Vibratory Vs. Rotary Tumbler Jewelry
Vibratory and rotary tumblers are devices that shape and polish rocks for jewelry. The choice of a tumbler depends on what type of gemstone or mineral you're using and how much you want to shape and polish it. You should also consider cost, space and noise, because some tumblers are noisier than others.
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About Rotary Tumblers
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Rotary tumblers are less costly than vibrating tumblers.They are also quieter if you choose one with a rubber barrel. These tumblers are best for taking rough stones and shaping them; vibratory tumblers are better at fine polishing. Rotary tumblers also take longer to work, and beginners generally find them easier to use. However, each tumbling step takes about a week, which is longer than that for vibratory tumblers.
Using a Rotary Tumbler
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Rotary tumblers work by adding an abrasive grit and then placing the stones inside. The type of grit used depends on the type of rock you're tumbling and what stage of tumbling you're in. Initial stages use a coarser grit; later stages use finer grit as the rocks become smoother and more polished. Stones should be checked for breakage between tumbling stages because broken edges can scratch the other rocks in the tumbler.
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Vibratory Tumblers
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Vibratory tumblers are more expensive than rotary ones, and they are used for fine polishing and for more delicate stones, such as obsidian. The tumbling steps are shorter in duration, compared with rotary tumblers, lasting a day per step instead of a week. These tumblers use less polish and grit than a rotary tumbler, but they also may need to be weighted down so that they do not vibrate off a table.
Using Vibratory Tumblers
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A vibratory tumbler works faster than a rotary tumbler, and it does not use as much grit. You should check your stones every day for breakage when you use a vibratory tumbler. If you do not, you will run the risk of having a stone break and scratch the rest. Like rotary tumblers, you start with a coarser grit and work your way to a finer grit. Make certain to clean thoroughly between grit stages to prevent contamination. When your stones are polished, they can be set into jewelry.
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References
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