National Geographic Tumbler Reviewed by Experienced Rock Tumbler

[@dancrites453]

Nat Geo should hire you to rewrite their instructions so people can do it right the 1st time. Can't imagine the disappointment out there. Great video. Can't wait to see the "how you should do it" video. Thanks.

[@MichiganRocks]

You'll have to wait for a while. I just started it today.

[@dancrites453]

@@MichiganRocks No worries. Fortunately, I have lots of time... :)

[@droyal18able]

Yes the instructions are not the best. I got it a few years ago. Fortunately i am not new at this.

[@colinantink9094]

I could use some tips! Been trying everything and still can’t get any polished results. Months and months urgh! I cleaned the grit between each cycle. Use distilled water. Added extra days to the cycles. Do a burnishing step. Use some poly pellets. Don’t overfill it. Pull small chips and sharp chunks out. I don’t mix minerals in each cycle. And STILL nothing comes out polished! At my wits end here. Help!

[@aventadorCH]

@@colinantink9094 but you do use a different an higher polish like he said here?

[@cory8526]

My son just got a rock tumbler, this is the exact one he got. We already started it as the instructions said to. I'm so happy to have found your channel and this video so I can do better for us next time.

[@MichiganRocks]

Be sure to watch the follow up. I got pretty good results by not following the directions. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@float32]

@@MichiganRockshey I tried to buy this from you Amazon store, but it’s not there. You’re missing out! Add the platinum too!

[@MichiganRocks]

@@float32 I do have the one I reviewed in my storefront. If you end up buying a different model, I still get a commission. I appreciate you using my links. Thanks!

[@jetsgo66]

I use the hobby version of this. It’s ran constantly for almost a year. Got shiny rocks first try, with the help of your tumbling tips of course. Also used different grits

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm working on a second video now showing how to use different methods to get a good polish. I'm glad you were able to use what I taught you to get a good shine on your rocks.

[@virginiarocks]

I use this sometimes, the hobby version, with the tips and grit recommendations from Rob. Usually when I have a very small batch for polish. No foam polish cubes. I use plastic pellets and then burnish with soap or borax.

[@papapapa6876]

رجاءً هل يمكنك ان تفسير لي انواع المواد الكيميائية التي تضيفها الى الاحجار لصقلها. شكرا.

[@ronnas4592]

I bought it and this vid came up and I’m hoping it turns out good ( I got the hobby version btw)

[@AlphaFemmeXtine]

we found one of these machines at the thrift store for $10 and it was missing the cord. Luckily, we had one that worked and our first batch is tumbling right now. My daughter had a bunch of raw stones from gem mining and we are excited to see them in a few days.

[@jlindsey2000]

Thanks!

[@MichiganRocks]

Wow! Thanks, Judy. I would have thanked you sooner, but I was at an amusement park all day yesterday with my daughter and son in law and drove back from their house today. Thanks again for the tip!

[@doreencrespo7133]

I feel blessed that my husband and son already had tumblers for reloading so when I received my tumbler for Christmas they didn’t start me out with a hobby set. Just a note. I had to move our first completed tumbled rocks off the counter because they were so shiny I thought they were a dish of candy sitting there! They turned out so pretty! 😉

[@MichiganRocks]

I have a batch of small carnelians and another batch of apache tears that I'm afraid to put out for the same reason. Mixed together, they look like Halloween jelly beans. kzbin.info/www/bejne/poLUkGeVo5mNhKs

[@sergeboivin566]

I know how you feel! I have a few "caramels" in my rock dish that are so tempting :-)

[@MichiganRocks]

@@sergeboivin566 Mmmm...caramel

[@yaimamartinez9576]

Great review, very detailed. I look forward to see how the rocks would look like with your choice of polish and tips.

[@MichiganRocks]

I just started a new batch tonight. Hopefully it works well. I'm pretty confident it will.

[@olmilfishrock]

Just recently found your channel. I hav picked up rocks my whole life . I am now 57 . I have been thinking about trying to polish sum . Watching you gives me the confidence and information to try . Thanks for the great videos!!!

[@MichiganRocks]

It's not that hard. Find someone who knows what they're doing and do exactly what they do. I had good luck right off the bat by doing that.

[@mgrey1602]

Rob, great info! How many kids were set up for failure because of poor grits? Shame on Nat Geo! Hope your message reaches some of them! You're a Star!

[@MichiganRocks]

My next video will be showing how to use this machine properly. I just started it, so it will be a while before it's done.

[@surrapu9963]

Me

[@sharonnahwegahbow5606]

not only kids, I'm 63 and this is my first try and I am not happy at all.

[@johnnyjxdthegod2655]

I am 14 now, i own a dremel and bench grinder for rocks and stuff, but my first polishing method was a nat geo tumbler and the stones did not turn out well

[@adriannacostello3873]

Rob, great video, information, and advice for a novice (me) looking to start tumbling my Lake Superior rocks. I appreciate your honesty about how some videos made by other people keep the rocks wet at the end of the process so they look shiny, even if they aren't necessarily so. Being new to the hobby, I would not have considered that, and I would probably be frustrated when my rocks didn't turn out the same way. Anyway, I really enjoy your videos, because I'm really learning a lot which is helpful in saving time, money, and frustration. So keep 'em coming, and thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome, Adrianna. Be sure to check out the Lortone tumblers. My first tumbler was a Lortone 33B and I think it was a great choice. They've been hard to get for the past couple of years, but at the Rock Shed, there's a button or something that you can click to get a notification when something comes back in stock. Or send an email to Kingsley North and ask them to hold one for you. There are links to these two places in the descriptions of my videos. They're both great businesses.

[@Chris65018]

awesome job with the review. Don't know if you enjoyed doing it but WE would love to see more of this. Your opinion and credentials carry a lot of weight. Thanks again, Chris & Lisa.

[@MichiganRocks]

I have a hard time talking and smiling at the same time. I wish I was better at that. Between that and my big eyebrows, I think I look angry in my videos. I enjoy making videos, but the inside ones do take a lot of work. I probably spent an hour and a half just trying to spit out that last segment with the pros and cons. I tend to get nervous and stumble over my words, so there are many retakes. I'm glad I don't have a camera man because he or she would probably throw something at me after the first five takes.

[@cabruthie8077]

@@MichiganRocks You don't have to talk and smile at the same time to be both credible and likeable. 😊 My 8-year-old son and I enjoyed watching this video very much, and will hope to learn more from your channel. He is very keen on the idea of rock tumbling.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@cabruthie8077 I got started through my son. He was always attracted to polished rocks in gift shops, so we bought him a tumbler for Christmas one year. He lost interest after a couple years, but I sure haven't. He still likes rocks though. He came over and took a bunch of tumbled rocks to decorate his apartment the other day.

[@lisavillanova3836]

Thanks again Rob for sharing you time, talent, and knowledge with all of us. 👍

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome, Lisa!

[@gongawoo]

I love your videos. I've always liked rocks since I was a kid but I finally got into polishing after watching your videos back in November. I just finished my first batch after a ton of trial and error and it was very rewarding to finally see the fruits of my labor. Thank you for making these videos and sharing your knowledge.

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome, I'm glad I could help.

[@wyomingadventures]

Thanks for doing these kind of videos. Very helpful to beginners. I have learned so much from your videos. I'm going with the tumbler you use. Your rocks are always super shiny!

[@MichiganRocks]

I use a huge homemade tumbler, but I used Lortone tumblers before that. I still use Lortone barrels. I hope this video and the next one I'm working on help some people. I really didn't need another tumbler.

[@jimjob28]

Got one of these for my daughter for Christmas. For all the more she has used it, it's been fine. A good choice for someone who is unsure how involved they want to be in the hobby. Good info about the polish quality.

[@MichiganRocks]

I paid $90 for this on Amazon. I'm a Prime member, so I had already paid for shipping. For $94 (plus shipping) you can buy a Lortone 3A from The Rock Shed. I think that is a much better tumbler. It doesn't come with grit or rocks, but by the time I got done with the included materials in the Nat. Geo. kit, I didn't have many rocks either. For $130 you can get a Lortone 33B that has twice the tumbling capacity. I don't think this tumbler is a horrible choice, but I think a small Lortone is a better choice.

[@stephi7260]

I got this tumbler for Christmas, and despite messing up quite a bit, I’m very happy with it so far! The quality of the rocks you get has gone up a ton! I got a super good agate, so I’m happy no matter how they come out haha! I’m glad I found this video, I love rocks so it’s awesome to know how u can use my resources to make them as pretty as possible!

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad they're including better rocks. Make sure you watch this video where I got some really shiny rocks out of this tumbler. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@tommycrenshaw6038]

My son got one of these for Christmas a few years back and was so excited, we followed their directions and all we got was matte rocks. He instantly lost interest. I found this video a little over a year ago and ordered some different grits and such, and re-ran the rocks following this video. Works perfect. Now I have a homemade tumbler station, 10 barrels, a lot of rocks, and just finally received a twin barrel Lot-O that I'm getting used to after watching your vid on setting one of those up. Thanks for all the vids, both helpful ones like these, and the ones of you finding cool rocks and things all over the place. I'm in central FL, so not much cool rock hounding here, I just have to watch your videos and get excited with you, haha

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm really glad I could help you out. It's a shame they don't send you decent grit and instructions with that tumbler. The tumbler is not great, but it will polish rocks if used properly.

[@tommycrenshaw6038]

@@MichiganRocks Yeah, I used it on it's base for months, until I built my own tumbler station with a motor and rollers for all my barrels, it did the job just fine, but the stuff they send with it just doesn't do it.

[@sparband]

It’s almost like they didn’t even test it out before putting it on the market. It seems the problem is more with the lack of grit and the lack of polish than the actual tumbler.

[@MichiganRocks]

Exactly. I have never seen directions for a tumbler that actually tell you how long it takes to get a really good polish. I think the manufacturers are afraid that if people find out it takes months rather than weeks to get really nice rocks, then they won't buy a tumbler.

[@lindsayalarie9845]

I was gifted this tumbler about a year ago. I came across your channel because I wasn't impressed with my results the first time around. I've learned so. much. from you in the past year and have purchased other grits and followed your tips accordingly. My results are significantly better now. Looking forward to seeing your results in the future where you properly used it on this machine. Cheers!

[@MichiganRocks]

The next batch is underway, but it's going to be a while.

[@angef9687]

Thank you for the very detailed review Rob! Your video was very informative and honest. My hubby and I were originally looking at getting this tumbler for our kids but after watching this video, we have decided to save a bit more and buy a lortone double barrel. Thank you for sharing another great video

[@MichiganRocks]

Look at The Rock Shed. Lortones have been in short supply, but if they have any in stock, they usually have the best prices. www.rockshed.com/product-category/rock-tumblers-supplies/rock-tumblers/rotary-rock-tumblers/

[@angef9687]

Thank you Rob

[@MichiganRocks]

NEWS FLASH! I now have a second video showing exactly how to use this tumbler to get great results. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@pinkfrog8686]

I watched part of the video last night and wanted to finish it today and it’s gone?

[@MichiganRocks]

@@pinkfrog8686 I left out an important section in the video and had to redo it. I've been working on it all day. It's uploaded now, and I'm waiting for KZbin to process it. It will be ready later tonight. I'm sorry to make you wait.

[@10kLakesRockhounding]

Once again, thank you for the video that everyone needed exactly at the right time.

[@MichiganRocks]

Several years ago might have been a better time, but better late than never.

[@calvinbass1839]

Thank you for the time you put into this review. Have a blessed day.

[@virginiarocks]

I like the tumbler dancing across the floor. I have used the hobby version with recommendations from you and MeMiner. Works fine, just generally too small. I put mine inside of a kitty litter pan (no kitty litter, no kitty leavings).

[@MichiganRocks]

I thought a sped up video of it moving might be fun, and it was!

[@tnov4212]

Thanks!

[@MichiganRocks]

Hey, thanks a lot! Don't miss the follow up where I show how to use it successfully. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@davidhile5363]

Thanks for doing this review. For me the biggest drawback to this machine is the lack of capacity and the single barrel. The 3 speeds might be advantageous to those who tumble things other than rocks. I recently tumbled a batch of coins that had been in a house fire. Not wanting to damage the coins or knowing how to go about it, I first tumbled them in prepolish. They came out with a frosty looking finish and I thought I had ruined them. Then I tumbled them in borax and they came out fantastic. Like you said the lack of good instructions and the use of silicon carbide in the last 2 stages was probably why the rocks didn’t acquire a reasonable shine. Probably running the machine on one of those gardening kneeling pads or a scrap of carpet would probably stop the machine from dancing around. Thanks for doing an objective review !!!

[@MichiganRocks]

National Geographic isn't the only company to supply bad instructions, they all do that. They make it sound like you can get a great polish in a very short time, but that's not usually the case. But the instructions combined with bad polish makes it almost impossible for a beginner to figure out what the problem is unless someone tells them.

[@karenpacker8862]

Awesome review. This is why we follow your tumbling instructions and not our tumblers ! Thank you as always.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Karen!

[@zeichner42]

Thanks especially for the info on the included grits. I bought this tumbler for Christmas & just started using it in March. There are two versions of the Nat. Geo. Pro kit. The one you have is apparently the Pro3, which comes with a 2 lb. barrel & one pound of rocks. The version I bought has a blue base, with a 3 lb. barrel & 3 lbs. of rocks (sells for $20 more.) Both versions (as well as the hobby version) appear to have the same four packets of grit. I knew enough to use ceramic media to fill the barrel, so my first run looked really good. I really like that the higher speed rounded everything quickly, even with the small amount of supplied grit. The subsequent runs didn't really seem to make the rocks any smoother & I think part of the problem is the insufficient amount of grit. I should also have added more media to the subsequent runs. I split the difference with grits 3 & 4, running each for 5 days at the slow speed & we'll see how that goes. I plan to do a polish tumble using your recipe of 3 Tablespoons of aluminum oxide polish & enough extra media to fill the barrel 2/3 full. In future, I will be purchasing an additional tumbler (Thumler AR-2) specifically for tumbling the later stages, because I think the slower speed will be beneficial, & I'll keep the Nat. Geo tumbler for early stages (to take advantage of the faster speeds.)

[@MichiganRocks]

Adding the ceramic media is a really good idea. I'd also do multiple runs of the first stage to produce enough rocks to fill the barrel more for the later stages. There's not much point in polishing more ceramics than rocks. I have a Thumler AR-2 and I don't really like it. I have had the barrels come off the base, and have had the barrels leak on multiple occasions. The lids wear out in about four months and leak when they do. Sometimes the lids fall off. I prefer the Lortone 33B. I have never had one of those barrels leak. The rubber lid gasket has to be replaced once every couple years. When one wears out, it still doesn't leak, it just gets slurry between the rubber and the metal of the inner lid. The barrel and lid design are the same as the Nat. Geo. tumbler.

[@thejessing9911]

The thing about the timer button is that it allows you to leave a batch running while you’re gone somewhere and you don’t have to worry about turning it off on time because it does it automatically. I personally find it useful.

[@MichiganRocks]

If I'm just gone for a weekend, I always leave the tumblers running. I don't mind if they go extra long. I'm glad you find it useful, though. A couple other people have commented that they like it too.

[@juliemaffioli3103]

ive never done rock tumbling and just bought the exact tumbler so this video was very easy to understand and now im ready to try my new tumbler confidently thanks

[@MichiganRocks]

Did you watch the follow up where I actually succeeded in getting some good tumbled rocks out of it? If not, I highly recommend you watch it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE I have another one with this tumbler in the works. It should be out in about 2-3 weeks.

[@DallasVaper]

Great video and review. I would be concerned with the integrity of that thin little power cord over time especially with the machine walking around while running. Love seeing your rock hunts and tumbling results, you are the tumble master 😊.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Dallas. I hope I can master this machine. The next batch is rolling now, so we'll see.

[@timothyingram2660]

On a whim I purchased one of these Nat Geo tumblers. It has taken me 45 years to get a tumbler and had a feed come up on line and I thought why not. I myself followed directions to a T. and I got not so shiny rocks. But what it did do was get me into a very fun adventurous hobby. It did not disappoint me just got me excited to learn more about it and learn more about my state (WI) and where to hunt for rocks. . Now I am excited to do bike trips hunting for rocks and polishing them. Thanks for all your previous videos they have been very informative and helpful. Now I am collecting tumblers Woot!

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad you didn't get discouraged. It really is a nice hobby. I like that it gets me outside and then I still have something to do with my finds when I get home.

[@rickhall1393]

Great video. I wish more were this well done. This was my first tumbler, bought last spring [2020]. It came with 3 bags of rocks, each a pound, and two of the bags had an amethyst. That yours had only one bag of rocks seems to be an anomaly. The vendors ads all say 3 pounds of rocks too. The bug bit hard and now I have 6 tumblers, of which I like the Lortones best.

[@MichiganRocks]

Mine was only advertised to have one pound of rocks. They sell a large capacity tumbler that comes with more rocks. Maybe you have that one.

[@rickhall1393]

@@MichiganRocks It is the 3 pound model, looks just like the one in your video. Maybe they adjusted the package based on feedback? All 3 pounds would have been a bit too much to put in the barrel. Thanks again for the great vids.

[@rickhall1393]

@@MichiganRocks Following up, it does say 'extra large capacity' on the order, but it rather looks the same except for the different quantity of rocks. By the way I especially enjoyed the see-thru caps you used in that other video comparing tumbler speeds. That was great!

[@MichiganRocks]

@@rickhall1393 I think the barrel is a three pound barrel instead of a two pound barrel.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@rickhall1393 My barrel is a two pound barrel.

[@adamschaafsma5839]

Thanks a lot I was considering getting this tumbler because my kids like collecting rocks whenever we go hiking and I thought a fun next step would be tumbling to polish some up and see what we get. I had a plastic tumbler 25 years ago when I was a kid and so I didn't remember anything about tumbling. I really appreciate the advice and I'll be watching more of your videos for sure!

[@MichiganRocks]

I really prefer Lortone tumblers. There are two links in the description of this video to good places to buy them. You can't buy Lortone tumblers on Amazon.

[@donnalantz7981]

Very detailed review. I did some research before buying my tumblers on line and even before I saw your videos I loved the Lortone tumblers. I do have 2 cheaper rotary tumblers I started with but sadly they have already stopped working. And I cant find replacement motors for them. I always recommend the Lortone tumblers to anyone looking for a good quality tumbler. And I have found their grit to be better then others I have bought. I would like to know what grits you use and where you buy it from. That is if you don't mind sharing. I love the way your rocks turn out. Mine are close but I think I am rushing them. Thanks for a great video. Cant wait for then next one.

[@MichiganRocks]

I use grits from The Rock Shed. I have always had very good luck with them, so I haven't tried anything else. therockshed.com/grit.html

[@donnalantz7981]

@@MichiganRocks , I did order some from them recently. Once I get my shop all set up I will order more from them again. I hadn't tried theirs before and I know a couple of they rockhounds I watch on here use them. Thanks for sharing.

[@sharonnahwegahbow5606]

@@MichiganRocks when hubby was watching another of your shows you mentioned Kingsway Grit. do you still use them?

[@MichiganRocks]

@@sharonnahwegahbow5606 I think you mean Kingsley North. I use grit from there and from the Rock Shed. Both place sell quality grit, and yes, I still use grit from both places. There are links in the description.

[@mort902]

Really appreciate this video. Just received a Nat Geo Explorer Series Tumbler for Christmas. This is my first ever tumbler. Great video for a newbie.

[@MichiganRocks]

Be sure to watch the follow up to this video. I'll show you how to get a good shine from this tumbler. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@sergeboivin566]

Great review, Thanks! You are right that with proper grit this tumbler can achieve very good results. I got some very good results with petrified wood and better polish. I am now re-polishing my first batch (originally done with their polish) with better AO polish and I am confident I will get a good shine. Now that I added a Lortone tumbler to my setup, I will probably continue to use this tumlber for my stage 1 coarse tumbling of hard stones as a "feeder" for the other stages in the Lortone. It has a very good barrell so it would be a shame not to continue using it,

[@MichiganRocks]

If I had this one and a Lortone as my only two tumblers I would use it just as you described. I have a Lot-O vibratory tumbler, so I use my rotary barrels to run the first stage to feed that.

[@nighredemption]

Hey, Rob. I just found your channel after doing some searches. Subbed!! I just started getting into rock tumbling as a new hobby of mine. I went out and bought my first tumbler at a local Hobby Lobby store. I had the exact same issue. Absolutely no shine. I even went out and bought a second batch and tried again. So, two whole months with unpolished stones. It was frustrating and from watching this video I understand now. Thanks. Great help!!!!!!!!!!

[@MichiganRocks]

I’m still working on my video showing how to use this thing properly. I am tumbling much harder rocks, so it’s taking awhile. I think I’ll move the batch to the second stage tomorrow. Stay tuned for a second video! Thanks for subbing!

[@jonathanyoung7785]

I will be interested to see how you like it when you run it properly. Filled about 2/3 full with enough smalls (or ceramic media) I don't think it beats up the rocks anymore than my big tumblers, even on speed 3. Maybe less. I tumbled yellow opal in it with no more cracks than other tumblers, and that material is soft and full of internal fractures. The soft-ish rubber barrel helps, as does extra water. If you want to understand the charm of this tumbler, fill it 2/3 with some hard rocks, add 3 tbs of 60/90, speed 3, and check in 3 days. The grit will be totally broken down. Regarding the motor's power, I've never gotten the E message except when the motor died. And I have overfilled it. The motor will not last 2 years if run 24/7/365. But how many people who buy this tumbler will do that? Few, I suspect. I got about 1.4 years out of the motor running it 24/7. Most people will either abandon the hobby or get a bigger tumbler before they log those kind of hours. And when it dies, you get a new one, and you can fix the old one for about $10 and 20 minutes of time with an Ebay motor. (The timer stopped working when I replaced the motor... so sad). Two final points: my original barrel is still going strong after 2 years, mostly with 36 or 46/70 grit. And actual power consumption is only around 8.5w. On a pounds tumbled per watt basis, it is about twice as efficient as my large Thumbler's and Covington tumblers, and about four times as efficient as the loathsome Harbor Freight model. Given that it is twice a fast as the Thumbler's in coarse grind, it is actually about 4 times as efficient.

[@sergeboivin566]

I got the "E" error a few times. It's not really overfilling that caused it but rather a few of the rocks were too big. Overall, I like it and will continue to use it, but probaly exclusively for stage 1 coarse grinds, then move to my Lortone.

[@MichiganRocks]

I just started my first load using my own methods last night. I'm making a video and have already stated in the new video that I'm going to check after four days since the barrels turns so fast. I have already been really impressed with how fast this thing grinds rocks. The barrel is solid. It looks every bit as good as the Lortone barrels. The thing I'm most concerned about is the speed damaging the rocks. I know you said that it doesn't damage them, so that's encouraging. Have you ever gotten little crescent shaped marks on your tumbled rocks? Botswana agates seem to be the worst for this. I have never been able to figure out what stage they get dinged up in. They are not visible until the rocks are done and really shiny. I finish most of my rocks in a Lot-O, so they might be getting damaged there, or it might happen in my rotaries. My concern is that if this National Geographic tumbler is turning so fast, that there might be more of that type of damage.

[@jonathanyoung7785]

@@MichiganRocks Late reply here, Rob. Sorry about that. I have only gotten a lot of those crescent shaped dings when I was tuning the Lot-O and I juiced it up too much. In my experience, I am pretty sure that it was the Lot-O that has caused those dings, when tuned too aggressively, allowed to dry out (cap has popped off even with rubber bands on occasion), or when tumbling obsidian without enough ceramics. I am not certain that faster = harder impacts. Consider this: if spun fast enough, centrifugal force within the barrel would hold the rocks tightly against the walls of the barrel; they would not tumble. Spun slowly, rocks cascade down like a cresting wave, the way my big, slow Thumblers model B seems to works. Perhaps the Nat Geo operates between those two extremes. It spins fast enough to produce meaningful centrifugal force, which may actually soften impacts a bit since it is a force pulling the rocks towards the barrel walls, in opposition to gravity. (Centrifugal force and gravity are not really in opposition, but rather, they interact in a more complicated way that might have something to do with vectors? You're the math guy, not me.). Supporting my theory is how the Nat Geo sounds when tumbling on speed 3. It is chaotic, slushing-around sound, as opposed to the cascading sound in large slow barrels. It would be interesting to find a transparent plastic bottle that fits on the Nat Geo base and to test my theory. I'll rummage through our recycling bin and see if I find one.

[@jonathanyoung7785]

​ @Michigan Rocks And to really blow your mind, consider what is known as a centrifugal tumbler... where a rotary tumbler is attached to the end of a rotating arm, such that the barrel sits perpendicular to the arm. Rocks tumbled this way would grind extremely fast but with almost no rock-to-rock impacts/collisions. Instead, the rocks would be pressed against each another with extreme force as they tumbled create a high amount of friction with little or no impact, similar to the way that the Lot-O creates powerful grinding action with the cone shaped barrel. Such tumblers are sometimes used in industrial applications, and supposedly they work 20 or 30 times faster than a regular rotary tumbler. I've never seen or heard of them used for rocks, but maybe I should throw the idea out to the RTH crowd and see if any of the DIYers with engineering skills are up for the challenge.

[@jonathanyoung7785]

www.deburring.com/cpc1000images/features1.jpg That is an industrial centrifugal tumbler design that subjects the tumbled parts to 20 Gs (20X the force of gravity). So with 20 pounds of rocks in a barrel, the grinding force would be equivalent to 400 pounds of rocks.

[@QuranSimpleTajweed]

A lot of effort you did to finish this video with that excellent quality, Thank you

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome. Did you see the follow up on how to use it successfully? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@franciscocontreras4450]

NEW DIVIDER FEATURE: It would be great if there was divider(s) within the tumbler and the tumbler having the ability to open in half to insert individual stones especially for more delicate precious and expensive elements. - Basically redesigning the whole tumbler to cater more fine smooth muli-staged stones that have been introduced into the tumbler for lots and lots of hours / days / weeks / months / years / etc. ; )

[@vonnie4781]

My 4 year old granddaughter loves rocks like I did growing up. But loading bags of rocks home after every family trip did nothing. Mom would eventually throw them out when I wasn’t around. I’ve saved every single rock my granddaughter has collected. I thought I’d get her a rock tumbler for Christmas, maybe two! Now I’m trying to do some research before I make my purchase. I looked at this very machine on Amazon. Now I’ll subscribe to your channel and binge on your videos! I’d believe and trust anything you say!!! LOL Thank you. I’m going to be asking lots of questions. I’ve already learned a lot from just one video! Long way to go! It’ll be fun. Thanks again, Yvonne

[@MichiganRocks]

Check out Lortone tumblers. Those are my favorite rotary tumblers. I have links to Kingsley North and the Rock Shed in the description of all my videos. Those are both great places to get lapidary equipment.

[@thebody62]

Thumbs up for not believing in magical rocks!

[@MichiganRocks]

That's something that drives me absolutely crazy. Whenever I do a search for a type of rock I want to know more about, I have to include -healing and -meaning in the search. That eliminates most of that nonsense.

[@neilobrien5299]

I bought one of the National Geographic Hobby tumblers before I saw your video. I’m trying to use your hints and tips. I also saw a video about using a voltage reduction plug. So I’m using that to slow down the speed of the tumbler. So far things are progressing well. Thanks for your videos.

[@MichiganRocks]

Did you catch the follow up video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

Lindas pedras. Tenho vontade de ter um rolador de pedras desse.

[@MichiganRocks]

Esta foi uma revisão do tambor de rocha. As rochas não ficaram nada bem. Eu segui as instruções e usei as pedras e a areia que vieram com o kit. Vou fazer outro vídeo mostrando como usar esta máquina corretamente.

[@froggytmvr2595]

I purchased this tumbler to start tumbling rocks after reading the Amazon reviews which were surprisingly really good. I received it and watched your tutorial before using it. I immediately packaged it back up and returned it to Amazon. I found a place 30 minutes from my home that had the Lortone 33B kit in stock. I watched your videos for about 10 hours straight 🤣 thanks for all of the amazing content

[@MichiganRocks]

I was surprised at the positive reviews on Amazon too. I think they’re mostly by people who have never tumbled a rock and just don’t know any better. You’d think that when the rocks didn’t turn out shiny some people would be disappointed. I think you’ll really like your Lortone.

[@froggytmvr2595]

@@MichiganRocks I’ve had my Lortone running for 5 days now on stage one, only 2 more days to see my first ever stage 1 results. I never realized how much patience went into tumbling. I always thought it would be throw in a tumbler for a week and have beautiful polished rocks. Boy was I wrong.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@froggytmvr2595 Yeah, it's not quite that quick. I usually run stage one many times before I have enough rocks ready to go to the second stage. The key to this is that you have to enjoy the process. If you're just looking for shiny rocks, you'd be better off just buying some already tumbled. I really like watching them progress through the stages.

[@ejohnso1967]

I thought that was a pretty fair, honest, informative review! Thanks.

[@MichiganRocks]

That's what I was going for. I'm glad it came across that way.

[@hummanbean4898]

Thank you youve been yhe most useful channel ive found while trying to get into this hobby

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome. If you're ever looking for something in particular, let me know and I'll point you in the right direction if I have a video that fits what you're looking for.

[@samuelmandl4804]

thank you for taking the time to make this video i am 9 years old and was planning to buy one but not annymore - not just beacuse of the machine but beacuse the process is much longer and more involved

[@MichiganRocks]

Tumbling takes time. This machine actually processes rocks faster than the slower machines that I prefer. It might bang some up in the process, but it is pretty fast. You should watch a couple follow up videos to see me have some success with it. How to use a Nat Geo Tumbler: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE Tumbling Beach Rocks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYfQnmVqe8hqoJY I'd recommend buying a Lortone 33B, though. It's slower, but I think that's better for tumbling.

[@petestachowiak1777]

Have 2 of these running 24x7 since christmas. Biggest missing info is about keeping the barrel full by adding more stones or ceramic filler. Once we learned that from youtubers we have been very successful. Also the stone assortment included has mixed softness so they dont tumble well together. Added some harbor freight ones now to increase throughout. Love this channel.

[@MichiganRocks]

I agree about needing to add more rocks along the way. Between that and the poor quality polish, there's not much hope of getting shiny rocks with the included directions and supplies. I'm glad you've got it figured out.

[@petestachowiak1777]

@@MichiganRocks i do feel even the hobby grade nat geo are nice tumblers.... I like having smaller barrels available. Sometimes we just dont have enough material promoted to fill a 3lb barrel, but we can still do a stage 3 or 4 small batch in these. Also we love the rock shed for rough stone.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@petestachowiak1777 I have 12, 6, and 3 pound barrels. I use the three pound barrels the way you use the one pound barrel. As the big barrel gets low, I move the rocks to a smaller barrel.

[@charleskennedy9968]

Another great video! My son has this tumbler and we had the same issue, can’t wait for your follow up video on how to get a better finished product. Go Alpena!

[@MichiganRocks]

Do you live in Alpena, or are you from here? To get a better shine, just get better polish. It would also help to fill the barrel more as long as the motor will handle it. I've got my second batch running now.

[@lonelyprospector4867]

Thank you for this set of N.G. tumbler videos. These are pushed hard on Amazon. But after your recommendation, I skipped past this brand as my first tumbler. Thank you for saving me time money and how to start off right. 🙂

[@MichiganRocks]

I think Lortone is the way to go. The 33B is a great first tumbler. I think the two best places to buy one are Kingsley North and the Rock Shed. There are links in the description of this video if you'd like to check out either of those stores.

[@JosVanDalfsen]

Thank you so much for this very clear video. Instead of a simpler complete set we decided to go with the Lortone 33B. More expensive, and it will use more power, but it will also just keep working, and that is also worth something :) and now I have to watch the rest of your video's!

[@MichiganRocks]

That was my first tumbler and I think it was a great choice. It still runs, but now I use the barrels on a big, homemade tumbler.

[@GrandmaBev64]

I bought that tumbler and had the same results. My rocks got ground down to nothing, and they never shined either. Bummer ❤ I thought it was just me. Thank You for showing us this. I really love rocks and when I couldn't get them shiney, I stopped tumbling.

[@MichiganRocks]

That's a shame. Don't give up. This tumbler can polish rocks, just not if you follow the instructions or use the polish they provide. Here are two other videos using this same tumbler where I got decent results: How to use a Nat Geo Tumbler: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE Tumbling Beach Rocks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYfQnmVqe8hqoJY

[@heathersvanity8648]

I'm so happy I found your channel. My mother-in-law is a big rock hunter. We go to Grand Marais every summer and she's always looking down, bending over and picking up rocks. Now I'm her Rick hunting partner 😏. Long story short, we are researching tumblers for a Christmas gift. This would be her very first one. I'm only a few minutes into your video but so far it's the best breakdown of what exactly is going on with the Tumbler and the grit, etc. I had already looked into the lortone 3A because she lives in an apartment and I need this thing to be very quiet. I'm looking forward to the rest of the video. And I'm excited about all of the links in your description box. This will be my go-to place for information while we're starting this tumbling journey.

[@MichiganRocks]

I think the Lortone 33B is a great first tumbler. You get two barrels for less than twice the price. The 3A is good too, though.

[@Tipheriphic]

I bought this exact tumbler and had the same results. I am going to watch your video on how to successfully tumble with this one. Thank you for this video.

[@MichiganRocks]

It’s not my favorite tumbler, but you can get shiny rocks out of it.

[@danderth]

Nice job on the review, I can see how much effort went into this video.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks for noticing. My indoor videos almost all take much more effort than my rock hunting videos.

[@Crypticlazr]

you sir, have made a fantastic review of this product. Just the grit only going to 1000 explains everything. I didnt know about the aluminum oxide as well! Thank you very much for this review.

[@MichiganRocks]

Here are a couple other videos that you might enjoy based on your comment. First, I made a video showing how to get shiny rocks out of this machine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE You might also want to watch this video to learn a little more about aluminum oxide vs. silicon carbide. It's just a fun video too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npS1paenbseGqLs I have links to my two favorite lapidary stores in the description if you're looking for a place to buy high quality grits and polish.

[@rebeccatelgenhoff3540]

Awesome review of their rock tumbler! Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge on tumbling rocks correctly.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Rebecca. I'm glad you found it useful.

[@Mark_E_M]

Glad for this video! As a first-time tumbler, I asked for this tumbler for my birthday. I am about to watch this video. Let's see if I change my mind before my birthday.

[@MichiganRocks]

You might want to watch this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE My favorite tumbler that's similar to this is the Lortone 33B. The 3A is another good choice if you only want one barrel. There are links to my two favorite stores to buy tumblers from in the description.

[@cndegg]

I am so glad you did this video. I think I will discuss your video in one of my rock groups. I might wait though until you are done with the modifications in the technique. Thanks for doing the video.

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad you like it. I really hope it will be helpful to people looking at buying a tumbler.

[@pmonet100]

very useful. I don't actually have one of these but after watching this I can't wait to get this! awesome vid

[@MichiganRocks]

Consider getting a Lortone tumbler instead of one of these. I think they're much better tumblers.

[@thestonecraftingworkshop7490]

Hi Rob, thanks for another great video. I use a Hobby as one of my tumblers and you will certainly be able to get a good polish from the faster machine and I look forward to seeing how the master does it! Cheers.

[@MichiganRocks]

That's good to hear. I'm working through a batch right now.

[@ohmygollygarsh]

I am glad that I watched this video. Coincidentally, my partner bought it for me about 3 months after I randomly watched this video. I really like it. It is pretty decent, sincerely.

[@ripadipaflipa4672]

Thanks for your opinions during this post they r very helpful to know what works not just what the manufacturers suggested.

[@MichiganRocks]

Did you see the follow up video where I used my method and got a good shine? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@racheldavis5482]

Thank you. Very informative. Well done sir. I'm actually in the market for a tumbler and this is a very useful video. I appreciate it.🙂

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad it was helpful. That was my goal.

[@josielorraine8466]

This video was amazing..thank you for doing the entire process in one video. So helpful. I can’t get over those black rocks-😳

[@MichiganRocks]

I did the entire process, but came out with nothing good to show for it. You might enjoy another video where I used the same tumbler with different polish and tumbling techniques and ended up with some really nice, shiny rocks in the end. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@MillenialFalcon90]

🙏🏽 I'm over here knowing nothing but wanna get this cool hobby for my soon to be 9 year old sons birthday, so thank you for this incredibly indepth review 🎉

[@MichiganRocks]

You're welcome!

[@manisteerocks7092]

Ok..all fairness aside,..you managed to do this video without even cracking a grin. Admirable!..I know several ppl who use one of these as back up default tumblers,just so they keep stones moving. That being said,.. only one of them has had positive results,and that's because they use there own grit,and there own schedule. These are not bad machines,just the operator needs to modify the technique. I tell ya Rob,..my lorotone 33b has run for 6yrs straight,..no belts,no repairs,..and I get positive results almost every time, except when I overload the barrel, which is my error. You are a tumbling champion,and I've learned much from you,..and I'm still learning today. I appreciate this video,it had me chuckling!!..I'll keep you posted in these borris creek jasper's for the contest,.. proving to be a challenge!

[@MichiganRocks]

I was very surprised when I started researching this tumbler. There are a surprising number of people who are very satisfied. There are also those who are not. It's sure not my first choice, but it's not a nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

[@redkitedesign]

I'm so glad I watched this before running the first batch - now I'm off to watch the video on how to properly use this tumbler. Thanks!

[@MichiganRocks]

That's the perfect place to go after this one. It has a happier ending.

[@amrocktumbling8298]

Can't wait to see how nice rocks can look coming out of that tumbler when it's done right and with good polish!!

[@MichiganRocks]

Let's hope that works out the way I hope it does! The next batch is rolling now.

[@JasonColotario]

That was a great review and very helpful when deciding on a purchase! I recently purchased a 5oz Yooper rock from Amazon to add to my freshwater fish tank which is set up as a glow tank so the Yooper should in theory shine with the blue UV light attached. I've always been interested in rocks and gems and would most likely go with your process over the provided Geo instructions and polishing materials. Thanks again!

[@MichiganRocks]

If you ever decide to try tumbling with one of these, I made a video showing how to be more successful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@richardbaulk6359]

Amazing video, I know nothing about rock tumbling but seeing the passion you have makes for a great video. Keep it up.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks, Richard!

[@AtyPical1313]

I enjoyed this video very much as I received this as a gift a couple of weeks ago. I have learned a lot from this video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@MichiganRocks]

Make sure you watch the follow up where I got some rocks to shine with this machine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@Leoninmiami]

thank you for covering it and giving us your take

[@botryoidalbishhh3150]

Great tutorial! I burned mine out on stage 3 but now I will contact Nat Geo thanks to you and see if they can replace. I have the Hobby 1lb just purchased last year.

[@MichiganRocks]

I have heard really good things about their replacement policy.

[@WagonPilotAdventures]

There's an email address in the manual for the sales company and also a Nat Geo phone number on the back cover. I've seen some mentions of good replacement service in the Amazon reviews.

[@mccoyboy420]

Thank You for this great video. Just bought one after being on the fence about it. Used your link!!

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks! Be sure to watch the follow up video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@mywayway9432]

Can't wait to see your follow up video on how to get a good polish....I bought the hobby tumbler a month ago and I'm waiting for stage 4 to finish. I am still hoping to have better results for 2 reasons I used rocks I collected and because after watching your videos and the Stone Crafting Workshops videos I used less water and added some rocks that were already beach tumbled after stage 1 and 2. Fingers crossed.

[@MichiganRocks]

I think the thing you're missing is a good polish. The good news is that nothing you're doing should damage the rocks so that they can't be finished up with another stage with quality polish. I'd suggest buying some polish from The Rock Shed and doing one more stage of polish. I would also grab some ceramic media. I use the small and large ceramic media mixed together. www.rockshed.com/rock-shop/rock-tumblers-supplies/rock-tumbling-grit-and-accessories/aluminum-oxide-polish/

[@mywayway9432]

@@MichiganRocks Which grits do you recommended?

[@MichiganRocks]

@@mywayway9432 I get mine from The Rock Shed. I have a link to the Rock Shed in the description. I also have some of their grit packs listed in my Amazon storefront. You should compare prices. I make a small commission if you buy from Amazon, but I think its a little cheaper if you buy direct from The Rock Shed. You have to take into consideration shipping and whether you have a Prime membership or not. I use 46/70 or 60/90 silicon carbide for the first stage, then either 120/220 or 220 silicon carbide for the second stage, then 500 aluminum oxide, and finally aluminum oxide polish.

[@obxshelly]

Thank you for this very thorough review. I've seen this tumbler around, but didn't really think it'd work very well. Honestly, I wanted to do some beach glass for a project, but have always loved rocks. I had a toy tumbler as a 9 year old child that wasn't very good, but it was enough to keep me loving rocks for the next 40 years! Thanks again, I'll do some more research on tumblers to decide a quality beginner one to purchase.

[@MichiganRocks]

I really like Lortone tumblers. I have links to Kingsley North and the Rock Shed in the description of all my videos. Those are my two favorite places to buy.

[@lesliesmith5661]

Thanks for the video. I just got the umber just below the one you tested for Christmas and got the same results. I am looking forward to the vide with the better polish.

[@WagonPilotAdventures]

Perfect timing, my second Nat Geo hobby model arrived today (had an Amazon credit to burn). I've been using mine for a year now and have been satisfied so far. It's been a great hobby starter. My daughter had me do a video on it last summer, and I had been thinking of doing a follow up since we get a lot of questions about it. Nice to see your more experienced perspective and some of the details you found from the manufacturer. I'll have to measure the rpm of the 1lb barrel and see how it compares to the pro model's speeds. Great video.

[@MichiganRocks]

Thanks. It would be good to know how the speed of the hobby version compares. I assumed it would be the same, but I don't know.

[@raeleenmacarthur1201]

Amazing video! Thank you so much. Got a lot of wonderful information!! I really appreciate all the work you did!

[@MichiganRocks]

Glad you liked it!

[@flatfour76]

I just got this for my daughter and just started on the first run with Grit 1. I look forward to the video on the better polish. Thanks for the tips!

[@MichiganRocks]

It should be done in a few weeks.

[@timkoenig1135]

Just watched your video and very informative, I did buy this same tumbler for my wife this Christmas and just haven't started polishing rocks yet, soon though, will definitely follow your advice, thank you.

[@MichiganRocks]

Did you see the follow up video where I actually got shiny rocks out of it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@timkoenig1135]

@@MichiganRocks just watched your video on getting a successful polish on your rocks thanks for your information, would have been a disappointment following the instructions included with the tumbler, on saying that I'm going to order the same media to get the beautiful results you did, hopefully! Thanks again.

[@belyndawilliams642]

Thank you, I bought this tumbler and assumed I didn't do something correctly. I will try it again with a better polish! Appreciate the review and tips!!

[@MichiganRocks]

Good luck, Belynda. I have a link to The Rock Shed in the description. That's where I buy my grits and polish. It's also in my Amazon storefront if that's better for you.

[@belyndawilliams642]

@@MichiganRocks Awesome, thank you! Love what you're doing, currently binge watching your channel! Thanks again!

[@MichiganRocks]

@@belyndawilliams642 Binge away! Thanks.

[@jonmelia6278]

I just purchased a National Geographic tumbler and with it I did receive a container of the polycarbonate that was the same size as the grit containers. It also came with the same bags as a starter amount you used. I am just at the last step with the gem foam so I wont know for a few days but I do not expect results any better than you achieved. In a week or so I will let you know when complete

[@MichiganRocks]

Did you see my follow up video where I showed how I got a good shine on my second batch? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@sharonnahwegahbow5606]

Hi, my husband bought me a rock tumbler this past Christmas and guess which one he bought! lol no, not this one, the Hobby Edition. Most of the rocks busted up on the first step. My dalmation is in 8 pieces and it wasn't as big as the one you have. Knowing my rocks are not going to polish up I am not sure I even want to continue with this. A lot of time for an un polished ending. I am no longer excited to finish them up. I have wanted one of these since I was a kid, even bought my niece one many yrs ago. don't think it was a NG one way back then. Hubby remembered me mentioning it when we were dating and bought me one now that I'm 63 it was time to play. Now I am disappointed, not in you, in NG. thank you for this post.

[@MichiganRocks]

Don't give up! You can polish rocks with a National Geographic tumbler. It's not my first choice, but it can get the job done if you start by thowing out the directions and the polish that comes with it. Check out this video too. I show how I got some rocks to shine up nicely with mine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@webcompanion]

Good review! We have one just like it and we use it now for 1st and 2nd steps, a Harbor Freight vibration tumbler for the final steps (the HF bowl broke into 2 pieces after about 6 days of use, I had to 3D print a new bowl). Our hobby tumbler like yours in this review has lasted 24/7 use now for 3 months, still going strong.

[@MichiganRocks]

I did some research for this video and found that some people got a couple years out of this tumbler and other people had them break after a short time. The same can be said of the Harbor Freight rotary tumbler. You mentioned the bowl of you Harbor Freight machine. Is it the vibratory tumbler? If so, it is meant for tumbling metal, like gun shell casings for example. It's not made for the weight of rocks. I'm glad the printed bowl is working for you.

[@webcompanion]

@@MichiganRocks yes, the HF machine I bought is the vibratory tumbler. Thought I could do rocks in it for pre-polish and final polish but soon learned how thin the stock bowl is. The printed bowl is holding up well so far. If that breaks, I think you have a go-to brand for the vibratory tumblers I think I saw in a past video of yours? Thanks for all the great info in your videos!

[@MichiganRocks]

@@webcompanion I love my Lot-O tumbler.

[@cynthia1310]

Great video! Thank you for the straightforward information. Hard to find honesty like that these days!

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm glad it was helpful. Did you see the follow up on how to get shiny rocks out of it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@cynthia1310]

@@MichiganRocks No, but I'll make sure to watch it today. Thank you!

[@jameswatson2755]

I have no interest in polishing rocks but I might after watching your channel, well presented and no fluff. Keep it up

[@MichiganRocks]

Will do, James!

[@rickolmsted1156]

I agree with Dan Crites. Thanks for sharing. I'm wanting to get started in Rock Tumbling and what I've figured due to I know I'll be doing this for a while, I'll invest a little more in the beginning :) I'll watch and learn more from you :) Thanks again and will be learning more from you.

[@MichiganRocks]

I started with a Lortone 33B and I think that was a good choice.

[@Ken_G.]

I just got one of these 2 weeks ago and am giving it its first test run. Mine didn't have that clicking noise at first, but it developed after about a week of running. I also used ceramic tumbling media to cushion the rocks to avoid breakage. Mine did come with amethyst, one tiny little grain of rice sized crystal and that is all. The rest of my rocks were all much smaller than the ones they sent you, mostly sodalite and tigers eye, probably 2/3 of the package total, biggest ones were less than an inch across. I ditched the strainer too, it's in my kitchen for dusting powdered sugar on beignets.

[@MichiganRocks]

I think that if you get some decent rocks, some good polish, and use ceramic media, you should be able to get some shiny rocks out of this machine.

[@Ken_G.]

@@MichiganRocks I've got lots of good rocks, used about half of what they sent and threw in some others that I have, was stupid and threw in a piece of fluorite and a piece of apatite to see how they would do, everything else was a silicate so they are gone now. In your review you said that for final polish you like to use the one micron grit and said it was a 14,000. Did you mean 1,400? I have a 1200 aluminum oxide. Also, I saw a tip somewhere about throwing a little mineral oil in with the polish, would this help or is it just a useless measure? I've also seen people doing an additional run with either saw dust, Borax or bar soap shavings, is there any value in doing any of this?

[@MichiganRocks]

@@Ken_G. I meant 14,000. It's a lot finer than 1,200. Using mineral oil is cheating in my opinion. If you put oil on a rock, it's going to make it shinier without actually making it smoother. I like to shine my rocks by actually smoothing them out. I have a link to The Rock Shed in the description of this video. That's where I buy my grit and polish. I also have a link to the same grit on Amazon if that is better for you. Running the rocks in borax or shaved Ivory soap is called "burnishing". I don't think it's true burnishing, but rather a good cleaning. It can be useful between stages to make sure the rocks are clean so you don't move grit from one stage to the other. It's also useful at the very end to get clean grit out of any cracks that may have still been there at the end of the tumble.

[@CJR12212012]

Thank you for the review. This was my first tumbler, lasted 2 1/2 years so not warranty replacement. Get the good polish, tumbling media and run it on the slow speed. I have done obsidian in it with 50/50 media in small batches. The Rock tumbling hobby forum is a good resource.

[@MichiganRocks]

I learned almost everything I know on RTH. There are some really great people there. You had success with obsidian in this machine? I'm impressed. That's hard to do in any rotary tumbler, let alone one that goes so fast.

[@qwertykeyasmr6453]

We got this for my grandma who loves rocks! She always says that she wants one so we are giving it to her tomorrow for Mother’s Day!

[@MichiganRocks]

Go buy her some better grit and polish and some ceramic media. Some harder rocks would be good too if she doesn't have some of her own. There's a link to The Rock Shed in the description. They have good aluminum oxide polish. I also have it in my Amazon storefront it that's more convenient. Grandma will be so happy!

[@qwertykeyasmr6453]

@@MichiganRocks we gave her it and she started crying from happiness so we are definitely going to get those things

[@MichiganRocks]

@@qwertykeyasmr6453 That's awesome!

[@Ellas_PaperDragons]

Thank you so much… we got it for a birthday present for my 8 year old. And you inspire us to actually to use that machine… lol

[@MichiganRocks]

Did you see the follow up where I actually polished some rocks with this tumbler? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@robertmeyer8221]

Now I have to subscribe to learn how to use my National Geographic tumbler. I pretty much got the same results and am already experimenting based on what I have learned watching your other videos.

[@MichiganRocks]

I'm still working on that video. I'd doing some harder rocks that are taking a longer time, but should turn out well.

[@markattardo]

Glad you did the review. Very interested in seeing it used the Michigan Rocks way.

[@MichiganRocks]

Me too! The next batch got started last night, so it will be a while.

[@markattardo]

@@MichiganRocks With higher speed maybe it won't be quite as long as the beard growing how to tumble saga😉But yeah, I'm not expecting an update anytime soon.👍

[@MichiganRocks]

@@markattardo It definitely tumbles a lot faster. I have tumbled rocks that get little crescent shaped marks on them from tumbling and I'm afraid that the faster speed will lead to more of those. I don't know if those marks come from the rotary tumbler or my Lot-O tumbler though.

[@jlindsey2000]

That was SO helpful. We recently moved to Central Oregon and rocks are a big interest here, so I wanted to learn some basics. I was thinking of buying the machine, just to see how it's done. Well, now I know and you have saved me from wasting my money. I love the look and feel of polished stones. I'm a retired physician, and understand rocks do not have magical powers, but considering how well placebos actually "work", they may help some people struggling with the idea they need a little more help than they can find inside, and except for money spent, they are harmless. I don't truly believe in some of the principles of feng shui, but I do know that the sound of water helps calm me and that an oven over a stove is bad feng shui because it is extremely dangerous in an actual working kitchen (like my husband's here at home.) I look forward to watching more of your videos on this subject. Thank you for your objectivity and attention to detail.

[@MichiganRocks]

Hey Judy, check out the two links in the description for the Rock Shed and Kingsley North. They both carry Lortone tumblers. My first tumbler was a Lortone 33B and I think that was a good choice. If you want something bigger, the Lortone QT12 or QT66 is a good choice too. I'm sure rocks can have a placebo effect, but I'd hate for someone to use them instead of getting actual medical treatment.

[@cindypetersen-harper2111]

Excellent review, Rob! I bought this tumbler back in February as a birthday gift for myself... I wish your review had been available then... I probably would have chosen a different tumbler. But it is what it is! It runs, it tumbles, but it doesn’t do the job it should. I saw some improvement in shininess when I started using different grit, but it’s not what it should be. I will be eagerly waiting for your video showing how to get better results with the NG tumbler. It serves my purposes for the moment-but I will be saving up for a double-barreled Lortone! Thanks, Rob!🙂

[@MichiganRocks]

I'd go to The Rock Shed and buy some good grit, especially their polish. I'd also fill the barrel to 2/3 full. The last thing I'd do is add in some ceramic media. Get the two sizes of little cylinders that the Rock Shed sells and mix them. therockshed.com/grit.html

[@cindypetersen-harper2111]

@@MichiganRocks I have been using ceramic media, or even small beach pebbles for filler, which has definitely helped. I did purchase grit from the Korner Gem (lapidary shop) in Traverse City, which has also helped. I will probably put in an order with the Rock Shed today. Thanks, Rob!😁

[@MichiganRocks]

@@cindypetersen-harper2111 I have never used Korner Gem grit, but I have been in the store and have several of Kevin's books. He seems to really know his stuff, so I would think he'd have decent grits and polish.

[@brightandsleepy]

You had the barrel backwards - that’s why it was noisy and moving / walking. I have a hobby and a professional of those. Haven’t been able to shine up anything yet so I’m glad I found your channel! 😊

[@MichiganRocks]

Can you explain to me how having the barrel on backwards would make any difference?

[@brightandsleepy]

@@MichiganRocks Hi. For some reason, if the lid of the barrel is on the right hand side, it runs smoother / not as bouncy. Looks like the wheels (rubber stopper things) on the sides keep it in place when it's facing that way. Maybe it's just my two, but it might be the same with yours as well. (It's more obvious on my bigger one than the smaller hobby one). No offence intended, sorry if it seemed that way.

[@MichiganRocks]

@@brightandsleepy No, I wasn't offended, just confused. I think I ran it with the lid to the left just in case it leaked. That way, the slurry wouldn't run onto the belt.

[@bethrigall7160]

I have rotary tumbler that is similar to this one. It is a 3 Lb Tumber it actually did come with some small ceramic. I didn't do the research with the first batch that I tumbled, I started researching while on the third stage pre polish. They are sitting right now because I didn't like the outcome. I will be tumbling them again after the ones that are done with first stage and not ready to move on. Thank you for the valuable information that you provide in your videos.

[@MichiganRocks]

Just in case you missed it, this one will be helpful: How to use a Nat Geo Tumbler: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaS3lGShjbqohtE

[@bethrigall7160]

@MichiganRocks I will check it out tonight. I already have some in tumbling but I'm using the slowest setting of 1 on the tumbler