Rock Tumblers FAQ

Rock tumblers are lots of fun, but they also involve a certain amount of science. Getting your rocks to look just right can take a few attempts. The information below is designed to help you get the most from your rock tumbling and answer a few questions about the methods used.

Q: What rocks can I use in my tumbler?
A: Any rocks will do! Choosing rocks from your own backyard can be lots of fun and can teach children about the beauty of the landscape surrounding them. You may also want to take a special trip to an area with interesting geography to get a wider selection of rocks. Just make sure that the rocks you choose are relatively uniform in shape and don't have any cracks or crevices. Try to choose rocks with interesting colors and patterns that will be brought out by the tumbling process.

Q: How do I know how much tumbling my rocks will need?
A: The amount of time your rocks will require in the rock tumbler depends upon how hard the rock is and how smooth you want the final result to be. With rotary rock tumblers, you should start by tumbling the rocks with coarse grit for one week. You may wish to put them in for longer if they're not as round as you desire at that point. Move on to the medium and fine grits and tumble for 7-10 days each time until you get the results you want.

Q: What kind of rock tumbler should I buy?
Rotary rock tumblers are the most commonly used, and come in a wide variety of sizes. Vibrating tumblers are excellent for when you need your rocks done quickly, as they work much faster than rotary tumblers. Vibrating tumblers also tend to be more expensive, so unless you're planning on rock tumbling for profit chances are good you'll be better off with a rotary tumbler.