The Best Rock Tumblers
Rock tumblers are a great way to get kids and adults alike into science. Using a rock tumbler, you can turn ordinary stones into beautifully polished keepsakes, jewelry, and more. For the little ones, it gets them interested in geology, and they may be interested in STEM fields as they get older. And for adults, it's a great pastime to soothe the soul. To get started, take a look at our list of these top-notch rock tumblers. With one of these, you can reveal the natural beauty hidden within seemingly ordinary objects.
What to Look For
In finding the best rock tumblers on the market, we looked out for a few key features. How many rocks can it hold? How loud is it? Does it include rocks and grit? For example, the Thumler Model B from AliKids handles the most amount of rocks, but it doesn’t include any rocks or grit and costs a pretty penny. For beginners, we recommend either of National Geographic’s rock tumbler kits, as they include everything you need to get started with this fascinating hobby.
National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit
Magical transformation
This is not your average rock tumbling kit. Gone are the days of settling for a noisy plastic tumbler that breaks after three uses — this is a high-quality tumbler that’s built to last. It’s less noisy, too, although not as quiet as more expensive models. For beginners, though, this is a great kit, with enough grit and rocks included for one round of tumbling. You’ll want to buy replacement grit to keep using this.
Pros:
- We found this to be a great option for children and adults alike since the design is safe and easy to use. The design of the components makes sure that tiny fingers don’t get stuck.
- It can hold up to one pound of rocks, so it’s perfect for beginners.
Cons:
- It can take a few weeks to tumble a rock, so some kids might have trouble waiting.
National Geographic Starter Rock Tumbler Kit
Everything you need
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone’s kids or your own, we have just the thing for you. While it’s perfect for kids, it also doesn’t come cheaply made — this is a serious rock tumbler that’s built to withstand plenty of cycles. Sure, it only comes with enough grit for one full polishing, but that’s probably enough to get them hooked. We love that this kit includes wire jewelry supplies so you and your loved ones can make your own stylish accessories.
Pros:
- You can add broken glass to make polished glass that looks like sea glass.
- We were surprised by the low amount of noise this option produces. While not perfectly silent, the rubber-lined barrel absorbs sounds, and it’s small enough to place somewhere out of the way where it doesn’t bother anyone.
Cons:
- We wish there were more than one set of grit packets.
Dan&Darci Advanced Professional Rock Tumbler Kit
Rock and roll
If you’re looking to start a new hobby for yourself or your kids, this rock tumbler kit might be just the ticket. The first-rate tumbler uses a rubber-lined barrel to minimize noise. Plus, it’s easy to open and leakproof. With the included timer, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to turn it off, either. You just set it and wait until each stage is done. Best of all, you get to see the results of each stage. Even adults feel childlike wonder at the results. The intricate geometries and dazzling colors are plucked straight from the earth.
Pros:
- If anything happens to the belt, you can easily access the mechanism to replace it.
- We appreciate how easy it is to operate. Younger children or those with arthritis, for example, can open the barrel with ease.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, this kit only comes with one set of grit packets — you’ll need to buy replacement grit.
AliKids Thumler’s Tumbler Heavy Duty Rotary Rock Tumbler
Ready to tumble
Make no mistake, this is one of the top tumblers on the market — it’s for the serious hobbyist or aspiring crafting salesperson. If you’re looking to polish large stones or large batches of stones, this is the right tumbler for you, with a sizable capacity of 15 pounds. It’s meant to last, too, with a motor that won’t stop running after a few months or even years. There’s a fan that cools the motor to keep it running smoothly, too. But even with the fan and beefy motor, you’d be surprised at how quietly this tumbler runs.
Pros:
- We were impressed by the quality of the design and craftsmanship of the entire tumbler. They are trustworthy machines with metal components and precise engineering.
- It can tumble larger rocks than most beginner or mid-tier models.
- It’s easy to replace a belt in the unlikely chance something happens or if you are using the tumbler heavily.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, this tumbler doesn’t include a timer.
WireJewelry Double Barrel Rock Tumbler World Mix Deluxe Kit
The whole world in your hand
One of the best parts about rock tumblers is amassing a collection of beautiful polished stones. This deluxe kit from WireJewelry sates our appetite for different types of minerals. Best of all, it comes with plenty of grit for multiple tumbling sessions. This makes for an excellent starter kit for anyone looking to make their own jewelry or home decor. Because it has two tumblers, you can have more rocks going at once, saving you time down the line.
Pros:
- You can buy a replacement barrel or belt if anything happens to the included ones.
- It works well with larger or pointer stones and polishes them quickly.
Cons:
- You may need to apply a lubricant to keep it running silently after a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do rock tumblers work?
Rock tumblers essentially mimic natural erosion using grit, which is basically sand of different sizes. The process may also include water to slowly smooth the surface of the stones. You start with heavier grit, so larger particles, and gradually move down to a lighter grit that’s very fine.
How long does it take to polish rocks fully with a rock tumbler?
Depending on the number of rocks and levels of grit, it can take anywhere from three days to multiple weeks for a batch of rocks to polish. Generally speaking, the longer you tumble rocks, the rounder and smaller they’ll get.
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