How to clean brass casings with stainless steel shot
Stainless steel pins in a rotary tumbler clean brass casings inside and out. Here is what you need, the steps and the safety basics.
How to tumble softer stones like obsidian and turquoise
Softer and brittle stones can take a beautiful polish if you run them gently. Here is how to adjust the schedule, the filler and the grit.
Chipped, bruised or broken stones: causes and fixes
Chips, white bruise marks and broken stones almost always come down to how the barrel is loaded. Here is how to fix a batch and prevent it next time.
Burnishing: the extra step for a brighter shine
A short soap run after the polish step cleans off residue and brings up a brighter shine. Here is how to do it.
Can you reuse rock tumbler grit? And what to do with the slurry
Why used grit doesn’t cut like fresh grit, and how to get rid of tumbler slurry without clogging your pipes.
Ceramic filler vs plastic pellets: when and how to use tumbler filler
Filler keeps your barrel full, cushions your stones and carries grit into tight spots. Here is which one to use at each step.
How to make sea glass in a rock tumbler
Turn broken bottle glass into soft, frosted sea glass in a few days. Here is the grit, the timing and the safety steps.
Innovation in rock tumbler consumables
The common four-pack of grit and polish is only the start. Here is how better blends, finer polish and smarter fillers change your results.
Rotary or vibratory: choosing a rock tumbler
Rotary tumblers shape rough rock; vibratory tumblers finish shaped stones fast. Here is how to pick, and why many people use both.
How long to tumble rocks
Most rotary batches take about four weeks, but your stones set the real schedule. Here is what to expect and how to keep track.