Reddit mentions of Rotary Grit Pack with Pellets for Tumbling

I have a 3 lb Chicago rotatory rock tumbler. From what I've read online, it seems like Lortone is the better brand. Worth the extra cost in quality. I basically follow the instructions that came with the tumbler, except the timeframes for the 4 stages are way off.

Here are my tips and lessons learned:

-Be patient. The first stage needs at least 3 weeks for the rocks to be smooth and rounded and the remaining stages need at least 10 days to get a fine polish and shine. The longer you leave them tumbling the shinier they will be, but they will get smaller. If you rush them through, they will turn out dull and it will end up taking more time because you have to start the stages over again. In order to save the slurry, I take a few rocks out with a spoon and wipe them down to see if they're ready for the next stage. If they're ready, I use a bucket, trash bag, and mesh strainer to clean them off. Don't put any slurry down your sink, it's bad for your plumbing. I just keep my bucket in the shed until I'm ready to throw it out.

-Use the plastic pellets in the last 3 stages to soften their tumble.

-Tumble rocks of similar hardness, otherwise the harder rocks with destroy the softer rocks.

-Be very careful oiling your bearings. I just put oil on a paper towel or toothpick and lightly rub it on. I put too much on the first time and oil got under the rubber on the driving shaft bearing. The rubber would no longer move with the shaft and the barrel wouldn't spin. It was a pain to get oil out of a tiny rubber tube.

-Get the larger pack of grit, you'll need it. I bought this pack of grit and pellets and recommend it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZYSDFOG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here's some good step by step instructions: http://www.skeenastormstones.com/uploads/1/3/2/4/13243124/rock_tumbling_tutorial_for_beginners_rev7-18-09.pdf

Here's a rock tumbling forum that provides a lot of information and tips: http://andy321.proboards.com/thread/77361/new-rock-tumbling

It seems like a lot of work, but once you have all the supplies, it's really low maintenance and very rewarding. Most of the time you're just letting it do it's thing. Now I've started an all quartz batch, which should be ready in about a month. I'd like to try some bright green or yellow calcite next.

P.S. I'm shocked that Reddit does not have a rock tumbling subreddit.