What Are Rotary Rock Tumblers?
A rotary tumbler has one or more barrels that the rocks are placed in. Multiple barrels allow you to tumble two or more batches of rock at the same time. You can tumble two different types of rock. Or, you can tumble two batches of rock at different stages of the tumbling process. The barrels are turned by a motor and the rocks tumble inside of the barrel, rubbing against one another and wearing their way smooth. A number of companies manufacture rotary tumbling machines. They are the most commonly used type of tumbler. The photo at the top right of this page shows rotary rock tumblers from (left to right) Lortone, Inc., and Thumler’s Tumblers. The tumblers shown are made with metal frames, have durable rubber barrels and will tumble two or more pounds of rock at a time. They are designed to give years of reliable service if they are cared for properly.
