbling is tons of fun and a great way to start a beautiful rock collection.
This set includes all the accessories you’ll need to start polishing dazzling gems.
Kids can use the included jewelry fastening to create beautiful homemade jewelry!
Contents and Features:
• High-quality tumbling machine with powerful motor that will last for years
• Automatic shutoff timer so you can set it and forget it
• Noise reducing leak-proof barrel with stainless steel lid
• Half pound of gemstones from around the world (9 types) and four grades of grit
• Jewelry fastenings so you can create your own unique jewelry
• Full-color information guide with cool facts about each of the gemstones included
• Easy-to-follow rock tumbling instructions
• 2-year manufacturer warranty
Rock tumbling is a fun activity for children of all ages and promotes an interest in geology and science.
Introduce your kid to science the fun way! Join National Geographic as we inspire future generations by showing them the wonders of the natural world.
National Geographic Toys is proud to provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all our products so that you can buy with confidence.
About the National Geographic Society: With a mission to inspire people to care about the planet, the 126-year-old National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations.
National Geographic’s net proceeds support vital exploration, conservation, research, and education programs.
- CREATE YOUR OWN GEMSTONES - Make any stone sparkle and polish everyday rocks into dazzling gemstones! This rock tumbler kit makes it fun and easy to turn rough rocks into beautifully polished gemstones, thanks to its simple operation and durable design.
- A TUMBLER THAT'S MADE TO LAST – Our high-quality tumblers are made with a durable motor that’s designed to last for years. The leakproof rubber barrel reduces sound, making it 75% quieter than other plastic models. An excellent STEM activity for kids.
- A COMPLETE HOBBY TUMBLING KIT - Everything you need to create polished gemstones: the tumbler, four polishing grits, sifter, nine types of real rough gemstones, plus a detailed full-color learning guide. Makes a great gift for girls and boys!
- EASY TO USE – Simple instructions and one-touch settings make rock tumbling fun and easy. Control the number of days for each tumbling cycle with the one-touch timer and automatic shutoff feature, set it and forget it! This is a great gift for kids.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – The National Geographic STEM series provides kids high-quality educational toys that are a whole lot of fun! If your experience is anything less than extraordinary, let us know so we can make it right for you.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can i buy extra grit without the rocks. we have many rocks from "mining" gemstones that i would love to polish. what do you recommend |
| Answer: | Hello, currently, our GUI app can only run on Linux and Windows platforms. We are developing an Android app, it will be released in two months. THX! |
| Question: | What pound tumbler is this product |
| Answer: | Hello, RaspTank does not include the Raspberry Pi board, you need to buy the Raspberry Pi yourself. You can connect the keyboard and mouse directly to the Raspberry Pi to program. You can also use the PC to connect to the Raspberry Pi to program via ssh. |
| Question: | What the difference between this and the starter kit |
| Answer: | YES. |
| Question: | What is the power consumption of this unit over a week of continuous use? (in usa on 110v). thank you |
| Answer: | Yes, it can turn left and right. The calibration wasn't exactly straight forward but after a few tries was able to find and acceptable 'straight' setting and it drives okay. Speed is normal RC car speed, slightly faster than human walking so maybe 5-10 mph tops. The lag between the app and the car is a bit of a problem and at higher speeds you end up running into stuff a lot. |
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Rock Tumbler Kit - Rock Polisher for Kids and Adults, Complete Rock Tumbler Kit, Durable Leak-Proof Tumbler, Rocks, Grit, and 5 Jewelry Fastenings, A Great STEM Hobby
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
- CREATE YOUR OWN GEMSTONES - Rock tumbling is a hugely popular hobby for kids and adults! This starter rock tumbler makes it fun and easy to turn rough rocks into beautifully polished gemstones, thanks to its simple operation and durable design.
- A TUMBLER THAT'S MADE TO LAST - The durable motor allows you to tumble multiple batches of rocks. An improved, leak-proof barrel is lined with rubber for quieter operation while tumbling on the sturdy tumbler base.
- ALL-IN-ONE TUMBLING KIT - This kit has everything you need and then some! You get ½ a pound of rough rocks with nine different types of gemstones inside, five jewelry fastenings, and our four-stage rock polishing grit.
- EASY TO USE AND EDUCATIONAL - Detailed tumbler instructions lead you step-by-step through the rock tumbling process, A full-color learning guide details how rocks are naturally polished and has fascinating facts about the gemstones in the kit.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – The National Geographic STEM series provides kids high-quality educational toys that are a whole lot of fun! If your experience is anything less than extraordinary, let us know so we can make it right for you.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can't open |
| Answer: | Don't put more than a pound of rocks in it or the motor won't be able to turn. Does it turn without the tumbler? Then that is likely the problem. Otherwise contact the manufacturer. That may not be easy as it's Chinese I think. |
| Question: | How many pounds/ounces of rocks can you put into the barrel with grit for tumbling |
| Answer: | I don’t think there is a warranty for it. However, if it’s defective call the company. They seem to be really good at doing the right thing |
| Question: | Where can I buy more grit |
| Answer: | The power supply will work with 100-240v. It has a US plug. |
| Question: | Can this be used to tumble glass to make sea glass |
| Answer: | grit is available on the Amazon site....I bought extra when I bought the tumbler :) |
Tumble-Bee Rotary Rock Tumbler | Includes Rock Grit Polish Kit | Model TB-14, 1X4LB Barrel
Product description
The Tumble-Bee model TB-14 rotary rock tumbler comes with one 4lb. capacity rubber barrel. This 4lb. barrel is the perfect size for tumbling and polishing larger quantities of stones, glass and metals. The 4-step rock polishing kit includes all of the rock, grit and polish you need to tumble one batch of beautiful stones. With industry leading designs and features, the Tumble-Bee is a durable, modernized rock tumbler that is very user-friendly. Made of ABS plastic with a metal reinforced bottom, the Tumble-Bee housing is rust-free and free of sharp edges. Built-in barrel guides keep your barrels running true while you tumble. Its lighted on/off power switch easily indicates if your rock tumbler is on or off. The powerful 115V continuous AC fan-cooled motor comes installed with a thermal overload protector. Includes one 4lb. capacity rubber barrel, oil, Allen wrench and complete written and visual instructions. Tumble-Bee rock tumblers are backed with a one-year warranty.
- Polishes stones, glass and metals. Excellent choice for tumbling larger quantities at once.
- 4-step polishing kit includes pre-measured rock, grit and polish. Makes a great starter kit for beginners.
- Includes one 4lb. capacity rubber barrel, oil, Allen wrench, and complete written and visual instructions.
- Powerful 115V fan-cooled AC motor with thermal overload protector. Designed to tumble 24/7.
- Rust-proof housing with no sharp edges. Lighted on/off power switch. Very easy to use.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can it be used to polish broken glass bottles? To make sea glass |
| Answer: | this string light dimmer is 2 prong plug |
| Question: | Can this be used to tumble a soda bottle |
| Answer: | Yes |
| Question: | Where is it made |
| Answer: | My baby was in 6-9 months also but it still fit her perfectly |
| Question: | Can you use stainless steel shot in this to polish jewelry & metals |
| Answer: | Yes my twins are 20 and 21 pound it for them perfectly. |
Dan&Darci Rock Tumbler Grit Refill Kit - 3.5 Pounds Grits Media + Poly Plastic Pellets - Rock Polishing Media - Polish for Any Brand Tumbler - Rock Tumbling Supplies - Stone Polisher
Product description
COMPLETE ROCK TUMBLING MEDIUM KIT: 3.5 lbs. 4-step grit set and poly plastic pellets, to polish any rock. Packaged in easy-to-use-and-store bottles.
- Complete rock tumbling medium kit: 3.5 lbs. 4-step grit set and poly plastic pellets, to polish any rock. Packaged in easy-to-use-and-store bottles.
- Includes: Step #1 Coarse Grit (1 lb.), Step #2 Medium Grit (1 lb.), Step #3 Pre-polish Grit (1/2 lb.), Step #4 Grit (1/2 lb), Polypropylene Plastic Poly Filler Pellets (1/2 lb.), Instruction Guide.
- Compatible with all rock tumblers: Can be used in tumblers from any brand: Dan&Darci, Elenco, Lortone, National Geographic, Smithsonian, Thumler and more.
- Easy to use: Includes a clear instruction guide on how to use the grits and plastic pellets.
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed: Love it, or your money back! If you are not satisfied with the kit, we'll refund you 100% of the money, no questions asked.
User questions & answers
| Question: | What are the exact grits |
| Answer: | The pellets are used for filler in the tumbler so that the tumbling action between the rocks and grit work more effectively. |
| Question: | How many pounds of rocks will this kit polish? and no, not 8 oz. per bottle. it says 16 oz bottles |
| Answer: | Different finenessof silicon carbide |
| Question: | What exactly are the plastic pellets used for |
| Answer: | The Grit Refill Kit, is only the grit. No rocks are included |
| Question: | Can you reuse the plastic pellets |
| Answer: | Yes, all four from coarse to polish are included. |
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit - Rock Polisher for Kids & Adults, Noise-Reduced Barrel, Grit, 2.5 Pounds Raw Gemstone & Jasper Mix, Great STEM Hobby Kit
- CREATE YOUR OWN GEMSTONES - Make any stone sparkle and polish everyday rocks into dazzling gemstones! This rock tumbler kit makes it fun and easy to turn rough rocks into beautifully polished gemstones, thanks to its simple operation and durable design.
- A TUMBLER THAT'S MADE TO LAST – Our high-quality tumblers are made with a durable motor that’s designed to last for years. The leakproof rubber barrel reduces sound, making it 75% quieter than other plastic models. Makes an excellent STEM gift or activity for girls and boys!
- ALL-IN-ONE TUMBLING KIT - This complete kit has everything you need to create polished gemstones. In addition to the tumbler, four polishing grits, sifter, and rough gemstones, this bundle includes refill packs with 1lb each of rough gemstones and rough jasper. Learn all about the gemstones in your kit with the detailed, full-color learning guide.
- EASY TO USE – Simple instructions and one-touch settings make rock tumbling fun and easy. Control the number of days for each tumbling cycle with the one-touch timer and automatic shutoff feature, so you can set it and forget it. This is a great gift for kids!
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – The National Geographic STEM series provides kids high-quality educational toys that are a whole lot of fun! If your experience is anything less than extraordinary, let us know so we can make it right for you.
User questions & answers
| Question: | What kind of glue are you using to make the jewelry esp the ring? Tried Gorilla glue and it didn’t stick |
| Answer: | Age 65, and it took 8-10 weeks before my nails were stronger and not splitting, cuticles were noticeably healthier and my hair looked fuller, and my skin might be benefitting, as well. |
| Question: | is there a trick to make stones shinny |
| Answer: | It worked for men and women both. |
| Question: | About how long would I have to keep this running |
| Answer: | No it only goes into your mouth. |
| Question: | Can this be used to make rocks small enough for earring studs |
| Answer: | It is cal. spacific, but the 6.5 is a bit bigger so it will fit and work, just might be a little loose. I don't see were they make the exact one for that caliber yet. |
Tonmp 6 Pounds Rock Tumbler Refill Grit Media Kit (4 Polishing Grits)| 4-Steps for Tumbling Stones
Tonmp
Product description
Includes 6 Pounds of Polishing Grit：
Complete Grit Kit - 4 Step Grit Kit Packs. Use with 3 lb, 6 lb, or 15 lb tumbler 6 Total Pounds Included:
Step 1 - 2 lb. 60 Coarse Silicon Carbide Grit
Step 2 - 2 lb. 180/220 Medium Silicon Carbide Grit
Step 3 - 1 lb. 500 Fine Silicone Carbide
Step 4 - 1 lb. 1200 Aluminum Oxide Polish
- **4-Step grit pack with 6 pounds of total weight. Our universal grit is designed for any rock tumbler.
- **Step 1 - 2 lb. 60 Coarse Silicon Carbide Grit, Step 2 - 2 lb. 180/220 Medium Silicon Carbide Grit, Step 3 - 1 lb. 500 Fine Silicone Carbide, Step 4 - 1 lb. 1200 Aluminum Oxide Polish.
- **Packaged in 4 bottle to safely store unused product for later.
- **The kits Will work with all rock tumbler.Makes high quality rock tumblers and materials.
- **Purchase with confidence. We proudly back our product with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
User questions & answers
| Question: | how does this compare to the grit that comes with the national geographics tumbler? last generic broke down too quickly so the rocks came out dull |
| Answer: | yes, it is.i love it and it is much better than other 2 pins plug. |
| Question: | How long do I tumble with each grit |
| Answer: | Yes it does. But the maximum operation power of the dimmer is 200W, please don't overload it. |
| Question: | How much of each grit do you use per cycle? There are no instructions |
| Answer: | I have not had any problems with the remote. Ensure that you hit the power button. It doesn't automatically work unless turn it on. |
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