Buying a Rock Polisher

If you're in the market for a rock polisher or tumbler, there are a few things to consider before you buy. The type of rock polisher you'll need depends on the work you're doing and what kind of rocks you'll be polishing.

First of all, consider the size of rock polisher that you're going to need. If you'll be polishing rocks that measure 1.5 inches in diameter or more, or if you plan on polishing many rocks at one time, then you'll need a large rock polisher. Most rock polishers are measured by their capacity in pounds. Look for one that can hold at least six pounds of rocks at a time.

For smaller stones, or for hobby polishing where you'll only be tumbling a few rocks at a time, a small rock polisher should work just fine. Three-pound capacity or smaller rock polishers will handle little rocks easily. Make sure not to overload your rock polisher, as this can cause the motor to burn out very quickly.

If you're planning on polishing a lot of rocks, consider a rock polisher with two or more barrels. These polishers can run two separate loads at one time. When you consider that it takes four to five weeks for a load of rocks to be polished, you can see the time that can be saved by doing two loads at once. This is particularly important if you have several different types of rocks, since rocks of varying sizes and types cannot be mixed into one barrel.

Whatever type of rock polisher you buy, if you're planning on using it more than a few times it is worth the cost to buy one that is high quality. While they're designed to run for long periods of time and to handle heavy materials, rock polishers are also somewhat delicate and contain many breakable pieces as well as a small motor. Buy the best rock polisher you can afford to ensure that you're not constantly having to replace parts or invest money in repairs once you get started polishing.