cheep rock tumblers

[gemben]

 does anyone have a rock tumbler i can buy for 0$----------------------------------------$80

[Aussie Sapphire]

Here is something that just scrapes in under $80

http://www.onlinetoys.com.au/product.php?productid=16651

However, I would not recommend these.  They are very small, tend not to last well at all so not a good idea generally.

If you are on a real budget, perhaps you could look into a DIY option instead.  Can make barrels out of PVC pipe cheaply so just need some rollers, pulley and a motor to drive it.  Might be a challenge to keep it under $80 but maybe others can chip in with some ideas.

cheers
Leah Lane
www.aussiesapphire.com.au

[monkey]

Hi Gemben
as leah stated try a DIY project. I just did a googel search for DIY rock tumbler. and found quit a lot even youtub has some good video on how to build one, just go to your nearist scrap yard for bits. I do it a lot for my projects I build
Alllan in vic

[llarson]

    Wrote you a reply the other day, but timed out while writing. It came up as it's own subject. Built a double barrel tumbler, each barrel 5 gallons, about 19 liters, about 8 years ago for 65 USD. Took some seriuos scrounging, but the thing works very well. It can be done, happy building. Of our two other smaller D.I.Y. tumbler sets, one cost a little more, the other a little less.

[Capt. Mendoza]

The cheapest rock tumbler I've seen was out at Lightning Ridge... It was an old tire that spun around on a beat up rusted motor... The guy chucked his opal / water inside the tyre , and the opal dirt/clay matrix that broke down from the water provided the grit...  Interesting setup.    

[TG]

That gives me an idea Capt., strap a container to your wheel when you head out fosicking change grit at fosicking location and drive home. Cost tupawair container borrowed from mum/wife=$0, cable ties nicked from dad/shed=$0, grit and media from aussie sapphire=$?.
Nice polished stones= PRICELESS

[TigerEye]

nice idea!!

[Capt. Mendoza]

?Sounds like a great idea for a credit card commecial Team Grace !    

[calxoddity]

Not quite on topic, but a general observation:  there are times when polls are useful.  This is not one of them.

[Boulderboy]

whenever i travel between major towns (4-5hr trip) i always throw some opal in a plastic screw top jar & throw it under my seat.very cheap & effective method.
cheers

[Capt. Mendoza]

Just make sure the jar doesn't roll under your brake pad !!!   

[Boulderboy]

thanx capt,
I did forget to mention the block of wood to stop that happening.
getting back to the method you seen with the tyre.i have seen & used this method myself.
it is also a very effective method & good old school stuff - i love these old school backyard inventions.

[gemben]

  ;Djust to remind you its how much money

[TigerEye]

if you can use a cheap container on/in a car - isn't that better than spending money??

[gemben]

thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!