Transform rough stones into gleaming treasures with the Tumble-Bee Rotary Rock Tumbler Polish Kit. This complete starter kit includes everything you need to begin your rock polishing journey—a quality 2 lb rotary tumbler, pre-sized tumbling rocks, and enough grit to polish two batches of beautiful stones. In just 4-6 weeks, you'll watch ordinary rocks become smooth, polished specimens you'll be proud to display or share.
- Complete kit with tumbler, 2 lbs of quality tumbling rock, and full grit pack
- Advanced grooved timing belt design prevents slipping for consistent results
- Automatic thermal shutoff protection for safe, worry-free operation
- Convenient lighted power switch—no more plugging and unplugging
- Perfect introduction to rock tumbling for beginners and families
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From Dull to Dazzling
Rock tumbling teaches patience and reveals Earth's hidden beauty. Watch as rough stones transform week by week, developing smooth surfaces and vibrant colors that were invisible before polishing.
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- Tumble-Bee 2 lb Single-Barrel Rock Tumbler with rust-proof composite plastic housing
- 2 lbs of pre-sized rough tumbling rock
- Complete grit pack (sufficient for 2 lbs of rock in two separate 1 lb batches)
- One 2 lb rubber barrel
- Maintenance oil for optimal performance
- Allen wrench for adjustments
- Extra timing belt
- Complete operating instructions
- Dimensions: 13" L × 6" W × 6" H
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Barrel Capacity: 2 lbs (processes 1 lb batches for best results)
- Barrel Material: Durable rubber
- Housing Construction: Rust-proof composite plastic (eliminates sharp metal edges)
- Drive System: Advanced grooved polyurethane timing belt with embedded polyester fibers
- Safety Features: Automatic thermal overload protection, shielded motor and pulleys, lighted on/off switch
- Barrel Guides: Built-in guides limit barrel movement during operation
- Tumbling Time: Approximately 4-6 weeks for complete polishing process
- Grit Included: Full four-stage grit pack (coarse, medium, fine, and polish)
- Rock Quantity: 2 lbs of quality tumbling rough included
- Also Available: Tumble-Bee 2 lb Rock Tumbler (tumbler only), Deluxe Lortone Rock Tumbler Kit
Your Gateway to Rock Tumbling
The Tumble-Bee Rotary Rock Tumbler Polish Kit makes it easy to start exploring the fascinating world of rock polishing. Unlike buying a tumbler and supplies separately, this kit provides everything in one package—the reliable Tumble-Bee tumbler, carefully selected tumbling rough, and a complete grit pack for processing two full batches. The included rocks are pre-sized for optimal tumbling, so you can start your first batch immediately without searching for suitable stones or worrying about compatibility.
Rock tumbling follows a straightforward four-step process, with each stage using progressively finer grit to shape and polish your stones. The coarse grit stage shapes the rocks and removes rough edges. Medium grit smooths the surfaces further. Fine grit (pre-polish) removes remaining scratches. Finally, polish grit brings out the natural luster and colors hidden within each stone. Each stage typically runs about one week, though the coarse stage may benefit from additional time for perfectly rounded results.
Thoughtful Design Features
The Tumble-Bee tumbler incorporates several innovative features that enhance both safety and performance. The grooved timing belt design prevents slipping off the pulleys, maintaining consistent barrel rotation throughout the weeks-long process. Reinforced with embedded polyester fibers, the belt resists splitting and maintains its shape. The automatic thermal overload protection shuts off the motor if it overheats, providing peace of mind during extended operation. A lighted power switch clearly indicates when the tumbler is running, and the shielded motor cover protects moving parts. The rust-proof composite plastic housing eliminates sharp metal edges, making it safer for family use.
What to Expect From Your First Tumble
Your first batch will teach you the basics of rock tumbling and reward your patience with beautiful polished stones. The included rough consists of stones selected for their ability to accept a good polish—typically varieties of agate, jasper, and quartz. These rocks are ideal for beginners because they're hard enough to withstand tumbling (around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale) yet polish to a brilliant shine. As you open the barrel after each stage, you'll notice progressive transformation from rough, angular stones to increasingly smooth specimens, with their true colors and patterns gradually revealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does rock tumbling actually take? The complete four-step process takes approximately 4-6 weeks when running each stage for about one week. Many beginners run the coarse grit stage for two weeks to achieve better rounding and smoother results, which extends the total time to 5-7 weeks. The process requires patience, but checking your progress each week makes the wait exciting as you watch the transformation unfold.
- Can I tumble rocks I find myself instead of using the included rocks? Yes, but choosing the right rocks is crucial for success. Look for hard, dense stones without cracks or porous surfaces. Good candidates include agate, jasper, quartz, and similar materials with a hardness around 6-8 on the Mohs scale. Avoid soft, fractured, or granular rocks as they can disintegrate during tumbling and ruin your entire batch. The included rocks are pre-selected to ensure success with your first tumble.
- Why do I need to process rocks in 1 lb batches if the barrel holds 2 lbs? Optimal tumbling requires the barrel to be about half to two-thirds full with a mix of rock sizes. This allows proper tumbling action where rocks roll over each other rather than sliding as a solid mass. Processing 1 lb of rock per batch, with the barrel approximately 60% full, creates the best conditions for effective grinding and polishing. The kit's grit pack is portioned for two separate 1 lb batches.
- What's the difference between rotary tumblers and vibratory tumblers? Rotary tumblers like the Tumble-Bee work by rotating rocks in a barrel, which shapes and rounds stones while polishing them. Vibratory tumblers rapidly shake rocks in a bowl, which polishes faster but doesn't round stones as effectively. Rotary tumblers are ideal for beginners because they handle the complete process from shaping through polishing, while vibratory tumblers are typically used by experienced hobbyists to speed up the final polishing stages on pre-shaped stones.
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