Alamo Heights, TX
Quoted from DCRand:I have read most of the recent tumbler topics. But have a question haven't seen answered. I have a relatively small area, with limited ability to bolt down a vibrating tumbler. Also concerned about the noise in a small space. I don't plan to tumble anything but screws, nuts, and other small parts as use evaporust and polishing wheel on my grinder for bigger items. For these reasons, thinking of buying a small rotary tumbler as think it would be quieter and I could just set it on my work bench when using it.
So, how much longer does it take a rotary tumbler to polish items compared to the vibrating tumbler? How much quieter is a rotary tumbler than the vibrating tumbler? Are there other reasons why I shouldn't consider the rotary tumbler?
I use a rotary tumbler from Harbor Freight and it works great. Normally I'll put in a batch of screws/washers/etc. along with walnut media (can get at any pet store) and a couple table-spoons worth of Mother's Metal Polish. I run it for 2-3 days and they come out like new (unless they're just totally pitted out).
So I'd have no hesitation with a rotary tumbler if that's all you have room for.
