Rock Tumbler

ASUtodd

Just curious what types/brands of rock tumblers you guys are using to tumble your clad with. I'm looking to get one but I would like some input before I go buy an elcheapo that craps out on me. Thanks!
Todd

millennium

I don't tumble clad or common stuff....I just wash it and spend it.

grip

I had one and tumbled ancient and roman.Worked pretty good till the time I left it running for a week in
the garage..no coins left and haven't used it since.

Al

ASUtodd

Sounds a good deal on a rock tumbler for me.... I mean you have no need for it!
Todd

ricko

Wow... left them in for a week? What kind of coins were they? Certainly hope nothing of value. Cheers, RickO

Rickc300

<< <i>Wow... left them in for a week? What kind of coins were they? >>

No clue there were no coins left!

LOL, trying to think straight after that, it dawns on me that maybe others have some ideas for cleaning common stuff that others have not thought about. I use Tide laundry detergent and a couple of ounces of water for most things with a packet of copper plated BBs' (I keep reusing these) and just tumble them in a cheapo rock tumbler over night. The clad stuff comes out looking pretty good while the nickels look like they just came from the bank or mint while older "real" copper pennies have a washed out cleaned look to them (if you are a collector, you know what I mean). I only do this when I have a really good day, otherwise I just pass a couple of dimes or quarters in a vending machine and purchase a soda (or hit coin return and get a couple of shiny coins back in return) I have been thinking about trying some "natural" cleaning methods but have not done so yet. Maybe toss a cut up lemon into a tumbler with some vinegar and the BBs, the acids should clean up the copper really well while the BBs knock off the dirt and create a shine on the clad stuff. If anyone has tried that or something similiar post and let me/us know if it works...

Rick

lordmarcovan

I did well with Romans in a tumbler, but only left them there overnight.

I started with a kiddie model but later my wife got me a real one like a rockhound would use. I don't remember the model name or number offhand, but it's out in the workshop if you want me to look. I have only used it once. I've had as much success with fine brass wire brushes, but I might still use the tumbler on some things.

millennium

I have used a rock tumbler in the past, but for the life of me I can't remember the name...It was one I got from my brother in law, and I used crushed pecan shells in it, to help clean them and to impart a pretty tone to the metal..

Dockwalliper

I got a cheap one from Harbor freight. I had to replace the drive belt they supplied but it has lasted me many years.