Rock Tumbler Manufacturers
Manufacturers are usually a reliable source of help when your tumbler is not working properly. However, there are other places to get help, and we suggest them below.
Rock Tumbler Manufacturers
Need Help With a Rock Tumbler?
If you buy a rock tumbler and have problems after the purchase, where can you go for help? Here are four places to find help:
1) The Instructions
The instructions that came with your tumbler should explain how to operate the tumbler and answer the most common questions that a buyer might have. Consult your instructions for immediate answers.
If you don't have a copy of the instructions, then contact the manufacturer. Most manufacturers are happy to send you a set of instructions by email or snail mail.
2) The Manufacturer
The manufacturer of the tumbler has a legal duty to provide all warranty services that they promised. They also have some moral duty to provide kind assistance, within reason, especially during the warranty period.
If you don't know how to contact the manufacturer of your tumbler, check the instructions manual and the box that your tumbler was packaged in. These usually have a website address or contact information for the manufacturer. If you didn't save the instructions or packaging, try this list of rock tumbler manufacturers.
3) The Vendor
The vendor who sold you the tumbler is not responsible for warranty service (unless they are also the manufacturer). However, they have (in our opinion) some moral duty to provide kind assistance to the customer, within reason.
The vendor, at minimum, should be able to provide the customer with the name, address, phone number, and email address of the manufacturer, and tell the customer where replacement parts can be purchased.
4) Kind People
Kind people often share their knowledge by publishing informative articles on websites or posting instructional videos on YouTube. These people have no legal or moral duty to help you; however, they freely allow you to view content that they have published. They are often supported by advertisers. You can find their content using a search engine such as Google, or you can visit YouTube and perform a search there.
The Role of RockTumbler.com
RockTumbler.com supports our customers and other people interested in rock tumbling in the following ways:
First, we are the leading publisher of online articles about rock tumbling. Our company has published a library of rock tumbling articles on this website that you can view at any time without charge. These articles answer the most common questions that people new to tumbling are likely to have. They also provide the information needed to increase your tumbling skill and knowledge far beyond the beginner's level.
Second, we have produced a growing collection of YouTube videos that anyone anywhere can view without charge.
Finally, for our customers, to the best of our ability, we answer email questions about rock tumbling and the products that they have purchased from us. When questions related to warranty service or mechanical problems arise, we must refer you to the manufacturer of their tumbler. They have the best expertise to provide that assistance and the legal obligation to provide the warranty services that they promised. We have been very happy with how the manufacturers of the tumblers that we sell have assisted our customers.
Rock Tumbler Manufacturers
A list of manufacturers and brand owners who we believe are in business today.
The manufacturer contact information listed below was obtained from product packaging, instructions manuals, and other documents provided with their tumblers. We were retail buyers and users of all tumblers listed and shown in the photos below.
Manufacturers and Brands
A single-barrel rotary tumbler made by AliKids. The barrel will tumble up to about one pound of rocks.
AliKids
AliKids is the marketing name for a brand of small rotary rock tumbler kits manufactured for U&I Electronic, LTD. We purchased one of their tumblers in 2021, and you can see it in the accompanying photo.
The rubber barrel tumbler shown in the photo is an example of one of their tumblers. According to the Instructions and Learning Guide provided with the tumbler, AliKids has a website at alikids.net and their email address is support@alikids.net. The manufacturer's mailing address is U&I Electronic, LTD, Unit 1901A Skyline Tower, 39 Wang Kwong Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Chicago Electric rock tumblers have been sold by Harbor Freight Tools.
Chicago Electric
Chicago Electric is a brand of hobbyist rock tumblers that have been sold by Harbor Freight Tools. There are two models: 1) a "single barrel" model; and, 2) a "dual barrel" model - both of these are supplied with three-pound capacity rubber barrels.
We purchased two of their tumblers (a single and a twin) in the early 2000s, and a photo of the twin-barrel model is shown in the photo.
Their address is 26541 Agoura Rd, Calabasas, California 91302. Their website is at harborfreight.com, (888) 866-5797.
The "Deluxe Tumbler" from Covington Engineering has a one-gallon-capacity barrel and can tumble about 9 to 12 pounds of rock.
Covington Engineering
Covington Engineering is the manufacturer of hobbyist and commercial rock tumblers in three different designs:
(1) Their "Rolling Tumblers" are hobbyist-quality rotary tumblers with barrel capacities of 3, 6, and 12 pounds.
(2) They produce a commercial-grade rotary rock tumbler with a 40-pound barrel.
(3) Their "Deluxe Tumbler" has an inclined barrel and a hexagonal shape (shown in the accompanying photo). The combination of a rotating barrel, an inclined barrel orientation, and a hexagonal barrel shape, produces what they call a "3-way tumbling action". We purchased one of these tumblers in 2020 and are getting some experience with it.
Covington Engineering's address is 715 W Colton Ave, Redlands, CA 92374. Their website is covington-engineering.com and their phone number is (877) 793-6636.
Covington is an American manufacturer who has been making glass and lapidary equipment in the United States since 1848. How about that!
The Dan & Darci rock tumbler by Surreal Brands.
Dan & Darci
Dan & Darci is the trade name of a beginner's rock tumbler that is imported by Surreal Brands, 1303 53rd St. #249, Brooklyn, NY 11234.
We purchased one of their tumblers in 2019, and a photo of that tumbler is shown on this page. The tumbler barrel has a capacity of just under 2 pounds, and the tumbler we purchased came with about 0.51 pound of rough rocks.
For support you can find their website at dananddarci.com or contact them by email at support@dananddarci.com.
A Mini-Sonic vibratory rock tumbler, by Diamond Pacific Tool Corporation.
Diamond Pacific Tool Corporation
Diamond Pacific Corporation is the manufacturer of Diamond Pacific commercial-size rotary tumblers (with 25-pound, 40-pound, and 65-pound barrels) and three brands of vibratory tumblers: Mini-Sonic, Raytech, and Vibrasonic (all listed on this page).
Tumblers are a small part of their business. Diamond Pacific also produces a wide range of trim saws, slab saws, cabbing machines, diamond cutting tools, flat laps, and many other lapidary tools.
Their address is Diamond Pacific Tool Corporation, 2620 West Main Street, Barstow, CA 92311. Their website is at diamondpacific.com, 800-253-2954.
We purchased the Mini-Sonic tumbler shown in the photo in 2018 and were surprised that it could tumble rocks - without a motor!!
The "Discover with Dr. Cool" rock tumbler.
Discover with Dr. Cool
Discover with Dr. Cool is the trade name of a beginner's rotary tumbler. The tumbler barrel has a capacity of just under 2 pounds, and the tumbler we purchased came with about 0.57 pound of rough rocks. These tumblers are made and imported by JMW Sales, Inc., 340 A Street, Suite 1, Ashland, OR 97520, 541-708-6738.
JMW Sales has also produced rock tumblers that are offered for sale under the National Geographic name (also shown on this page).
Their web address is discoverwithdrcool.com and their email address is custserv@discoverwithdrcool.com.
A Harbor Freight rock tumbler with two three-pound barrels. They are sold by Harbor Freight Tools.
Harbor Freight
Harbor Freight rotary rock tumblers are sold by Harbor Freight Tools. A marketing name used for these tumblers is Chicago Electric Tumblers. They are hobbyist-grade rotary rock tumblers in single barrel and dual barrel models - both with three-pound capacity barrels.
We purchased two of their tumblers (a single and a twin) in the early 2000s, and a photo of the twin-barrel model is shown in the photo.
Harbor Freight's address is 26541 Agoura Rd, Calabasas, California 91302. Their website is at harborfreight.com, (888) 866-5797.
A National Geographic rock tumbler, imported by JMW Sales.
JMW Sales, Inc.
JMW Sales produces and imports a number of beginner's rock tumblers.
These include the National Geographic rock tumblers shown in photos on this page, and the Discover with Dr. Cool rock tumblers, also shown on this page.
The address for JMW Sales is 340 A Street, Suite 1, Ashland, OR 97520, 541-708-6738. Their web address is jmwsales.com, info@jmwsales.com.
A Leegol Electric single-barrel rock tumbler. The company also makes a double-barrel model.
Leegol Electric
Leegol Electric Company is the importer of rock tumblers marketed as "Leegol Electric" rock tumblers.
We purchased one of their tumblers in 2021 and checked the box, the tumbler, and all documents in the package and did not find an email address, a website address, or a telephone number for Leegol Electric. The box and the tumbler were marked with the manufacturer's address: Zhongshan Sun-Ligao Tools Industrial Co., LTD., Xiaolan Town, Zhongshan City, P.R. China 528415.
If you have a phone number, email address, or web address for Leegol Electric Company, please send it to us at the following email address. Thank you!
A single-barrel Lot-O-Tumbler with a four-pound rubber barrel. The company also makes a double-barrel tumbler with a similar design, called the Lot-O-Tumbler Twin.
Lot-O-Tumbler
Lot-O-Tumbler is a brand of vibratory rock tumblers manufactured by DMK Lapidary, LLC. Lot-O-Tumblers are made in two models: a "single" with one four-pound capacity rubber barrel (see accompanying photo), and a "twin" with two four-pound barrels.
The address of DMK Lapidary, LLC is 409 Cottrill St N, Waterville, Minnesota 56096.
Lot-O-Tumblers have been made since the 1970s. When I first saw one (in the 1970s), I refused to buy it because it looked like a jug with a motor attached. A couple decades later, a good friend told me that the Lot-O-Tumbler was his favorite rock tumbler - so, I bought one. I was really impressed with their quality and especially with the spectacular polish they would put on a rock!
RockTumbler.com sells hundreds of Lot-O-Tumblers each year. We also sell their most commonly needed replacement parts. We have been using Lot-O-Tumblers ourselves since about 2009, and we highly recommend them. We have an article (with a video) that demonstrates how we use the Lot-O-Tumbler Single to polish rocks and man-made glass.
We have been selling Lot-O-Tumblers since 2010, and many customers tell us that their Lot-O-Tumbler produces spectacular tumbled stones.
A Lortone QT-12 rotary rock tumbler with a 12-pound capacity barrel.
Lortone
Lortone is a brand of rotary rock tumblers built by Lortone, Inc., 12130 Cyrus Way, Mukilteo, Washington 98275-5700.
They produce a number of tumbler models, ranging from hobbyist tumblers with a small 3-pound barrel, to large commercial tumblers with 40-pound barrels. Their 12-pound capacity QT-12 is shown in the accompanying photo.
Lortone also produces a wide range of lapidary tools that include trim saws, slab saws, flat laps, cabbing machines and much more. Their website is at lortone.co, their phone number is (425) 493-1600.
We have been using Lortone products for over 50 years and still use their products every week at our office. We have cut a lot of cabs on their lapidary machines and have cut lots of rocks on their saws. We have used all of their hobbyist tumblers and like them. Lortone makes quality products that we believe are worth buying.
A Mini-Sonic vibratory rock tumbler, by Diamond Pacific Tool Corporation.
Mini-Sonic
Mini-Sonic is a brand of small vibratory tumblers produced by Diamond Pacific Tool Corporation, 2620 West Main Street, Barstow, CA 92311.
Mini-Sonic tumblers are sold with one 4-pound hopper, two 4-pound hoppers, a 4- and a 10-pound hopper, and a single 14-pound hopper.
We own the Mini-Sonic tumbler in the photo and we can't believe that it works without a motor! The intensity of vibration is controlled with a dial! Their website is at diamondpacific.com, 800-253-2954.
A National Geographic rock tumbler, imported by JMW Sales.
National Geographic
National Geographic has relationships with numerous companies who manufacture products sold with the National Geographic name and logo.
Numerous small rock tumblers, made by various companies, have appeared with the National Geographic name for at least twenty years.
The accompanying photo shows a National Geographic rock tumbler that we purchased in 2020. According to the documents provided with the tumbler and the packaging, it is produced and imported by JMW Sales, Inc. Their address is 340 A Street, Suite 1, Ashland, OR 97520, phone 541-708-6738. Their web address and email are jmwsales.com and info@jmwsales.com.
One of the NSI International tumblers sold under names such as "Smithsonian Rock Tumbler" or "Rolling Stones Rock Tumbler".
NSI International, Inc.
NSI International has been selling toy rotary rock tumblers under a number of marketing names for at least 20 years.
The marketing names include: "Rolling Stones Rock Tumbler", "National Geographic Rock Tumbler", "The Original Rock Tumbler", and the "Smithsonian Rock Tumbler" (shown in the accompanying photo).
They have been selling toy tumblers for a long time and with high online visibility. My guess is that they have sold over a million rock tumblers.
NSI's address is 12 West 27 Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Their website is at nsi-intonline.com, (888) 425-9113.
A Raytech Tumble-Vibe vibratory tumbler. Known as the "TV-5", this tumbler processes about five pounds of rock (or rock + media).
Raytech
Raytech is the marketing name used for two brands of vibratory tumblers sold by Diamond Pacific Tool Corporation.
Their Tumble-Vibe tumblers are hobbyist-size machines with 5- and 10-pound bowls (see accompanying photo).
Their Adjusta-Vibe tumblers are commercial-size machines with 18- and 40-pound bowls.
Diamond Pacific Tool Corporation's address is 2620 West Main Street, Barstow, CA 92311. Their website is at diamondpacific.com, 800-253-2954.
A Tumble-Bee TB-22 rock tumbler with two 2-pound barrels. This same tumbler can be operated with a single two-pound barrel or a single four-pound barrel.
Reentel International, Inc.
Reentel International is the manufacturer of Tumble-Bee rock tumblers. They are small rotary tumblers with two- and four-pound rubber barrels. You can immediately recognize Tumble-Bee tumblers by their yellow and black bumblebee colors.
The company also makes a wide range of lapidary tools. These include: Hi-Tech Diamond (rock saws, flat laps, diamond polishing discs and more) and, Inland Craft (grinders, band saws, flat laps and more). We own one of their rock saws and have used several of their tumblers. We believe that the company makes good products.
The company address is Reentel International Inc., 808 Burr Oak Drive, Westmont, IL 605591. Their website is at tumble-bee.com, (253) 833-2310.
Burnishing tumbled stones in a Thumler's UV-10 vibratory rock tumbler. Burnishing can often improve the luster of your tumbled stones.
Thumler's Tumblers
Thumler's Tumblers is a brand name for a large number of rotary and vibratory rock tumblers. These range from a beginner's rotary tumbler with a 2-pound capacity barrel to a large vibratory tumblers with a 45-pound capacity barrel.
You can see their 10-pound UV-10 vibratory tumbler operating in the accompanying video. They are built by Tru-Square Metal Products, P.O. Box 585, Auburn, WA 98071. Their website is at thumlerstumbler.com, (253) 833-2310.
My father bought me a Thumler's A-R2 Tumbler in the early 1970s. I still have that tumbler, and today we use it at our office almost continuously. Today's replacement parts still fit that tumbler. In fifty years, we have replaced the motor twice, replaced the barrels a few times, and that original base is still in great condition - without a single speck of rust. My father didn't know that his gift would launch a business that now employs his children and grandchildren.
We have sold thousands and thousands of Thumler's Tumblers. Based upon that experience - and having tumbled tons of rocks in them ourselves - we know that they are quality tumblers and that the manufacturer meets all of the promises made in their warranties.
A Thumler's U-V10 vibratory rock tumbler (the same tumbler that is shown in the video above).
Tru-Square Metal Products
Tru-Square Metal Products is the name of the company that manufactures Thumler's Tumblers. They produce a wide range of rotary and vibratory tumblers.
We have been using their tumblers for 50 years and have been selling them since 2009. Please read our experience with the company and their tumblers in the "Thumler's Tumblers" entry immediately above.
Their address is P.O. Box 585, Auburn, WA 98071. Their website is at thumlerstumbler.com, their phone is (253) 833-2310.
A Tumble-Bee TB-22 rock tumbler with two 2-pound barrels. This same tumbler can be operated with a single two-pound barrel or a single four-pound barrel.
Tumble-Bee
Tumble-Bee is the name of a brand of rock tumblers manufactured by Reentel International, Inc. They make three models of rotary rock tumblers that use 2-pound and 4-pound barrels. You can recognize them by their yellow and black bumblebee colors. You can see their TB-22 model with two 2-pound barrels in the accompanying photo.
Their address is Reentel International Inc., 808 Burr Oak Drive, Westmont, IL 605591. Their website is at tumble-bee.com, and their phone number is 347-6-TUMBLE (347-688-6253).
Vibra-Sonic
Vibra-Sonic is a brand of commercial grade vibratory tumblers produced by Diamond Pacific Tool Corporation, 2620 West Main Street, Barstow, CA 92311. Vibra-Sonic tumblers are sold with 6-, 14-, and 35-pound hoppers.
Their vibrating action is produced without using a motor, unlike many other vibratory machines. The intensity of vibration is controlled with a dial. Their website is at diamondpacific.com, 800-253-2954.
Happy Tumbling!
RockTumbler.com Authors
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Hobart M. King has decades of rock tumbling experience and writes most of the articles on RockTumbler.com. He has a PhD in geology and is a GIA graduate gemologist. He also writes the articles about rocks, minerals and gems on Geology.com. |