A Complete Guide to Tumbling Rocks-A Reliable Method

[@MichiganRocks]

If you're looking for more rock tumbling tips, I have put together a playlist of some of my favorites for you: kzbin.info/aero/PLqNINgwEkm-Lyn24HlhulSV4Unc00-Cuc

[@wyomingadventures]

Thanks, Rob, for all your tumbling videos. I would have never tried tumbling without your videos.

[@aosterkamp]

Heck ya. I went back to grit 1 on my second batch... After seeing how yours turned out, I couldn't stand the little imperfections. lol

[@SeaJay_Oceans]

Well, I only have one thing kzbin.info/www/bejne/oajFamCFobaco8U to say about this ! :-)

[@user-lp7qe3jl8m]

😊😊

[@user-lp7qe3jl8m]

😊

[@jamesburke6078]

Your one of the rare few who took time to say a few words to me...means a lot!

[@MichiganRocks]

I read all the comments. It takes a lot of time, but I feel bad not responding.

[@hopesprings4967]

@@MichiganRocks this is only the second video I have watched and reading the above comment and your reply again just got me to subscribe to your channel❤. You are obviously a good human being. I am now due. It takes a ton of time to read all the comments and at some point you may not have the time if your channel grows like crazy. But at least now you are! 🙋🏼‍♀️🇨🇦✌🏼💞

[@MichiganRocks]

@@hopesprings4967 I enjoy responding to comments, but it does take a lot of time. I'll continue doing it as long as I can keep up.

[@AprilSheldon]

That’s awesome to know I will definitely follow and hopefully learn a lot thank you so much

[@txwaterbird6115]

I LOVE your instructional videos even more than your "in the field" rock hounding adventures. You've taught me so much, and you manage to do so in an entertaining manner. Thanks.

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm never sure how entertaining these are. I wish I knew how to make them shorter, but at least it's shorter than the two months I spent making it.

[@UnityByNature]

@@MichiganRocks don’t need to be shorter when you’re such a great teacher! I don’t think I have missed one video!

[@Ismail-dd7oi]

​@@MichiganRocks Hello size bir kaç sorum olacak.. Faset işleme kolu mevcutmu sizde ? Bu faset işleme kolunu nerden bula bilirim Taşları işlemek için gerekli..

[@MichiganRocks]

@@Ismail-dd7oi Hayır, faceting yapmıyorum.

[@Ismail-dd7oi]

@@MichiganRocks Ben faset işleme kolunu nerden bula bilirim???

[@lawrencezolcienski3936]

The first piece of advice I give to anyone who wants to get into tumbling is to find Michigan Rocks and watch all the tumbling videos. It is the closest thing there is to a Master Class on the art. When someone tells me they are having problems or issues, I ask them if they actually watched the videos. If they say they really didn't, then I explain that they are their own problem and go watch the videos. Keep up the great work!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Lawrence. I get some questions in the comments that make me strongly suspect that the writer either didn't watch the whole video or didn't follow the advice in it. You can lead a horse to water...

[@nursepam2010]

What do you do with all your beautiful tumbled rocks? I spend so much time and money on grit, media and of course buying the tumblers... (I'm up to 6 tumblers ;o{ } I enjoy finding my own rocks buy sometimes have to buy them. I just don't know what to do with all my tumbled rocks. Between all the costs of everything that it took to tumble them from grits, media, electricity... sooo many hours sorting, inspecting the rocks.... I could never sell them and make a profit. I'm just running out of room and considering stopping after the current batches finish their stages.

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm having the same problem. I really need to do a craft show sometime just to get rid of some. I know I won't make a profit, but that's ok. I'd just be happy to make someone else happy to have them. I made a video to show what I've done with them, but basically, it's just storing them in my basement. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIucdaGpbs6ijpo

[@albacastillo2020]

You are not "old", you are wise!. Amazing video, I learn a lot.

[@lindenbug]

Thank you for putting so much of your experience and knowledge into one place! That’s a very valuable resource for people trying to get started, when it seems like you really have to hunt around for advice. On another note, I’m someone who doesn’t mind some “flaws” in my rocks, so I want to share ideas for anyone else who feels the same: I use a water flosser to clean in addition to a needle like you showed. Right now I’m experimenting with various things that could plug pits and cracks while tumbling. I remember a video where you polished a bead that was plugged with wax. I’m trying glycerin soap base too, because I can easily rub it into the problem spots and later wash out instead melting (some of my rock material seems sensitive to heat) but it may dissolve away too quickly to do any good, we’ll see. I also want to be able to protect crystal pockets and I’m tumbling one of those right now in vibratory to see if it stays covered in soap.

[@MichiganRocks]

If the crystal pocket is deep at all, it will usually not need protecting. I find that deeper concave areas are affected very little by tumbling. Of course, I wouldn't guarantee that, so it's not a bad idea to take extra precautions. The bigger problem with holes, at least in a vibratory tumbler, is that ceramic media will find a way to wedge itself, or itself and a few friends into those holes. That's the reason I fill the bead holes with wax. The other thing to be careful of is grit getting embedded into wax. It should really be removed and replaced at each stage.

[@aidanforgey7093]

How’d this end up going for you

[@brianhall4112]

This video and the others from Michigan Rocks are just outstanding! Very thorough with no fluff. I'm just about to get into tumbling and feel like I don't need to watch anyone else's videos. I hope to add comments about my results when I'm done but with everything going on, that could be a year. Thanks for taking the time to create, edit and post these awesome videos!!!!

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad you like the videos, Brian! Good luck!

[@dreamlookautodetailingauto3353]

There are many good rock tumbling videos out there. But I always come back to you. You explain in so much detail on things we should know & on things we had never even thought of to see or ask on. This much information you give to us is very valuable and I thank you!! In any line of work if someone finds joy & love in what they do is such a journeyman in their trade. You are that person. I can tell you're a very humble person, but I wanted to let you know you're a great teacher!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, I appreciate that. I'm the kind of person who has lots of questions when I do something new, so I try to consider the questions that are likely to come up and answer them in the video.

[@davidhile5363]

Excellent explanations, advice and instructions ! I too use a magnifying visor for my senior citizen eyes. Good lighting is a must too. Yes folks if you want impeccable polished rocks you have to stay in stage 1 for as long as it takes. Occasionally you will have an ultra beautiful rock that will have some deep pits, holes or cracks that you can’t remove without tumbling away most of the rock so you have to choose a good stopping point so in that case I usually choose to save most of the rock. Use good grit from a lapidary supplier and thoroughly rinse your rocks and barrels between each stage and you can’t go wrong. You can get an excellent shine doing the whole process with a rotary tumbler and ceramic media. It just takes a little longer. Rob has an excellent video on that method too.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Dave. Those awesome rocks that are never going to be perfectly smooth are frustrating. I don't mind stopping early in those cases, but it's so tough to figure out where the optimal stopping point is.

[@tonyzweedyk478]

Thank you so much for your knowledge, time and kindness that you give to the rockhounding community.

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome, Tony.

[@IndigoCobalt]

Thank you for another comprehensive video! I especially enjoyed the parts during “stage one” where you spent time sorting the rocks. The joy really IS in the journey… thanks for highlighting the small (rock related) pleasures in life!

[@MichiganRocks]

Yeah, I couldn't do this if I didn't enjoy the process. Shiny rocks are fun, but the transformation is what really does it for me.

[@xXNewfie709Xx]

My daughter is turning 6 in April and she's been wanting a rock tumbler this past year for her birthday! She's into rock hunting and crystal collecting. I've been following along trying to absorb as much info as I can from you to have a good head start with knowledge of tumbling. So excited to start this new hobby with her! With a tumbler soon coming its going to make beach combing this summer that much more of a treasure hunt! Thanks so much for your videos!

[@MichiganRocks]

You're right. It makes it twice as exciting to pick up a rock when you have a plan for it when you get home. It's fun to imagine how it will look tumbled. You're going to pick up a few duds when you first get started, but you'll learn pretty quickly which ones to bring home and which ones to leave behind. (Hint: don't bring home too much granite!)

[@xXNewfie709Xx]

@@MichiganRocks Awesome! thanks very much!!

[@oscarmedina1303]

Thank you for posting your process. I've always wanted to see the entire process, start to finish. Looks like fun! And the end results really bring out the beauty hidden in each stone.

[@MichiganRocks]

I have done several very similar videos. This one is a replacement for a very old video of mine. I have a couple where I show how to tumble with just a rotary tumbler too.

[@vlakslee]

Awesome video. Very nice update to your older one.

[@lindaacker4615]

Love the tutorial! I've learned so much about tumbling from your videos. I love to see the progress and of course the end results are like the grand finale at a fireworks show!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Linda!

[@ero1347]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I know that you've been tumbling for decades and your knowledge has saved us many of those years of errors.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks a lot! That's really nice of you. I have only been tumbling for a little over a decade, but I think I have the basics figured out.

[@melodynearlyful]

Thank you! My husband bought me a tumbler 4 years ago before he died of covid. I never used it because I was thinking about the instructions I had. They seemed incomplete. Because it did not make sense to me that all the rocks would be done at the same time. And I was concerned about using small rocks. You have proven to me that my thoughts were right! I wanted complete info. I so appreciate all your advice based on your long time experience. Thank you so so much! Now I feel like I can begin with a successful outcome and less waste. What do you do with all your beautiful rocks?

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm really sorry that you lost your husband, Melody. I have a video on doing this with just a rotary tumbler if you don't have a vibratory tumbler. The first part of the video is pretty much the same as this, but the last stages are different. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moqqd5SiZcpkjbs Here's what I do with my rocks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIucdaGpbs6ijpo

[@whitecloud6214]

I just started learning about rocks and bought a tumbler and I have found your videos so very helpful!

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad I could help you out!

[@whitecloud6214]

@@MichiganRocks I was wondering if you could assist me in identifying a rock I found in my yard. I picked it from gravel and so far it’s the only one that has me stumped, I haven’t tumbled it yet but it has been soaked and washed throughly. If yes there will be pictures of it on Instagram in your dms

[@MichiganRocks]

I'll take a look, but I'm not very good at identifying rocks.

[@OntarioRob]

This is why I watch your videos. I had no idea there was a grit more coarse than 46/70. You took the time, which I definitely appreciated, to reply to my comment in a video awhile back & explained step by step tutorial which I wrote down & follow to the letter. I recently purchased 2, 12lb Lortone tumblers, so now I can tumble 4x as many rocks now. This is another video that I'll be saving & following to the letter. I'm a bit of a perfectionist as well & I'll let them tumble for weeks at a time, sometime months, until I'm happy with the results & can move into the next step. You're the best teacher for rock tumbling because there's nothing you don't know about rock tumbling & that's why I follow your directions to the letter. Amazing results as always, Rob. Thanks for another great tutorial video, Rob

[@MichiganRocks]

There's plenty that I don't know about tumbling. I'm still learning, but it's nice that you're impressed!

[@largent45]

That was a real in depth example of how to tumble rocks. Thank you for that. You are pickier bit your rocks come out better than everybody elses do too. Hanks Rob. Those were gorgeous!

[@MichiganRocks]

I don't know how many people really want to watch an hour long video on tumbling rocks, but if you're trying to do this yourself, I think it's good to see all the details.

[@thestonecraftingworkshop7490]

Nice to listen to someone who actually knows what he is talking about! Cheers

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks. One of the things that got me started doing these videos was that most videos that I watched were made by people tumbling their first batch of rocks ever.

[@emmikate]

Literally watching this video right now again because I agree the process is the best part. I'm so anxious to just rip into them and look at my step one I have going in my garage

[@MichiganRocks]

It gets easier and easier to wait as you do more batches.

[@BrandyceGiustetti-v6g]

Just starting to tumble local rocks. This was by far the most interesting video I came across. Very informative and I will continue to watch your videos! Thank you so much

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks. I know it's kind of long, but I like to be thorough.

[@metalblack4697]

For cleaning step ultrasonic cleaner is a miracle device, I can recommend it! Help to save a lot of time and the cleaning effect is much better. Also when stone will dry with remainig grit it can still knock it out from pores or cracks.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks letting me know that they work well. I have avoided getting one because I'm running out of room to store extra gizmos.

[@VincentsRockGarage]

Thank you for the great information Rob...all crammed into one video. I'll be sharing this one any time someone asks me how to tumble.

[@MichiganRocks]

There was a lot crammed into this one. I kind of hate videos that are broken up into parts. The downside is that this video ended up being almost an hour long.

[@DreidMusicalX]

Ive now done two full loads of rocks taking them from a cheap Chicago Electric double barrel to a Vibratory tumbler for finish polishing stages. About 70% of them polished like gems! Now I do like the more natural look for some of them, and some of the quarts were just never going to be gem anyway. But you taught me how with your videos you posted. I now have two small plate dishes full of polished rocks. So happy! Now I need to go find more rocks to tumble. I feel the addiction to it and their beauty. Thanks so much for your videos! It cost me a few hundred to get started getting more grits and polishing stuff, but its something I will enjoy for years to come I think.

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad you're having success. If you're going to spend the money it would be a shame not to get good results. If you keep doing this, consider buying your coarse grit in larger quantities to save some money. Kingsley North usually has the best deals, but the Rock Shed isn't far off either. I buy 45-50 lbs. at a time. That costs a little over $100 shipped, but lasts a really long time. There are links to both places in the descriptions of all my videos if you decide to go that way.

[@DreidMusicalX]

@@MichiganRocks 👍

[@jmsdvs5]

I live about 45 minutes from the Rock Shed. Sometimes when I go there we talk about you. It really is a great place and they really know their stuff. Family owned and operated too.

[@MichiganRocks]

I love the Rock Shed. It's weird to hear that people that I don't know talk about me.

[@Kathyjohnson-uk1wp]

Discovered your channel some time ago and have learned a lot from your videos. I've been a natural born rock lover since I was old enough to pick one up. Thanks for your dedication to the love of rocks and teacher of the same!

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome!

[@Stormryx]

I've only had one full batch under my bent since I got my Nat Geo speed demon tumbler for Xmas but I'm already starting to convert to enjoying passing things on from stage 1 or kicking them back more than the finished product. Thanks so much for all the info you share!

[@MichiganRocks]

I think that's a really important thing to do if you want really perfect rocks. You'll develop a method you like as you get more experience.

[@blademaster90]

I really felt tip of the week "buy more coarse grit more than any other grit" Wish I could have time traveled to see this sooner haha love the videos.

[@MichiganRocks]

I hardly use any 500 or polish, and not too much 220 grit. I use LOTS of coarse grit though.

[@kylecduncan]

This is very helpful as I am a relative rockhounding beginner. Excellent, clear description of the process. Thanks!

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome!

[@coldpond]

Well, next month, it will be 1 year since I've started tumbling. Started with (2) 1lb tumblers (set tumbling speed was too fast). Purchased a Lortone 33b last July (what a difference). Just ordered my 2nd 33b last week from the Rock Shed. I think I'm addicted (not quite interdiction material yet). Kidding aside, I've taken your lead and now strive for the perfect polished rock. Thank you for your instructional video's, I know their way time consuming, but very helpful. Especially to rock addicts.

[@MichiganRocks]

Yeah, they take awhile to make, but people seem to like them. It's comments like yours that keep me motivated.

[@high.risk.behavior]

It's always cool having your own tumbler. When you buy rocks for your collection 1. You're spending a lot and 2. You can't always get them how you love them. Some people like you love them 100% smooth. I personally love the way they look almost in their raw state. I love the organic shapes and stuff. I only tumble mine enough to smooth sharp edges and make them less dull. Some I'll let go and make them extra smooth. Depends. But I like to keep their shape and some imperfections. I do love when they shine though and you can see their colors and patterns that's the only downside to under tumbling them sometimes you cant the full effect of their beauty. But I try. I came across your KZbin and I absolutely love watching and learning more 😊

[@MichiganRocks]

Yes, different people have different tastes. As you can see, I prefer mine to be completely free of holes. There are a lot of people who like them more natural like you do. I really need to do a video on doing them your way one of these days.

[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

We just finished the video so Rosie can get a start on her Rumbling Tumbling. hehehehe Thank You for Sharing your Expertise!!! MANY BLESSINGS UPON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!

[@marlonmckenzie6485]

Hi Rob I moved to South Carolina in 2020 and the pandemic was going on so I started doing some rocks and watching your videos and other peoples and you taught me a lot on doing the racks and buying the lot O makes a big difference in making a good shine on my rocks. Thank you so much for teaching me on this stuff and I really appreciate it. I still watch your show and are used to live up near where you’re at and never got into this so I’d like to make a trip up there in go to Lake Michigan and get some Petoskey stones and I want to go up to UPS and get some of the Uber lights and we ride. Thank you for everything you taught Me.

[@MichiganRocks]

Hey Marlon, it's really nice to hear stuff like that. I know I have taught a lot of people to tumble, but not everyone takes the time to write a nice thank you. Thanks!

[@doubleahomestead7794]

Thanks for the videos. Thanks to your videos my wife was able to get a pretty solid result on her first tumble. In stage 3 of the second one now.

[@MichiganRocks]

That's great, I'm glad I could help out.

[@cherylj7460]

Beautiful end results! Love the Bahia agates! I had some - golden browns, peach, greens. But one had sky blue markings! Really nice!

[@MichiganRocks]

I have a bunch tumbling in various stages right now. They sure do get shiny.

[@cherylj7460]

@@MichiganRocks yes, I love that shine! Is this because they are high on the moh scale?

[@michelecherek5392]

This is my first video ive seen of yours! The only thing i have to say about your finished product, is WOW!!!❤️‍🔥🥰❤️‍🔥🥰❤️‍🔥 I'm in apartment now. I would LOVE to do this when i get a HOUSE!! THANK YOU KIMDLY FOR YOUR INSPIRATION!!💖💖💖

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome. I have lots of other videos on tumbling and also a whole series just showing rocks I have tumbled in the past if you just want to see finished products.

[@luthersteaching5228]

I thought this video was going to be about tumbling only Michigan rocks. We have many unique and special rocks found in Michigan. Rock hunting in Michigan is so fantastic and how wonderful to tumble rocks found on your own explorations.

[@MichiganRocks]

I tumble plenty of Michigan rocks. Tumbling random beach rocks is more challenging, so I chose to use jaspers and agates for this video. Those are better choices a beginner. Here's one of many videos showing some Michigan rocks that I have tumbled: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4etZWx-Yph0mLs

[@rochelleraven4923]

My first tutorial on rock tumbling. Super informative, I learned a lot, Thank you!!!

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome!

[@grandmarshall5438]

Rob- Thank you SO MUCH for your many videos about tumbling and rock hounding. I'm just getting started again after decades of other projects and your guides have been an enormous help. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. I'm so jealous of your access to the Great Lakes. All we have in Southern California is sandstone, shale, and mail order. My friends think I'm nuts to tumble rocks because it takes so long and you can buy tumbled rocks nearly as cheaply as rough. I can't explain why it's fun. Can you? What do you do will all the rocks you tumble?? You must make tons of them in your giant cabinet!

[@MichiganRocks]

For me, I like the process at least as much as the finished results. I finish them up and then rarely look at them much after that. I have no interest in buying finished rocks. I will buy rough rocks because that's the only way to try stuff from far away places. Have you been to Lavic Siding for some jasper? That's in California, but I'm not sure if it's in Southern California.

[@user-gx4du6lv1d]

When I was little we visited a man who tumbled rocks. He had an old barrel attached to a stand with a handle you could turn to make it go around. He showed us that he had rocks and smashed glass from old bottles in the drum. He used no water because of a drought. He made a hatch that he could open on the side to load the glass and rocks and the secure it with a slide bolt. We had a ball turning the handle and he gave us each a tumbled rock for turning the barrel. They were really polished. Now they are electric, times of tumbling rocks have certainly changed.

[@MichiganRocks]

I can't even imagine doing this by turning a crank by hand. That would be a lot of work.

[@markweiser-yb9mu]

Thank you for answering me , have a good day.

[@parissturt2788]

You are a great teacher, thank you for the info! I am about to purchase my first rock tumbler. I am excited to get started. I had the idea to start this as a new hobby because I was collecting small rocks and quartz while hiking in Arizona.

[@MichiganRocks]

Yep, that’s how it starts. Where it ends is still a question for me.

[@obieobrien5883]

After getting my first tumbler, a few years ago, I was really disappointed with the directions inside. Then I discovered Robs’ tutorial and I haven’t had any bad results since.

[@MichiganRocks]

The instructions that come with tumblers are unbelievably bad. I think they just don't want to tell their customers that it takes two months or longer to produce polished rocks. I know that's a shock for many people but it sure beats spending three or four weeks and getting disappointing results.

[@adamh9909]

Just got into rock tumbling with my son after Christmas. Your videos have been a great resource for learning. Thank you for posting this new video. Currently tumbling some red jasper we collected locally and hope to pick up a few new tips from this latest video.

[@MichiganRocks]

Jasper should tumble well for you. Have fun with it!

[@Naomi-San]

I just stumbled onto your video and you popped onto my feed after I was looking around for advice. I just bought 2 rock tumblers and I didn’t know where to get anything reliable and bigger than the 3lb ones I ordered. Im excited to get started

[@MichiganRocks]

I have lots of information about rock tumbling here, so I'm glad you found me. If you're looking for a bigger tumbler, I'd check out the Rock Shed and Kingsley North. They're both great businesses. I have links to them in the description of this video. I like Lortone rotary tumblers.

[@ZacharyDossey-tf3wg]

Thanks for showing me a few tricks of the trade rockhound brother. God bless you

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome, Zachary!

[@notinmanitou]

I agree with everyone else, great video. It's great to see you teach. I wish I'd had math teachers like you when I was in school. You do such a great job explaining rock tumbling. I love the different kinds of rocks you did. It's wonderful to see all the pretty rocks at the end. Thanks Rob!

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@sparband]

Beautiful.

[@zack_120]

Mother nature is soo beautiful 👍👍👍

[@silvergirl7810]

You’re amazing- my grandma and I did this together and she would have loved your videos! Thank you for sharing and dedicating your time and efforts- what amazing knowledge you’re bringing to people

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@guloguloguy]

THANKS FOR THIS DEMO/EXPLANATION. HAVE YOU TRIED SOME OF THE OTHER TYPES OF "TUMBLERS? ( THE VIBRATING-BOWL TYPES, ETC.)??!!...HAVE YOU EVER TRIED USING COARSE SAND, AS YOUR INITIAL "GRIT"??!!!

[@MichiganRocks]

I used a vibratory tumbler at the end of this video. Mine doesn't have the donut shaped bowl, but works in a similar way. I did try sand here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJyUdXinrq1rhsU

[@talethamccorkle3976]

Wow! Thank you for teaching all of us newbies!

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome, that's what I'm here for!

[@margaretlynch1494]

🙋‍♀️❤The porcelain jasper is beautiful! All of these rocks are. The tube agate though, wow 🌟🏆🌟warts and all!

[@MichiganRocks]

Those three that weren't quite done all went back in the first stage in the tumbler today. They'll be better next time, although that tube agate was sooo close.

[@savvireads]

Hey Rob, I was looking through your playlists so I could rewatch this video (again), but I couldn't find it. It's not in your Rock Tumblings Tips nor in Learn How To Tumble Rocks. This might be a conscious decision, but if not, you could consider adding it to one of those. Anyway, I'm about to embark on my rock tumbling journey and I'm super super excited!! Your videos have been so helpful in learning about the process. I'm now rewatching a bunch of your videos, so I can make some notes. I want to start of as best as I can as a complete beginner. I'm going to get a small Lortone tumbler for Christmas and I couldn't be more excited! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, insights and enthusiasm!

[@MichiganRocks]

I didn't realize it wasn't in either of those playlists. I'll go fix that right now, thanks for the heads up! Good luck with your new tumbling hobby. Lortone tumblers are good. That was what I started with and I still use all Lortone barrels in my homemade tumbler.

[@israeljuniorrabello3335]

Admirável beleza que ficaram essas rochas! Ótimo trabalho! Obrigado pelo vídeo! São Paulo/Brasil

[@MichiganRocks]

De nada!

[@PSMITHjl]

I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing your tumbling expertise! I especially enjoyed the video on tumbling obsidian. It’s a tricky critter, but so worth the effort! Our club has loads of the stuff, and I want to tumble some for our fundraising events. Hardly anything is prettier than perfectly smooth obsidian tumble stones! (Except for all the other perfectly tumbled stones) ;)

[@MichiganRocks]

They do get nice and shiny. I prefer rocks with more pattern on them. Agates tend to be my favorites, but I can definitely understand obsidian being your favorite.

[@Gantorin]

I know nothing on Rock tumbling, but was very informative and entertaining. Great video... thank you.

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome. This wasn't really intended to be entertaining, it was more for someone who wants to really do this. If I entertained you, that was a bonus.

[@Gantorin]

@@MichiganRocks I tend to watch extended content as I work my job, and this was more entertaining and knowledgeable on a subject I was very curious about. But don't sell yourself short... entertaining for people like myself who tends to watch political stuff or art stuff. Seems like a fun hobby to get into.

[@MichiganRocks]

It's a very fun hobby if it fits your personality. I love that it gets me outside looking for rocks and then I also have something to do with them when I get home. I bought the rocks in this video, but I also tumble my own finds.

[@metalblack4697]

Thanks Rob! 😃👍

[@keithcunningham7925]

I have been doing you method from the beginning and I'm very happy with my polish so thank you so much

[@MichiganRocks]

It is a very reliable method. I'm glad it's working for you too.

[@r.awilliams9815]

Some random notes...my process is essentially the same, lots of time in stage 1 on a 5 day cycle and a vibratory tumbler (Mini-Sonic) to finish. Rinse the stones with hot water and spread them out on an old towel before inspecting them, they'll dry fast and you can see small flaws better. I add an additional stage, I use 1000 grit aluminum oxide before polish. Probably not necessary, but it makes me feel better. I really like Raybrite A polish, it works really well and is relatively inexpensive. Don't bother with cerium oxide polish for tumbling, any benefit over aluminum oxide is minimal and the cost is high. Get used to throwing stones away. Some rocks are just never going to look nice and grit is too expensive to waste on rocks that are just going out to the driveway in the end. Silicified mudstones like the porcelain jasper won't take a high shine like agate or jasper will. Noreena jasper is the same way, it's a beautiful stone but just won't get that really glossy finish in the tumbler. I also endorse both the Rock Shop and Kingsley North, they're great places to do business with.

[@MichiganRocks]

Those are all good tips, thanks for adding them. I emailed Diamond Pacific about two weeks ago and asked them to send me a Mini-Sonic to review since Lot-O tumblers have been shipping with unreliable motors lately. I'd like to be able to recommend an alternative. They haven't responded, so I'm assuming their answer is "no". But in researching possible alternatives, it seemed like a reliable choice. I saw that their instructions included a 1000 stage. I used to do a 1000 stage in my Lot-O, but eliminated it and added a third day in 500 (I used to do two days in 500 and two in 1000). I haven't noticed a difference. A friend of mine mainly uses a Lot-O, but also has a Mini-Sonic. He finds that he has to run each stage about twice as long and uses more grit than in the Lot-O. How do your stages compare to what I did in this video? This is what I do: 2 days in 220 silicon carbide 3 days in 500 aluminum oxide 2 days in aluminum oxide polish

[@r.awilliams9815]

@@MichiganRocks It took ten weeks from order to delivery of my Mini-Sonic in 2021, so I'm not surprised they don't have one for review. Pros-it's quieter than a Lot-O by a considerable amount and there's no need to mount it to a block. It vibrates by magnets, so there's nothing to wear out except the barrel. Cons-Barrel capacity is very limited. It works best with 1.5 pounds of stones and half a pound of ceramic media per load. Any more than that and it won't rotate the load properly. Large stones can also cause problems. My schedule is as follows: 4 teaspoons 120-220 SiC grit for 3 days, 3 teaspoons 500 SiC grit for 2 days, 2 teaspoons 1000 AO grit for 24 hours, half a teaspoon of polish for 24 hours. So, a load finished per week. I have worn out one barrel and am on my second one now after 2 years of continuous use. All in all, it's served well and I'm very happy with the results. I count it money well spent...and I am notoriously tight-fisted.

[@MichiganRocks]

And you're getting similar results to what you saw in this video? If so, I'm impressed that you can get that in a week like I do. My friend spent ten days or so to get similar results. Maybe it's your addition of the 1000 stage. I had heard that their barrels are really durable. They advertise that, and I've heard it elsewhere too. I don't use my Lot-O continuously, but I've never worn through a barrel. I did replace one because it had thinned out a bit and was slipping down in the frame. I could have wedged a piece of cardboard in to keep it from slipping, but I bought a new barrel instead. Two years isn't awful, but it's not as good as a Lot-O. I don't mind waiting for a tumbler but they haven't even responded to my email.

[@r.awilliams9815]

@@MichiganRocks Yes, I think the results I get are about the same as yours, although it can be hard to judge via video and pictures. I should note that I add a cleaning stage after each grit in the Mini, a pinch of grated Ivory soap and let it run for an hour to clean both the stones and the barrel. It's a shame to hear that D-P isn't responding, it's always annoying to be ignored. By the way, some of those bigger Bahia agates are worth cutting on the tile saw. You get some duds of course, but you get some nice ones as well.

[@MichiganRocks]

That's great to hear that you're getting a great shine on your rocks. I think I'll give Diamond Pacific a call tomorrow. I'll try cutting a few Bahia agates. I have a lot more of them that I ordered after starting this video. I'm sure there are a few cutters in there.

[@ChristianCorbo-xo5my]

Rob! Thank you so much for these videos, they're great! I'm about to purchase some grit and torn between 500 Silicon Grit or 500 Aluminum Oxide Grit for my Stage 3 tumble. I'm currently using 3lb canisters...Thanks for your help!

[@MichiganRocks]

You want 500 aluminum oxide. Silicon carbide is great for cutting an grinding. Aluminum oxide is good for polishing. By the 500 stage, you want to start polishing. You might learn something from this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/npS1paenbseGqLs

[@ChristianCorbo-xo5my]

@@MichiganRocks Thanks for the quick reply! Just ordered the last of my grits and ready for the next batches of rocks! Thanks Rob!

[@jneihart2]

Fantastic blog my friend! I too found that the zebra & porcelain didn't take the "wet"... how ever the shine was pleasant. I had order the zebra from "another" lapidary and it had a large amount of undercutting on the dark brown portion of the rock after the final polish.

[@MichiganRocks]

My zebra jasper took a nice shine with no undercutting in the stuff I've finished so far. I wonder if your material is actually something different that looks very similar. The porcelain jasper shine varied a bit from piece to piece. The markings on the stones are so cool that I can overlook the less than perfect polish. Some pieces actually polished pretty well.

[@midimatt]

This is the best tumbling tutorial I've seen! I recommend this video and a few of your others (e.g., Common Mistakes; Rocks to Avoid; Rotary Tumbling tutorial) often. I have used your method exclusively (4 tumbles now), and I am very happy with the results. I am wondering - Following the polish step, you say that you have the rocks washed up and dried. Is your washing process after the polishing stage the same as the washing process following the previous stages (i.e., dish soap with water for 15 minutes > rinse > 1 Tbsp borax with water for an hour > rinse)? Or do you do anything differently for that final washing?

[@MichiganRocks]

If I do any washing, it's the same as between stages. Oftentimes, I just give them a rinse in a colander.

[@danielhanawalt4998]

An interesting and fascinating hobby. I just got a rock tumbler. Used. The label said something about overheating. I noticed it getting pretty warm so I don't let it run long. At the rate I'm going, I might have some really nice rocks...eventually. Interesting that rocks might spend decades in a stream or river bed and still never get the polished shine.

[@MichiganRocks]

I have had tumblers running in my basement pretty much nonstop since about 2012. I haven't seen one with an overheating warning. My Lortone tumblers' motors got hot, but that's normal for them. Now I run a big homemade tumbler and the 1/4 hp motor on that also gets hot, but that's how it's supposed to be.

[@danielhanawalt4998]

@@MichiganRocks I'm probably being overly cautious. Also, I not doing it right. I see that from your video. I'm just getting into rock tumbling. I didn't realize how long it takes to get the results I want. I don't mind a few slight imperfections. Back in the day when I did paint and body work, I strived at perfection. I've come to where I accept a little imperfection, but not a lot.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@danielhanawalt4998 I go a little overboard tumbling all the flaws out. You sure don't have to do It the way I do.

[@danielhanawalt4998]

@@MichiganRocks I've had a tendency to go overboard trying for perfection. That's what makes the best things. It's taking pride in ones work. We can take that a bit too far. Rocks are fascinating and deserve the attention. I think many rocks are prettier than gold or diamonds.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@danielhanawalt4998 Definitely prettier than diamonds, but I do like gold. I have panned a little here in Michigan where the gold is almost microscopic, but it's still fun to find.

[@user-dx6in7lu4q]

So I am catching up with your videos. needed to watch the Vibratory Tumbler part of this..there's more to a story you'll hear later. It was nice you put a couple "rough" rocks in your batch for those of us who want some character in our rocks. I'm beginning to appreciate your long beginning towards perfection however. M.T.

[@MichiganRocks]

I need to do a video where I do the whole batch in a more natural way. I think a lot of people would enjoy that.

[@dgrove02bakeredu]

Thanks Rob! I’ve finally been able to master polishing rocks from you. Petosky is the only one that I still can’t get a clear shine. I only have a rotary.

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm working on getting a video out on rotary tumbling Petoskeys. It might be awhile because I'm trying to do it with a friend who lives four hours away.

[@dholakpurarrior]

yaaaayyyyy i'm you're naya subscriber from india ❣❣❣ i'm zoooooooo glad i discovered you're channel .... i already looked you're videoz more than 30 and still enjoying it 😍😍

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@mattdunfee4485]

As you have read below, you are stellar at what you do, Rob. Many, many thanks from those of us looking to find the best info we can. I think yours is the best. One question on your stage 1 process; if I don't have any more rocks to add to the barrel as I take out the ones that are done, what should I add instead to keep the barrel full? Ceramic media?

[@MichiganRocks]

You could buy more rocks for the price of ceramic media. I'd do that rather than wear down your ceramics.

[@mattdunfee4485]

Thank you so much!

[@tulazaz]

I just finished two one week sessions. Most of my rocks have cracks and crevices still. The stuck grit was hard to remove. Right now I’m doing an over night with Borax. Guess I’ll be doing another week or two or three before moving on. Think I’ll also throw in some little rocks so hopefully they’ll get to those holes and cracks better.

[@MichiganRocks]

I like my rocks to be as perfect as possible, so I often end up running them for many weeks in the first stage. As I showed here, I take out rocks as they get done and add more in each week. There's no need to clean them well until you're ready to move them to the next stage. If you're just going to run the first stage again, then you don't have to clean them much at all. I sometimes use dirty water from the last stage to fill the barrel.

[@jmsdvs5]

This video was great. I had to share in a beginner lapidary group I’m in on Facebook. I really enjoy these videos.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks for sharing it. These kinds of videos take a long time to make, so it's nice if more people get to see them.

[@jeansmith872]

Always love rocks.

[@MichiganRocks]

Me too!

[@jeffholmes1362]

Nice Rob, a great mix of rocks, sorry to all the near enough guys out there, I like those smooth and shiny stones, no pits, no cracks and lots of colour

[@MichiganRocks]

There are definitely two types of people out there, and I'm firmly in the super smooth camp.

[@poly_hexamethyl]

Great enjoyable and educational video. Thanks for making it entertaining and so much fun to learn how to tumble rocks! After watching your video I ordered a Lortone 12 lb. tumbler and some rocks and grit and can't wait to get started!

[@MichiganRocks]

Wow, skipping the little tumblers and jumping right to a big one! That's the way to do it. I think you'll have fun. Let me know if you have questions along the way.

[@jenniferdougherty2830]

It probably is tree agate. I ordered Montana moss agate from the rock shed and have a few pieces of pet wood in mine. I don’t think it’s intentional but it’s always a nice surprise to find a different rock!

[@MichiganRocks]

No complaints from me, but I think you're right. I do think this mix just includes some tree agate. The Rock Shed's green tree agate is from India and so is the fancy jasper, so it makes sense.

[@markweiser-yb9mu]

Good morning , thank you for responding , we are new at rock tumbling. We do not know what agates are. We went to Gem mountain in north Carolina and mined amethyst, quartz, ruby,aquamarine, garnet,citrine and Tourmaline. We do not know what are hard or soft. Can you please give us a hand......thank you Mark and Sueann Weiser.

[@MichiganRocks]

The Bahia agates in this video is one example of an agate. Agates are microcrystalline quartz, usually having bands. Amethyst and citrine are also types of quartz, but are much larger crystals. Those you can tumble for sure. I have not tumbled most of the other things you listed. Rubies are very hard and I imagine would be difficult to tumble for that reason. Garnets might be challenging depending on what type they are. www.geologypage.com/2016/04/mohs-hardness-scale.html

[@johnmorrow-pq4rn]

Thank you VERY much for all the time to make this video. This explained so many things for me! ALL THE BEST

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome!

[@recoveryrocksMN]

Awesome content

[@SherryAustinMcginley]

I enjoy these videos so much. But then again, I like them all.

[@MichiganRocks]

I like people who are easy to please!

[@salliemorrill2671]

Was surprised you made a long vid. Loved the Fancy Jasper & Brazilian agates. Really enjoyed it all. Great instructional vid. Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@MichiganRocks]

I have made several long tumbling videos in the past. This one is sort of a replacement for one I did when I first started making videos. I wanted to make something with less echoey sound and better camera work.

[@mattw_1979]

Thank's a lot Rob Appreciate all you share with the community.

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome, Matt.

[@lisawells1064]

I have to invest in this equipment! Very nice, informative, and fun video Rob! Thank you!!!

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome, Lisa.

[@lisapfeiffer2266]

Your work is beautiful. I'm so glad I found you. I'm looking forward to your tutorials. On another note,. Covid gave me sleeping sickness. I never know what day it will be when I cannot keep my eyes open and the safest place for me is back to bed. Yay covid.

[@lisapfeiffer2266]

Sorry folks, that comment is for a jewelry channel.☺️

[@MichiganRocks]

Do you want me to delete it? I'm sorry about your sleeping sickness. That sounds awful.

[@donnadigsjersey2936]

Thanks again Rob. I still haven’t gotten up to the mine here in NWNJ for the fluorescent ….

[@MichiganRocks]

I think that would be a really fun hunt.

[@patriciamckean4186]

Nice show and tell...and love the rock tumbling info. Don't have a vibratory. I bought a (metal) one and it cracked. Lesson learned 😢

[@MichiganRocks]

I think a lot of people make that mistake. The ones made for metal won't hold up to rocks.

[@sreihart]

Wow! I've watched this through twice and on the second view I took detailed notes. One question. How long do you polish with a rotary tumbler? Thank you Rob for such a detailed and amazing video! Hope to make it to your neck of the woods next year for some rock hounding.

[@MichiganRocks]

I finish almost all of my rocks in a vibratory tumbler, but when I do use a rotary, I do the polish stage for two weeks.

[@user-qw3ei6ik7x]

Hey Rob I love your channel, but I find the tutorial-style videos to be the best. My new vibratory tumbler just came in to compliment by rotary. II can't wait to use this method this spring!

[@MichiganRocks]

Good luck with it. I hope it produces many shiny rocks for you.

[@matttaylor4059]

Great videos Rob

[@areneesouder]

I've always loved rocks/stones! My family had a nice size Monument Company for years, and I loved going there, and working there when I was 13,my first real job. Unfortunately it burnt down before I turned 15. Two huge sandblasters in the basement, and a grandfather who drank a lot and smoked cigars, and had let the insurance lapse because it was so expensive with the blasters. My father would bring home pieces of all kinds of marble and granite, mostly, from all over the world too. My passion just grew and extended, I call myself a geodephile. Hahaha. I'm still terrible remembering so many names, recognizing them, etc, just never been good with names, can't remember, like my father, and all my other interests keep me pretty occupied, so that doesn't help with the memory. Hahaha. I've wanted to get a tumbler and learn to do my own. Yes, I can't help but pick up random rocks, and I'd love to do more with them. I've got to check out more of your information. Thanks, they're beautiful! 💜👍✌️

[@MichiganRocks]

We hired a local headstone company to sandblast our address into a big boulder in our yard. I'm really glad that we made that decision. I'm not great with rock names either, but I sure love looking at them. Tumbling is a really fun hobby. If you have an interest, which it seems like you do, I'd go for it.

[@JeffWeymier]

Beautiful work Rob. I need to make an adjustment on my 3rd step. Tumble them a bit long

[@MichiganRocks]

Too long shouldn't hurt anything, but you might save some time by doing them for a shorter time. Are you using a Lot-O or another vibratory tumbler? Other tumblers might take longer, I'm not sure.

[@JeffWeymier]

@@MichiganRocks I'm using 2 Leegol rock tumblers that have 2 3lb barrels each. 4 going at one time. They are exactly like the Loritone dual 3lb tumblers. I've been having pretty good results. I saw this last video and you said you may leave step 3 going for a bit longer in a rotary tumbler so I may experiment with that a bit. Thank you for all you do to help and teach those who are fairly new to the hobby. My goal is to get a vibratory tumbler some day but you can't find them anywhere.

[@JeffWeymier]

@@MichiganRocks I meant to say in my first comment was "Tumbling them a bit longer"

[@MichiganRocks]

Oh, I thought you were using a vibratory tumbler. In a Lortone, I do a week with 220 silicon carbide, 10 days with 500 aluminum oxide, then two weeks with aluminum oxide polish from either Kingsley North or the Rock Shed. I use ceramic media too. That might be overkill, but my rocks turn out shiny that way. Your tumbler is exactly the same as the Harbor Freight tumbler, other than the color. Lortone tumblers are much higher quality, but are a similar design. I'm not sure how fast yours turns compared to a Lortone.

[@ThatBigRedBear]

My 3 year old son goes to the playground and spends the whole time looking for rocks, lol. I'm looking at beginner tumblers for him. Also a lifelong Michigander here!

[@MichiganRocks]

Take a look at Lortone tumblers. The 3A or 33B are nice tumblers. I started with the 33B and I'm happy with my decision. The Rock Shed and Kingsley North both sell them at reasonable prices. There are links to both places in the description of this video.

[@ThatBigRedBear]

@@MichiganRocks thanks for the reply, I'll take a look!

[@janetmarcos5546]

Thank you so much for your vedio i love also to collect rock but i dont know how to clean it.Thank so much

[@trouttruffle1309]

Excellent video! Great pointers. Thanks Rob for taking the time!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks!

[@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery]

Thanks brother.

[@LastPsalms]

Thanks! I needed this... now I know why I was getting so wet lol... wrong side of the blade lol!

[@reiki11]

Rob, noted at about 33:00 your KZbin plaque has appeared! 🎉 Congratulations!!!

[@MichiganRocks]

Yep, it's proudly displayed in the basement. Did you see the video of it getting hung down there? If not, I think you'd enjoy it. It was the most fun video I've done in a long time. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJLUpp2jeb5maM0

[@mattnelson8993]

Your videos are very informative. I've sharpened up my tumbling skills thanks to you. I also noticed your pretty sweet tumbler. Could you possibly male a video on your tumbler and how to make one just like that?

[@MichiganRocks]

I have a couple videos about my tumbler. I built it, but a friend of mine designed it. He asked me not to share his plans, so I won't. The videos should give you a good idea of how it works though. Homemade Tumbler: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKKslH5oj9Sbfa8 Tumbler Update: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnKwgHaZZ6eBgK8

[@markweiser-yb9mu]

Hello , my wife and I enjoy your videos , just have one question , can you put semi precious stones in a tumbler

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm not sure what you consider a semi-precious stone. I think that could refer to a lot of things. Agates would probably fall under that category, and most agates are excellent for tumbling. I can imagine that there are other rocks that are considered semi-precious that would not be great for tumbling.

[@SB-vf7vq]

At 36° in all your rocks almost took a tumble. (Pun intended.) Thank you for many entertaining, educational, informative videos.

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome!