Jewelry Polisher Tumbler 3Kg

This tumbler is a huge upgrade from the rubber barrel tumbler I had before. I am really, really happy with it. The tumbler was leaking water at first, which was disappointing, but I easily fixed it by tightening the pegs that hold the stick that holds the lid (by using the stick). Another problem I had was that it was pelting my jewelry too hard, leaving tiny indentations on the items. I was using 1 lbs of steel shot and the metal was just falling on the jewelry hitting it hard. That problem was fixed by using 3 lbs of steel shot instead of 1 lb and tumbling on the lowest speed setting. What I really like about this tumbler is that the lid is so easy to open up. The shot doesn't get stuck under the lid. Also, I like the setting for changing the rotation direction every minute or so. I cannot comment on the steel shot that the tumbler came with (about 1 lb of shot), as I used my own. I find the noise level normal. Overall I am very happy with the tumbler and recommend it for tumbling jewelry.

I'm amending my review because I've been using this tumbler regularly for five years now and it still works just as well as it did the day I received it. The only very minor issue is that the metal parts on the lid do rust if you don't take care to keep them completely dry. The lid is still finicky, but since I figured out how to line it up just right, it works fine with no modifications. I haven't even had to change the belt yet- the constantly stretched out belts were a major pain point with my Lortone. This was a great purchase. It's so easy to use and hassle free that I haven't used my Lortone or vibratory tumbler since I got this. ***** Old Review Like other reviewers, I also got one with a lid that leaks slightly, but after using a rubber-barrel rotary for so many years, this machine is such a huge improvement. Works fantastically well for my jewelry-making purposes. I was able to get around the leaking issue by placing a packing peanut under the lever that presses the lid in place, which results in a tighter-fitting lid. I've been using this for three months and it's a workhorse. Mine came with small, round shot, but I haven't used it.

Update: yeah those two hard plastic bands broke within 8 hours each. I think the cold might be the culprit since I milled for days on the first one. I recommend this silicone band / o-rings size as replacement. It's working just fine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FMWPAG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_SH9YNVM4NERBKT57VZ0B?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Old post: The mill feels heavy and it is not because of added weight. However inside is a little scary. The controls are all plastic inside. I think most of the wires are low voltage coming from the transformer. There was a rattle and I had to open it to see what it was. The transformer was lose with only one screw holding it in place. I removed the good screw to be able to remove the one that wasn't engaging. The screw head is the size of the transformer hole, and the transformer screw tab is bent to fit the mount location. But OK. I filled it half way with stainless bolts and tossed in two beer bottles. I actually hammered the bottle into the container.. it really is polycarbonate which is great. Added a little bit of water and after 8 hours of milling I ended up with some powder. After doing so for 1 hour I realized that this thing could burn down the house because it got really hot. That's when I opened it. Then I ran it for 1 more hour but with no bottom lid, tilted on one side and with a little fan blowing air into the bottom. I ran it for three days straight and the motor was nice and cool.. almost warm. The rods seem to be pretty strong and no complaints. The tumbler container is excellent I'm construction but a bit on the small side for milling. But it did a great job. It's easy to open, but not easy to clean or empty in a clean way. The transparent finish was completely made into a matte translucent one. But it's easy to open and check the insides. I had to run it on the first speed. The higher speeds are way too fast so the balls would just stick to the wall and spin. The motor is plenty strong to rotate the tumbler with prejudice... It's an angry but very quiet motor. However when full of steel balls the thing makes lot's of noice. The motor is unfortunately a brushed motor but hey it ran happily for three days straight with a few check stops. You can probably mill inks, capacitor materials etc because it milled glass and alumina to a nano powder. I used water to prevent dust. The tumbler door is pretty good.

I read all of the reviews and still purchased this tumbler. I'm so glad that I did. The steel tumbling media included with it is junk and will rust immediately. Throw it away and order something else. The tumbler itself has held up to prolonged daily use for almost 6 months now. There is no belt to fall off. You need to be careful when closing the tumbler to make sure it seals but that is true with any device like this even ones that cost hundred of dollars more. Buy new stainless tumbling media and you have yourself a FANTASTIC tumbler. You can literally pay hundreds of dollars for a tumbler that works as well as this one.

Lid already cracked with barely any usage. The shot that comes with it is rusty and will turn the water brown, so be prepared to replace the shot, for sure. Also, the dial is really sketchy, it will still run with the dial turned off and the on/off switch is just for show, it will not shut off. The way to get it to stop is to find the sweet spot on the dial that is "off" bc if you turn to far left it will just stay on. The lid closure is easier than the screw on type, so that was the only thing that made this a little better than my previous tumbler.

If I just received the tumbler, it would have got 5 stars across the board! Works great, very sturdy, great price, but.....it also came with a bag of steel shot, to use with it, presumably for polishing my jewelry pieces. I put a lot of time and effort and care into each piece I create. So, I was excited to finally have a tumbler. So after many hours of creating, polishing and cleaning by hand, I put in the tumbler, the steel shot, with another package of shot that I purchased on amazon, my jewelry, 3 bracelets, filtered water, and, a tblsp of Dawn. Sealed it up, and, set it to 1 hour to start. Came back when I heard the timer ding, and, much to my horror, ALL MY JEWELRY WAS BLACK! I thought Id done something wrong. I spent hours and hours, trying to clean those pieces, I mean, so far, almost 5 hours of cleaning. I ran the shot alone with just a baking soda paste, and, what I found next, was rust, and, blackened balls of steel shot, clearly not stainless steel. I had to separate 1 by 1 all the shot, it took quite a while, then, run the good shot through several cleaning cycles to get it back to pristine condition. The shot it came with was total garbage, cost me so many hours of grief, work, stress, and, frustration. What a damn mess! Please, if you cant include real shot, than dont include at all! I'm almost afraid to use it now after this nightmare! It cost me time, and, money, since, I was unable to sell my pieces in that state. I do very intricate wire jewelry. So, I believe the tumbler is fine, don't use that shot, what a mess!

I usually do not write such detailed reviews but due to my frustration with other tumblers felt compelled to do so after finally finding a decent and reasonable priced unit. I've owned numerous low price tumblers ($100 range ) and so far this tumbler has been my favorite. I've had Lortone, Dura-bull, and Thumbler's in both rotary and vibrator. All of these units in my experience had major problems with barrel leakage, slippage of drive mechanism and barrel wear. I have run this unit approximately 40 hours so far in 30 minute increments and here are my observations. At first I was skeptical of the ease of operating the lid, but I have found it far easier if for nothing else IT DOES NOT LEAK and requires no effort to keep it from leaking. The barrel has remained clear unlike a dura-bull barrel which clouded over immediately, and the drive process creates no wear on the lid. The unit has a very solid feel. The drive belt runs true without slipping. The drive rollers are teethed creating a slip free rotation of the barrel. The barrel has a durable orange rubber ring that contacts with the drive rollers and appears it will not wear easily. I love the timer feature and the multiple speed choice. For larger pieces that may hang up in the barrel, there is a reversing option that automatically stops and changes the direction of the barrel every 30 seconds or so. The noise level is equal or less than the other rotary tumblers (which squeaked a lot if not lubed). I do not see a need to lube this model as the roller shafts are concealed. Since it has not leaked or worn the barrel from slipping, there is no grime or buildup of worn rubber or plastic like on the above mentioned models. I have read the reviews on motor failure and the control knobs not feeling solid. I will revise my review if they become an issue but so far all is good. Replacement lid gasket and drive belt are included. After I get several hundred hours on this unit, I will definitely consider another unit for simultaneous batches.

This is a sturdy, speedy tumbler well worth the money. The design is superior to other tumblers. It's easy to use. HORRIBLE customer Service. After 5 months the belt broke... yes there is a replacement BUT they will not sell a replacement.. so once this other belt breaks... useless