Metallurgical Content
- Best 4 Rock Tumblers as of 2023:
- 1. National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit – Best Overall for Adult Beginners
- 2. National Geographic Rock Tumbler Starter Kit – Best Rock Tumbler Kids 8+
- 3. Leegol Electric Rotary Rock Tumbler – Best People Who Love Rock Tumbling
- 4. Tumble-Bee TB-14 Rotary Rock Tumbler – Advanced
- 5. Model B Heavy-Duty
- 6. Tru-square Metal Products Single Barrel Rock Polishing Tumbler
- 7. Leegol Electric Vibratory Rock Tumbler – Best Vibratory Rock Tumbler
- FAQs About Rock Tumblers
- To Conclude:
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.
Rock tumblers are the perfect tool for turning rough rocks into polished stones you will want to share with the world. To help make it easier to find the best rock tumbler we produced this list of our recommendations.
Remember the joy you felt when you discovered a radiant, multi-colored rock on a hike? Or the excitement when you first cracked open a geode?
The best rock tumblers can bring back that feeling!
A good rock tumbler can set you on a path for a fulfilling hobby. If you’ve ever wanted to make jewelry or decorate your home with precious stones, rock tumbling can get you there.
Rock tumbling is a great way to take jagged, unpolished stones and turn them into dazzling gems. All you need is a quality rock tumbler kit and some patience (it can take weeks or months to polish a rough rock into a beautiful gemstone)
But rock tumblers aren’t built the same.
When choosing the right rock tumbler kit, there are several important considerations to consider. In this guide, we’ll share the factors to consider when buying a rock tumbler and introduce you to the best rock tumbler kit on the market.
Best 4 Rock Tumblers as of 2023:
What Is a Rock Tumbler?
A rock tumbler is a specialized machine that polishes rocks through an abrasive process. The machine slowly grinds down the rocks, gradually removing imperfections and turning them into beautiful gemstones.
Rock tumbling can take a few weeks to months, depending on the size of the rocks and the type of tumbling machine.
What to Look for in a Rock Tumbler
Using the best rock tumbler to turn rough and jugged rocks into beautiful stones will make your project run smoother. If you’re new to rock tumbling, you may not know how to choose the right tumbler for your needs. Consider these factors when buying a rock tumbler.
1. Barrel Size
When shopping for a rock tumbler, make sure you know the size you want. Barrel size is usually written in weight. For a beginner doing rock tumbling as a hobby, a 3 lb tumbler is perfect. A tumbler with a 3-pound capacity can polish rock between 0.25 inches and 1.25 inches.
If you’re more serious with rock tumbling, perhaps doing it for decorative or commercial purposes, go for a 6 lb or 12 lb tumbler. This should be appropriate for a majority of professionals.
2. Barrel Material
The material the barrel is made of is a critical consideration when buying a rock tumbler. Most tumblers on the market today have plastic, aluminum, steel, or rubber barrels.
Avoid tumblers with plastic barrels as they bend out too easily, which can make the rocks bump against each other, causing damage.
Steel and aluminum barrels are the best options because they won’t bend under any circumstance and prevent the rocks from bumping into each other. These barrels are also more durable than their plastic counterparts. Rubber barrels are more sophisticated but are also less noisy.
3. Barrel Configuration
Typically, you’ll find two different types of barrel configurations to choose from:
Rotary
Rotary tumblers are ideal for beginners.
A rotary barrel configuration uses water and an abrasive element to polish the rocks by turning the barrel. These systems work by causing the stones to collide with one another and with the abrasive grit to polish the stones.
Vibratory
A vibratory barrel configuration shakes the stones inside the barren to smoothen them off. This system uses an electric motor that vibrates the stones inside the barrel, which helps minimize imperfections in the rock’s surface. Vibratory systems are a bit pricier and require more skill.
A detailed review of the rock tumblers we evaluated:
1. National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit – Best Overall for Adult Beginners
Regarding the best all-around rock tumbler kit on the market, the National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit carries the Oscar.
Nat Geo makes several different kits, but this Hobby kit makes a strong case for being the best on the market. It’s easy to use, made from tough materials, competitively priced, and packed with features ideal for hobbyists and professionals alike.
One of the things that distinguish this tumbler from others of its kind is the leak-proof rubber barrel. The rubber construction helps to reduce noise when the machine is running, making it one of the quietest models out there. According to the manufacturer, this tumbler is 75% quieter than competing plastic models.
Plus, it comes with everything you need to create polished gemstones; nine types of stones to start with, a sifter, and four polishing grits. Its main benefit over other earlier models is the presence of a one-touch timer and automatic shutoff features.
Here’s what one customer said about the product’s usability “..it’s so easy to use, Just like set it and forget it. So I’d highly recommend this to beginners; you will like it.” Has everything you need to start the hobby and can be found around the $70 range.
Key Features
- Number of barrels: 1
- Barrel material: Rubber
- Weight: 1 lb
- Dimensions: 13.8 x 4.9 x 8.1 inches
- Price: $69
What We Love
- One-touch timer and auto shut off
- Rubber barrel, which is 75% quieter
- Competitively priced
What We Don’t Like That Much
- The included stones are poor quality but won’t be long before you find more!
The Bottom Line
Rock tumbling is one of the most exciting and popular hobbies of all time, and the National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler kit makes it a fun and easier activity. This tumbler is easy to use and comes with all the right features you’d expect from a premium product. And for $69, you get the best bang for your buck.
2. National Geographic Rock Tumbler Starter Kit – Best Rock Tumbler Kids 8+
If you are just starting out or perhaps you are looking for some quality family time with your children, the National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit is an ideal choice. It can be a wonderful educational tool thanks to the instructional learning guide that comes with this, allowing kids to have good fun and discover something new. This single barrel tumbler features rubber material that is designed to be about 75% quieter when compared to plastic tumblers. The barrel also boasts 3lbs. capacity so that it can hold more rocks at a time.
Since this product is actually a full kit you don’t just get the tumbler. You also receive 3lbs. worth of rocks. There are generally 9 different types of gemstones found within these rocks so the end result will often be different. Included is also a strainer and 4 different levels of grit to get you started. If you are looking to create something this kit also comprises 5 jewelry fastenings. When you want to add a pleasant shine to your rock collection you can use the included GemFoam. Controlling this tumbler is simple thanks to the 3-speed control setup. Also, it’s programmable anywhere from 1 to 9 days so it can go as long as you need it to.
It really helps make this an easier option for kids interested when it’s regularly found priced for less than $50.
Features:
- Durable motor
- Leak-proof barrel with stainless steel lid
- Noise-reducing operation
- Automatic shutoff timer
- LCD screens
- Speed settings
What we love:
- Remains cool to the touch for safety
- Fast tumbling process
- Simple to use
What we don’t like that much:
- It might shut off if a lot of rocks are used at the same time
3. Leegol Electric Rotary Rock Tumbler – Best People Who Love Rock Tumbling
If you like the hobby of rock tumbling, the Leegol is a good next tumbler due to the large barrel and quiet running.
The Leegol Electric Rotary Rock Tumbler is among the most affordable rock tumblers you can find that manages to get the job done well beyond the world of toys and want to do a decent amount of rocks at and affordable rate. It features a double barrel design, allowing you to tumble more rocks at a time. The rubber barrel is also made to be noise-reducing and leak-proof so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up any mess during this process.
As this is a straightforward unit beginners should be able to handle it easily. It is also a fun process to go through with the family so that older children and teenagers can kick off their interest in rock collection. This comes with walnut shell media too so you can get started right away. With its high-quality motor, you may be able to run it for days at a time. This way you have a better chance at achieving that smooth finish.
This type of rock tumbler goes from $70+ so is not something that a kid interested or a beginner should get until they know this is the hobby for them.
Features:
- 120V/60Hz motor
- 3lbs. barrel capacity (x2)
- V-Belt
- Rubber barrel with aluminum lid
- Sheet metal body
- 0.5lbs. walnut shell media (x2)
What we love:
- Comes with good instructions for an easy setup process
- It runs quieter than expected
- Simple to clean the drums after each stage
What we don’t like that much:
- The belt can be hard to replace if it snaps
4. Tumble-Bee TB-14 Rotary Rock Tumbler – Advanced
More power than all the tumblers on this list but starts at $100. The Tumble-Bee TB-14 is a rotary-style rock tumbler designed to handle stones as well as glass and metals with ease. It features a wide barrel that’s well-made, with rubber material to cut down on any potential noise it can produce. This is backed by a powerful motor that’s fan-cooled and which also comes equipped with a thermal overload protector that allows it to tumble 24/7 with a much lower risk of overheating.
Using the Tumble-Bee TB-14 is straight-to-the-point, starting from its brightly lit on/off switch. This is also a 4-step kit so it will include everything you need. It comes with pre-measured rocks as well as 3 types of grit (coarse, medium, and fine) and polish. There are written and visual instructions to further assist you, making it ideal for newcomers or children with a budding interest in rock tumbling. For the sake of maintenance, the kit also includes oil and an Allen wrench. This tumbler is safe to use too since the housing has no sharp edges.
Features:
- 115V fan-cooled AC motor
- 4lbs. capacity rubber barrel
- ABS plastic with metal reinforced bottom
- Built-in barrel guides
- Illuminated on/off power switch
- Rust-free housing
What we love:
- Easy to maintain the motor
- The kit comes with a good amount of starter rocks
- Works at a good pace
What we don’t like that much:
- Might have to put in less than the suggested weight limit
5. Model B Heavy-Duty
This tumbler is for serious rock tumblers and is not a unit I would recommend to those new to the hobby. It doesn’t come with any extras but it does come with a 5-year guarantee and the ability to deal with 15LBs of material every time you want to tumble.
If you know that rock tumbling is your thing then you should have a serious look at the Tru-Square Model B as the sheer amount of rocks you can tumble will be worth spending over $300 on a rock tumbler.
Features:
- 120V/60Hz motor
- 15lbs. barrel capacity
What we love:
- Can tumbler a serious amount of rocks
- Can deal with rocks up to 3inches
- A true “Dream” tumbler
What we don’t like that much:
- Is large – over 15LBS
6. Tru-square Metal Products Single Barrel Rock Polishing Tumbler
The Tru-square AR-1 Rock Tumbler offers professional-level work. It is a sturdy machine that is compact for easy transportation, so you can carry it wherever you need to set it up with little to no difficulty. The barrel is a comfortable enough size for you to tumble numerous rocks at a time without any problem. Along with the tumbler, you will receive a hefty supply of rocks to use, which is ideal if you’re just starting out and need time to get to grips with the whole process.
Additionally, this comes with jewelry findings so you can create something right away. There is no need to go out and buy anything extra to start out with either since this includes a 4-step process. You will notice it comes with coarse grit, fine grit, pre-polish and polish. This allows you to go through the entire tumbling and polishing process with the rocks included in the kit before having to buy more.
Features:
- 110V/60Hz motor
- 1qt rubber barrel
- 3lbs. capacity
- Rock polishers’ guide
- 2 packets of grit
- 2 packets of polish
What we love:
- The tumbler feels reliable and solid
- The barrel is sealed well
- Motor features sealed bearings so it doesn’t need oiling
What we don’t like that much:
- Lacks an on/off switch so you must plug/unplug it for it to work
7. Leegol Electric Vibratory Rock Tumbler – Best Vibratory Rock Tumbler
The Leegol Electric Vibratory Rock Tumbler is designed for use with both wet and dry media. As such, it features a drain hose for easier use if you decide to add a wet medium. Since it is vibratory it tends to tumble at a quicker pace than rotary tumblers. Therefore this might be better suited for individuals who have already acquired some skills in rock tumbling. More so since it is a professional-grade product.
When you’re operating the unit, it should remain stable thanks to the rubber-mounted feet. The drum opening is also wide enough, sitting at 10 ½in. in diameter, so you can add and remove items with ease. With its powerful motor, you may be able to run it for days at a time so you get an efficient, smooth finish. Besides the tumbler itself, this kit includes instructions on how to use it and three bags of 5lbs. walnut shell media. It is a good start to get you going with your projects.
Features:
- 120V/60Hz/0.5A electrical input
- 18-gauge steel motor housing
- 18lbs. vibratory bowl
- Drain hose
- Rubber-mounted feet
- Polyethylene drum and lid
What we love:
- Features a heavy-duty motor
- The barrel holds a good capacity
- Manages to tumble in a short amount of time
What we don’t like that much:
- The bottom plastic material could be stronger
FAQs About Rock Tumblers
Can you put regular rocks in a rock tumbler?
Sadly you can’t put any rock in a tumbler and most will just end up looking rubbed but show nothing interesting. The easiest rocks to tumble are jasper, agate, chalcedony, and petrified wood. The reason is that these types of rocks all contain a quartz material that polishes up really well.
You will want to avoid soft rocks as they might just fall apart when you add them to a rock tumbler and some really hard rocks might damage your tumbler. If you are able to test your rocks you will want those that have a Moh’s hardness of between 6 and 8.
How long does it take to polish rocks in a rock tumbler?
For beginners, the answer can come as a bit of a shock as it could be one week or two months to tumble rocks to a polish that you are happy with. Many people deep into the hobby will use both a rotary and a vibratory tumbler which can add a lot more time to the process so patience is a virtue in this hobby. Hard rocks with a Moh of 7 take longer to tumble but the end result can be worth the wait as they look great when they are finished.
What types of rock tumblers are there?
Rock tumblers come in 2 different types: rotary and vibratory.
If you’re a beginner you’ll want to go for a rotary rock tumbler as they are user-friendly and the most common type in use. In fact, it is probably what the majority of people will picture when they think of a rock tumbler. This covers all the bases too. Throughout the coarse grind stage, it knocks off edges, and shapes, and smoothens the rough rocks out. Also, any rocks tumbled using a rotary rock tumbler always change shape to appear more rounded.
As for vibratory rock tumblers, they are less common for novice users. Unlike rotary tumblers, vibratory ones don’t change the shape of the rock. They’re usually used after a rock has been shaped since they focus on fine polishing the rock instead.
What other items can you tumble?
If you’ve found some coins during your metal detecting adventures then you can throw those in the rock tumbler. A rock tumbler will help clean it giving it a nice shine.
Something to keep in mind, however, is that you don’t want to do this for valuable coins. A rock tumbler will completely destroy that value, so they would be worth nothing more than a collector’s item for yourself. Only work on cleaning coins if they aren’t worth more than their face value or if you plan to melt them down.
Other than coins you can also place shells inside a rock tumbler.
As long as a seashell isn’t too thin it can be placed into a rock tumbler, but your approach would need to be modified since shells are far more fragile than rocks. There is no point in going through the coarse grit stage. Only spend a little time on the second stage or you can skip that completely as well, depending on the consistency of the shell.
Make sure to use as many shells as possible that will comfortably fit inside the barrel, including as much filler as you can.
To Conclude:
It is common to come across various rocks while you’re out searching with a metal detector, and if you want to reveal the beauty that lies beneath them you will need the best rock tumbler. These machines remove all the imperfections so that you are left with something smooth, like those stunning gems you typically find in precious jewelry. Rock tumblers are plentiful, however. Finding the right one for your needs can take time. We looked at a variety of products so you can find a rock tumbler with the barrel size you need, the skill level that you’re at, and the features you most require.
- Best Budget Option – Leegol Electric Rotary Rock Tumbler
- Best Mid-Range Option – National Geographic Rock Tumbler Kit
- Best High-End Option – Leegol Electric Vibratory Rock Tumbler
You might also like: 10 Best Rock Hammers and Best lapidary saw and Gifts for Rock Collectors
Update: 01/08/22 removed one unit and improved the clarity of our list
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