Homemade Rock Tumbler: Build a Rock Tumbler

Rock tumblers are instruments that smoothen the surfaces of rocks. Usually the rock tumblers manufactured by various companies use a motor assembly to help rotate the tumbler. In these rock tumblers, you do not have to rotate the tumbler manually, as motor keeps the tumbler rotating. The rock tumbler that we discuss here, is a homemade rock tumbler that does not use any motor and uses the natural technique for smoothening rocks.

Building a Rock Tumbler

This method of building a rock tumbler is quite simple and requires use of very less equipment. The equipment required is easily available at home and is listed below:

• Container
• Sand
• Water
• Rocks of your choice

Step #1: The container used to build the rock tumbler can be any container like a coffee tin or any plastic container that is cylindrical in shape and has a tight fitting lid. Do not use glass containers, as they can break when the rocks tumble.

Step #2: Once you have decided the container you will use to build the rock tumbler, fill half the container with sand. This sand will cause the abrasion that will help to smoothen the rocks. Initially, use coarse sand. Later, when rocks start getting smoother, you can use fine sand.

Step #3: Now, pour water in the container so that 2/3rd of the container is occupied. Mix water and sand thoroughly to form a slurry. This slurry is called grit.

Step #4: Put the rocks of your choice in this slurry and cover the container with its lid. There are different types of rocks and ensure that you use same type in your rock tumbler. Before adding the rocks, identify the type of rock, as after tumbling it is difficult to identify the type of rock. If the lid is loose, use duct tapes to cover the mouth of the container.

Step #5: Your homemade rock tumbler is ready. Once you cover the container with lid, shake and roll the tumbler in all possible directions. Do this tumbling frequently for several days.

Working of Rock Tumbler

The process of rock tumbling begins with rough edged rocks and ends up giving smooth rocks that have a polished finishing. It may take a month or more for the stones to get smooth surfaces. Rock tumbler mimics the natural process of stone smoothing, where the stones in rivers and streams tumble due to the action of flowing water. In a rock tumbler, the rocks inside the container are forced to tumble on each other and simultaneously mix with the grit. As discussed earlier use coarse sand in the initial stages of tumbling. As the stones get smoother, change the sand and use fine sand. The grit used in commercial rock tumblers is usually made from silicon carbide. You can use silicon carbide for the grit of your rock tumbler for better results.

Uses of Rock Tumbler

The stones polished using rock tumblers are decorative and can be used in a number of ways. You can also use them in your home for decorating the base of your fish tank or you can put these rocks in the pots of the plants in your garden. They can also be used to make jewelry items.

Building a rock tumbler at home is an easy task and your children can help you make these rock tumblers. Homemade rock tumblers can also make excellent science fair projects. It can be used to explain the geological process of rock tumbling that takes place in streams and rivers, to your children. Building a rock tumbler is not only fun, but also educational value. If you are serious about your rock tumbling hobby it is recommended that you use motor to rotate your rock tumbler.