Tumbler for Boulder Opal

[Michelle11]

Am needing a rock tumbler for these Opal specimens.

 

[mbasko]

Can't go wrong with a Lortone tumbler if keen to do more tumbling also.
https://lapidaryslabsupplies.com.au/product/lortone-tumbler/A lapidary supplies store could also advise on media, abrasives etc. for the required stones + finish.

Another option might be to contact/join a local lapidary club & look at polishing them with one of the machines?

 

[Michelle11]

Th

Can't go wrong with a Lortone tumbler if keen to do more tumbling also.
https://lapidaryslabsupplies.com.au/product/lortone-tumbler/A lapidary supplies store could also advise on media, abrasives etc. for the required stones + finish.

Another option might be to contact/join a local lapidary club & look at polishing them with one of the machines?

Thanku. Can anyone tell me if they all boulder Opal?

 

[mbasko]

Yep all boulder opal.
Basically opal that's formed in ironstone boulders.
As far as specimen pieces go I reckon it's the pick of Australian opals.
Good pieces polish up nicely into jewellery pieces too.

 

[Greenhornet_au]

Tumblers are easy to make but off the shelf the "lapidary supplies store" are expensive, and dont usually hold a health volume.
I can suggest that you could look online for tumblers used in the shooting industry, links below for both.

I did buy one of these for Kato, because I know a guy that has been using one for years.
Another guy had a joint come unglued from the drum end after 18 months, but bought a spare drum.
BUT I would not use it for 'rocks'.
Jewellery or coins, YES.

If you intend to build one, YouTube has plenty of builds.
Even here in DIY's https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/threads/redneck-coin-tumbler.21916/

Lapidary - quick search
https://www.gemcuts.com.au/tumbling-machineshttps://lapidaryslabsupplies.com.au/product/lortone-tumbler/https://lapidaryslabsupplies.com.au/product/tumblers/https://www.prospectorspatch.com.au/product-category/tumbling-lapidary/https://www.gemworld.com.au/
Tumblers shooting (some are rubber lined will last for ever) - quick search
https://www.ozgunmart.com.au/hornady-m-1-reloading-brass-case-tumbler-050204https://www.northernshooterssupplies.com.au/category-s/1016.htmhttps://www.amazon.com.au/Extreme-Tumblers-Rebel-Reloading-Tumbler/dp/B00IOE5K5Y
With Ebay only buy it from someone in Australia

https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?...acat=164352&LH_TitleDesc=0&rt=nc&LH_PrefLoc=1
https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?...r+Polisher+Automatic+Machine+Tumbler&_sacat=0

 

[RM Outback]

Check out your local jewellery wholesalers, they'll help you spend your money on the right equipment. And their always there to restock anything you need in the future.

 

[condor22]

I'm told this is boulder opal or more specifically Yowah Opal. Haven't had any value as it is difficult to do. But has ruby and emerald surround and is at least 100yrs old.

 

[condor22]

What I have found out is that Boulder Opal is quite soft and care is needed when polishing so as not to overheat. I was told Cyrium Oxide paste is a fine polishing compound, done gently and not too fast a buffer.