11 Best Rated Rock Tumblers – In-Depth Reviews

E verybody loves a shiny precious stone that could embellish a necklace or a ring, but did you know how much work lies behind obtaining a perfect gemstone? Geology enthusiasts know what it takes to go from rough rock to a glossy precious stone and you can learn the secrets too if you want to discover the secrets of mineralogy. The easiest way to learn at home is to use a rock tumbler, which is basically a machine that either rotates or vibrates a barrel with rocks inside. During the rotations, the rocks hit each other and rub against each other, resulting in rounded edges and smoothened surfaces.

The tumblers come in all sizes and work with a variety of stones and even glass pieces, thus offering you the chance to observe how a simple item can become a beautiful gemstone or a bead. It’s true that the procedure takes a long time, up to 4 weeks or more, but the result will be worth it. Don’t take our word for it; keep reading to see which tumbler is the simplest to use and with the most astonishing results.

Top 11 Rock Tumblers Compared

Photo	Product Name	Barrels Included	Capacity	Barrel Material	Electrical Requirement	Price
Best Overall	1. Lortone 33B	2	6 lbs.	Rubber	115V	Check Price
	2. Tru-square Metal Products A-R2	2	6 lbs.	Rubber	110V	Check Price
Our Choice	3. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Tumbler Kit	1	2 lbs.	Rubber	120/240V	Check Price
Best for the Money	4. Dan&Darci Advanced Professional Tumbler Kit	1	1 lb.	Rubber	110V	Check Price
	5. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Tumbler Kit	1	2 lbs.	Rubber	110V	Check Price
Best for Beginners	6. Discover with Dr. Cool Hobby Tumbler	1	1 lb.	Rubber	110/240V	Check Price
Best for Sea Glass	7. Leegol Electric Hobby Tumbler	1	3 lbs.	Rubber	120V	Check Price
	8. Chicago Electric Power Tools 67631	1	3 lbs.	Rubber	120V	Check Price
	9. Thumler’s Tumbler MP-1	1	2 lbs.	Rubber	120V	Check Price
	10. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Tumbler Kit	1	1 lb.	Plastic lined with rubber	110/240V	Check Price
Best for Kids	11. Classic Crafts 635	1	1.5 lbs.	Plastic	110V	Check Price

1. Lortone 33B

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For personal use, this is the top preference of many people who wish to make their own set of jewelry due to the extended volume. It’s very expensive, indeed, but this is only because it’s highly qualitative and safe to maneuver, also appropriate for commercial use in jewelry shops. It also works for cleaning coins or retrieving the shine of old metal objects.

High load

The two rubber barrels can hold up to 6 lbs. of rocks or pieces of glass and it can even be useful for polishing larger items. The material chosen for the barrels is not accidental, but it was picked with the purpose to limit the noise caused by the items rotating inside. You wouldn’t want the rumbling sound to disturb you for so many weeks, so the rubber is an excellent choice. It can also be used with only one barrel, as the two are separate and can work independently.

The rest of the body is made of steel, to ensure long-lasting performance and protection against moisture. The engine uses 110V and it can operate continuously without any risk of overheating. It’s not a very energy-consuming machine, so don’t worry about the increase in the electricity bill.

Simple maneuvering

The procedure is not complicated and it won’t involve special skills. Start with purchasing some grit, as the device doesn’t come with any, and you will need it throughout the smoothing procedure. Simply toss it inside the barrel along with a cup of water, add the rocks carefully to avoid overloading, and turn it on. It’s ok to leave it to work uninterruptedly for up to 24 hours but make sure you keep an eye on it every once in a while.

The two rubber-coated rods assist the barrel while spinning, ensuring it takes complete turns to allow the rocks to rub against one another. The belt inside the mechanism is what keeps the barrels moving, and you need to make sure it is correctly aligned so it won’t wear excessively on one side, to the point of breaking. Contingent to the level of roughness and the desired results, it will take between 2 and 4 weeks to have a full load ready. For any defects it might have or any malfunctions you might experience, you can address the manufacturer and they will provide assistance for free during the first year after your purchase.

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2. Tru-square Metal Products A-R2

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This model also consists of 2 barrels that can be used together or separated, meaning you can set the machine for 2-stage polishing or you can only use one of them for smaller amounts of stones. Each can be filled with up to 3 lbs. of rocks, beads, or metallic objects you want polished or cleaned. The containers are made of rubber so they absorb shocks and noise, ensuring a smooth and silent operation, which is good, considering how long the process takes.

The engine is a 110-volt heavy-duty one that is continuously cooled by a fan to avoid overheating. Also, in case of overload, it will turn off to prevent further damage. This is very useful, given it will have to run for long periods until the rocks are done being smoothened. To ensure optimal performance, you are required to oil the bearings to provide enough friction for the molded rubber barrels. It’s a top-quality tumbler that costs above average but the performance is a match. While no supplemental items are provided in the package, you can always purchase the appropriate refill kits that contain the right amount of rocks and grit for each stage.

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3. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Tumbler Kit

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This 2-pound rubber tumbler will turn any ordinary stone into a gemstone that can enhance your jewelry. It might be intended for professionals but it’s extremely easy to maneuver because it is packed with some helpful features. For starters, it has a timer so you can decide for long you set it to work, up to a maximum of 9 days. Next, it also lets you decide on the speed of the rotations, offering three levels. Therefore, it guarantees perfect polishing results and better control over the entire procedure.

The engine is highly powerful and very resilient, showing no sign of exertion even after operating continuously, and it’s also very silent, being great even for use in small rooms. Along with the device, you will get a set of 9 stones that can be turned into gemstones, a few jewelry fasteners in case you want to create a gift for someone, a strainer to separate the stones from the grit, 4 packs of grit intended for each of the polishing stages, and a guidebook with clear instructions. The reputable brand provides you with a 2-year protection period so you can be sure that your investment will be covered against defects.

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4. Dan&Darci Advanced Professional Tumbler Kit

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You can never go wrong with this kit that can polish around 1 pound of rocks in a complex process that takes around 6 weeks to complete. The container is made of rubber, so it can minimize noise and provide resilience over time. The cap is made of steel, with a rubber gasket that prevents leaks. This machine is intended to be simple to use, all thanks to the 9-day timer and the adjustable speed level. Moreover, it has a Pause/Resume button that allows you to interrupt the process and retake it from that point anytime you want to.

Since it’s a kit, it comes with all the indispensable components, starting with a set of assorted rocks and 4 packs of grit, each intended for a certain procedure: coarse, fine grit, pre-polish and polish. Removing the excess grit before going to the next phase is done using the included strainer. Once the process is over, you can attach the gems to a jewelry item or you can store them in the included bag.

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5. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Tumbler Kit

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If you smoothen rocks as a hobby because you like to make your own jewelry, this kit might be exactly what you need. The single barrel is made of rubber for the same noise-reducing purposes and it can stock around 2 pounds of various rocks. The cap is made of stainless steel and has a rubber ring attached, to prevent any leaks. It runs on a powerful heavy-duty engine that remains silent and cool, to prevent damage that might occur during the long polishing process. Speaking of which, learn that you can use the timer to set it to work for up to 9 days until a stage is finished.

The package comes with many accessories so you won’t have to spend extra money to get started. It includes 9 types of stones, 4 polishing and coarsing packs of grit, jewelry fasteners to create beautiful adornments, and a clear instructions manual to guide you along with the procedure. You can confidently go ahead and experiment with this machine because it offers a 2-year warranty.

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6. Discover with Dr. Cool Hobby Tumbler

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In case you are a novice in this hobby and you are just getting accustomed to rock polishing, you need to rely on a full kit that provides all the necessary components. Hence, we bring to your attention this model that is ideal for beginners because it’s very intuitive and doesn’t require extra purchases.

The rubber barrel is not very generous, it holds only 1 lb. of rocks, beads, glass pieces, or metallic objects, but it should be enough for your hobby needs. The motor works on both 110 and 240V so it’s adaptable to many houses. It remains silent throughout the entire process, allowing you to place it anywhere you have room for it. To take out the guessing from setting it, the machine comes with a helpful timer so you can set it to work uninterruptedly for a certain amount of time before it will turn off.

At no extra price, you will receive the unit, 1⁄2 lbs. of gemstones that include 9 different kinds such as amethyst, rose quartz, agate, or jasper, 4 packs of various-roughness grit for different stages of the procedure, and a learning guide with instructions. In case anything goes wrong with it or you experience any troubles setting it up, you can contact customer service and benefit from the generous 2-year warranty. Additionally, the machine doesn’t consume a lot of energy so your energy bill will remain constant even after it has been operating for many weeks.

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7. Leegol Electric Hobby Tumbler

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The rubber container on this machine will allow you for a noiseless operation. It has a volume of 3 lbs. which means that you can obtain a big batch of shiny rocks. What’s more, it works great on glass pieces, so you can make sea glass if you are a fan of it. The resulting colorful and shiny gems can be added to jewelry or turned into beautiful decorations.
The machine will use 120 volts, providing enough power to rotate the barrel even when filled to the maximum.

It’s suitable for beginners as the instructions are easy to follow and there aren’t many steps involved. While most rock polishers use grit of various sizes, this one has a walnut shell media that also acts as a grinder, smoothing the edges on rocks and removing dirt from metal objects. The best part is that this walnut media can be reused multiple times, unlike the grit that is single-use.

If you’re not happy with it, the company will offer you a replacement so that you will eventually be happy with your purchase. Another pleasant surprise is the lifetime warranty that ensures your product will unlimitedly be covered by the manufacturer.

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8. Chicago Electric Power Tools 67631

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This great model will help you get the perfect stones for handmade jewelry or clean precious metal objects that have corroded. The substantial weight capability reaching 3 pounds will ensure you can tumble a bigger batch so you will wait for less for the procedure to complete. The barrel is made of rubber which means that the operation is very quiet.

It’s very straightforward, with no complicated buttons or cumbersome upkeep. All you have to do is add the stones, the proper grit, some water to cover the content and press the button. The powerful motor will do all the hard work, ensuring that each phase is completed until the entire process is brought to an end. This model is incredibly durable as most people have reported that they’ve had it for more than 2 years.

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9. Thumler’s Tumbler MP-1

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To get perfectly-polished rocks, you need patience, and a good quality tumbler like this one right here. It consists of a rubber barrel that can rotate around 2 pounds of rocks, although it’s best to avoid filling it to maximum capacity. As the powerful engine will rotate the belt, the tumble will spin and force the rocks to rub against each other and the grit you previously added. This will result in smooth edges and shiny gems that can be easily incorporated into pieces of jewelry. You can do so using the accessories that come in the box.

It’s not fitted with a timer to turn it off, but it will stop working in case it overheats, to prevent a fire hazard. Other than that, you will not enjoy extra features. What you do get are jewelry buckles, grit packs for each stage, and a handful of rocks to complete a batch. A warranty is also offered and it lasts one year, covering manufacturing defects.

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10. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Tumbler Kit

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You can always get familiar with rock tumbling using this kit that includes all the required elements to get started immediately. The barrel has a plastic shell so you might think that it’s noisy and prone to cracking but, in fact, it has a rubber lining to minimize noise and to absorb shocks. It can hold 1 pound of rocks that will be rotated for days by the powerful motor, resulting in perfectly polished gemstones at the end of the cycle.

The included instructions, available in 4 languages, will educate you through the whole process and will make the device very hassle-free. Inside the package, 1⁄2 pound of rocks is included, a sieve for removing the excess grit, five jewelry fastenings, and 4 packs of grit for each of the steps involved.

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11. Classic Crafts 635

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This one is a basic tumbler that can be considered if you want to limit your expenses or as an experiment for your kids. The barrel is made of plastic, so be prepared for considerably more noise while rotating, as it will rumble a lot. You can put up to 1.5 pounds of rocks inside it, or you can use it to clean old coins using special media. However, it’s recommended to fill it only by half because it’s not powerful enough to move the entire load and the plastic could crack.

The kit is ready to use as soon as you receive it, so the kids will love it. Inside the box, you will find several stones, a coarse grit, a medium grit, and a polish, along with a bottle of glue to attach the gemstones to jewelry or key chains. You must add water and once a stage is done, empty the barrel, clean it, and give it a quick oil before adding the grit for the next stage. It takes about a month to complete the process, so arm yourself with patience when you engage in this.

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How Does A Tumbler Function

You may ask yourself why it can take up to one month or more for the rocks to obtain the perfect, smooth finish. In fact, it’s not even that long, if you think about genuine sea glass that takes around 7 years to be shaped by water and currents. The tumbler uses 4 stages to get a rock to look like a gem. Each stage has its purpose and brings a certain result, being part of a complex procedure. Considering the roughness of the stones, no wonder smoothing and shaping them takes so long. Below, we will explain each stage, helping you get a better understanding of the principle behind this machine.

Stage 1 – This is where shaping takes place. The #1 grit will remove the rough edges and it will give the rock a rounder finish. At this stage, the machine is the noisiest as the edges are knocked off. If you put hard rocks inside, this stage can take up to a week, whereas, with soft rocks, it may only last for a few days. Decide on what shape you want them to have whilst checking the machine daily. After you obtain the desired shape, clean the containers and make sure that you don’t pour the waste down the sink.

Stage 2 – This is where the #2 fine grit takes place. This stage will remove any visible scratches or cracks in the rocks. In addition, it will also give them a dull glow once the rocks are dry. Please make sure that the plastic pellets are squeaky clean before you put them inside if you want the rocks to come out perfectly. This stage isn’t very noisy but it will last about the same amount of time as the first stage. Nevertheless, you should check on the machine every single day to know the progress. Once the rocks are done with the thorough cleaning, the pre-polish comes.

Stage 3 – This gets more exciting as it’s near the end. By now, your rock should have a round shape without any visible cracks or dirt. It should also have a dull shine. In stage 3, the rocks will get silky smooth due to the #3 grit. The machine will bring out the luster. This stage also takes about a week but the wait is worth it.

Stage 4 – After the last bit of cleaning, comes stage 4, the last stage. Here, the machine uses the grit that looks almost like a fine powder. After a week of your rocks being in this stage, they should come out looking mesmerizing. They should be bright and shiny.

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Conclusion

If you’re a geology fan and polishing rocks is your hobby, you’ll find rock tumblers very interesting and helpful in creating personal gems, jewelry, beads, and many more. Take your passion to the next level with a tumbler that’s able to help you develop your imagination. More than this, these machines are great for children, too, keeping them curious and entertained, as well as discovering a lot of new information. Hoping that our suggestions were helpful, it just remains to take the final decision, the one that suits you best. If you aren’t convinced yet, let’s quickly review the most wanted products:

Best Overall: Lortone 1V_004-091

This is the top option to consider as we’re speaking of a high-capacity tumbler that will help you create gemstone jewels, beads, as well as pieces of glass. You’ll be provided with the best outcomes similar to the ones found in jewelry shops. It’s a brilliant alternative for both adults and kids. It has 2 barrels that can be used together or separately and it’s powered by a sturdy engine that ensures both fast and effective results.

Editor’s Choice: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Professional Tumbler Kit

We were greatly impressed with the ease of use of this tumbler that can make precious stones or clean metallic objects by rotating a generous size container. It’s packed with all the features you could need, starting with a timer and a speed adjustment, hence offering you increased freedom in setting it. The complete list of accessories it brings is another reason why this machine is very popular among customers, given that it doesn’t require added expenses.

Best Rock Tumbler for Beginners: Discover with Dr. Cool HOBBYTUMBLER

If you are an apprentice getting familiar with creating gemstones, you should give a second thought to this model. Even though it has a single barrel, it offers great power and effectiveness, providing you with amazing, luxurious gems. You can create multiple jewelry items and even polish glass. Accessories are included, too, so you’ll enjoy stones, fastenings, grits, an adventure guide, and an activity booklet.

Best Rock Tumbler for the Money: Dan&Darci Advanced Professional Tumbler Kit

Who said that you need to spend a fortune to get a tumbler packed with helpful settings? This model costs a fraction of what others cost and it brings more benefits to the table. It comes with a timer, adjustable speeds, and a Pause button so you can customize the intensity of the process. It’s not the most generous in size but it’s hassle-free to operate and the outcome is impressive.

Best Rock Tumbler for Kids: Classic Crafts 635

If you want to surprise your little ones with an educative gift, there’s no better option than this kit. It’s simple to use, with no complicated steps to follow and it’s not very elaborated, so the kids will not find it tiresome. It’s small-sized and entirely made of plastic, so it’s easy to maneuver and relocate. The price is very low, so you won’t be sorry buying it, in case it will not arouse the interest of your children.

Best Rock Tumbler for Sea Glass: Leegol Hobby Rock Machine

If you’re searching for a machine that can help you polish pieces of glass to make it look like original sea glass, this is the one you’ve been looking for. It’s handy and easy to use, featuring a total volume of 3 pounds. You can use the walnut media included in the package, but it’s also useful to add some plastic pebbles and even sea salt to add the glass that smoky aspect. At the end of a week’s tumbling, you will get smooth and crystal-clear bids of glass just like the ones you collect from beaches.