Rock tumbler basicsRotary vs. vibratory

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Two types of rock tumbler

Rotary rock tumbler Vibratory rock tumbler

Rotating barrel

Vibrating bowl

Lid

Barrel lid

Drive motor

Pulley and belt

Drive motor (hidden inside)Mounting springs (hidden)

VibrationRotation

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Comparison chart

Vibratory rock tumbler Rotary rock tumbler

Cost Starting from $200 Starting from $80

NoiseVery loud. Not recommended for

apartment or condomoderate noise if barrel is lined with

rubber or plastic

Leak issue No leak issues Water usually leaking from the lid

Speed 2 weeks processing 4 weeks processing

Rock shapeRetain the original shape of rock. Ideal

for creating non-spherical rocksMakes rocks into round shape. Ideal for

creating spherical rocks.

Rock polish Can be adjusted Can be adjusted

Grit use Use less grit Use more grit

Simplicity of useMore difficult to understand and use.

Requires close monitoringEasier to understand and use. Does not

require much monitoring

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Rotary tumbler

• Very similar laundry drier: barrel rotates and the content inside roll and rub against each other.

• Most common type of rock tumbler

• Easy to understand and operate.

• Inexpensive ($80)

• Relatively quiet. Noise is a function of the barrel lining.

• Can last for many years.

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Rotary tumbler

• Slow processing. Typically taking a month.

• Making rocks round. It is a good thing if you want round rocks. Bad thing if you are looking to make different shapes.

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Vibratory tumbler

• Bowl is shaken by an eccentric weight that is mounted on a rotating shaft.

• Twice as fast as a rotary tumbler (2 weeks processing time).

• Loud (it shakes vigorously).

• More expensive (around $200).

• More difficult to understand and operate.

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Vibratory tumbler

• Rocks retain their original shape.

• Ideal for making rocks of tear drop or faceted shapes.

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Tips for selecting tumbler

• Pick a rotary one for apartment or condo (it is more quiet).

• Pick a rotary one for first timer, kids, or just curious mind.

• Pick a rotary one for making round rocks.

• Pick a vibratory one for fast results

• Pick a vibratory one for making non-round rocks (tear drop, faceted)

• For best results, get both types: use rotary for rough processing, and vibratory for the fine finish (to save time)

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