Tumbling rocks can be a great way to make beautiful, decorative stones for crafts or jewelry. And with the right tool, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. The Thumler’s MP-1 Rock Tumbler is the perfect tool for anyone who loves creating these beautiful objects, and with the proper setup and instructions, you’ll find yourself tumbling stones like a pro in no time!
The Thumler’s MP-1 Rock Tumbler Overview
The Thumler’s MP-1 Rock Tumbler is the perfect tool for anyone who loves creating decorative tumbled stones. This kit comes with everything you need to get started, from the durable plastic tumbler base with motor and two-pound barrel to rough rock, grit & polish, and a jewelry kit for making gifts! Plus, it quietly operates thanks to its soft rubber barrel for noise reduction. With this Tumbler, you’ll also receive “Guide For Rock Polishers”, plus a one-year limited warranty to enjoy your hobbies with peace of mind.
My experience
I purchased Thumler’s MP-1 Rock Tumbler a few weeks ago and was eager to tumble my first batch of rocks. The setup was easy, and the unit felt solid in my hands. It wasn’t too noisy either – although I’d recommend putting it in a room behind a closed door if you want some quiet.
The motor ran warm, but not hot – so that also seemed like a good sign!
But then something unexpected happened: when I turned on the Tumbler for the first time, the rubber tumbling barrel started rubbing against the white plastic stop on the side of the roller. This caused a slow but consistent wearing away of the rubber edge of the barrel over time. No matter which orientation I tried flipping it into, it kept sliding back to that same spot and continuing to rub. The Tumbler sat firmly upon its flat surface – so all instructions were carefully followed there!
Now that this problem had arisen, every few minutes or so, there would be an increase in vibration and sound from within due to this pesky mechanism issue.
It took me some time (and lots of patience) to finally solve this problem. Still, eventually, after adjusting how things were situated inside (and doing some extra cleaning up!), everything worked perfectly again! My rock tumbling session went off without any further hitch – producing beautiful polished stones in no time!
Pros:
- Durable plastic tumbler base complete with motor and two-pound barrel
- Comes with rough rock, grit & polish, jewelry kit for making gifts
- Easy setup process
- Motor ran warm but not hot
Cons:
- Issue with rubber tumbling barrel rubbing against the plastic stop
- Increase in vibration and sound from within due to mechanism issue
- Can be noisy if not placed in a room behind a closed door
Who will benefit from this product?
Are you a beginner rock tumbler looking to try the craft without investing too much? The MP-1 is an ideal choice for you! It’s not like those cheaply made toy tumblers that break after a few batches of stones. A serious investment, this well-made machine will last several cycles and give you all your desired results.
For the price, the MP-1 Tumbler is one of the best tumbling machines on today’s market. It operates silently and efficiently as you tumble through barrels full of rocks with minimal cost for electricity and grits/polishes. Furthermore, its small size ensures a long lifespan – even after years of use!
To top it off, this Tumbler has been approved for users aged 14 and up, so if your child has expressed interest in rock collecting or polishing stones, this would be an ideal project to do together! Keep in mind that electric motors are included within the device, and some moving parts are involved when opening/closing its barrel, so they might need extra strength while working with it until they become accustomed to using it safely.
Also, all jewelry-makers can use the MP-1 to polish their stones and make stunning jewelry pieces with the kits with the Tumbler and suitable glue. So if you’re looking for a reliable machine to help bring your creative projects to life – this is an excellent choice!
Tips for using a rock tumbler
- Start with a clean tumbler: Before putting your rocks in the barrel, clean it thoroughly so that any old grit or polish doesn’t get mixed up with your current project.
- Use protective gear: Always wear gloves and goggles when handling the rocks, as they can be fragile and sharp in some places.
- Always keep an eye on the Tumbler: Even though it’s automated, check for any debris or grit that might have gotten stuck in the rubber barrel, as this can cause damage to your stones if not removed promptly.
- Don’t overfill the barrel: Ensure that you put only a few rocks in the barrel – the Tumbler needs room to move and tumble each rock for best results.
- Label your batches: Keep track of what type of stones you are tumbling and how long they have been in the barrel with labels so that you can easily refer back to them!
- Store rocks carefully: Make sure to store the polished stones separately from the rough ones to avoid any markings or scratches that might occur.
- Clean and oil your Tumbler: To ensure a longer life for the MP-1 Tumbler, clean it out after each use and add some lubricant, such as WD-40 spray, to help keep its moving parts working smoothly.
Thumler’s Mp-1 Rock Tumbler alternatives
Thumler’s Mp-1 Rock Tumbler is outdated, so that you may consider better rock tumblers such as National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit or Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit.
Just pay attention to their features and compare them to your needs. National Geographic Rock tumbler, for example, is an affordable yet powerful machine suitable for smaller batches of stones. At the same time, Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit is great if you need a larger capacity with more advanced settings and a quick-change barrel design.
FAQ
Can you use any rock in a rock tumbler?
Yes. You can use any rock in a rock tumbler, but some stones will take longer to polish than others. Some of the most common rocks used in rock tumblers include agates, jaspers, quartz crystals, and marble. Some people also like to tumble beach glass or sea glass, which is made from broken glass smoothed and rounded by the ocean waves. The key to getting good results with a rock tumbler is to use rocks that are similar in size and shape. This ensures that all of the stones tumble around in the barrel equally and that they come into contact with each other surface. If you try to tumble a mix of large and small rocks, the smaller ones may get stuck against the sides of the barrel and not be polished as much.
Is a rock tumbler worth it?
It depends on what you want to get out of a rock tumbler. If you're looking to polish rocks to a high sheen, a rock tumbler is worth it. However, if you're looking for a way to smooth out the rough edges of your rocks, a rock tumbler may not be necessary.
Is rock tumbling safely?
Rock tumbling is generally safe if you follow all safety guidelines with your machine. Always wear protective gloves and goggles to avoid getting cut or injured by any sharp edges on the stones, and always make sure to read the instructions for your rock tumbler and follow them carefully. If you're using a Thumler's Mp-1 Rock Tumbler, be careful when handling the rubber barrel, as it may become hot during operation.
Final words
A rock tumbler is an excellent way to turn rough rocks into polished ones. The Thumler’s MP-1 Rock Tumbler offers reliable performance and comes with kits for jewelry makers. However, alternatives also better suit your needs depending on what you’re looking for. Whether it’s a hobby or you’re starting a business, rock tumbling can be a fun and rewarding activity. Remember to follow the instructions and safety guidelines carefully, and always wear protective gloves and goggles when handling stones. Happy tumbling!
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