Is Lortone still in business?
While others may ship their manufacturing jobs offshore to increase their profits, we have been continuously producing lapidary machines in America since 1978. LORTONE is proud to continue the tradition of providing employment to talented and dedicated craftspeople in the Seattle area.
Where is Lortone made?
Our equipment is made in the Northwest with dedicated, local workers who live in our communities. As LORTONE customers already know, the benefits to manufacturing goods in the United States are extensive.
How do you make a tumbling rock?
- Place your clean rocks in the tumbler and fill the barrel to about 2/3 full of stones. Add 24 oz.
- Run the tumbler with this mixture for at least 7 days, 24 hours a day, or until the rocks are smooth.
- Check the process daily.
- Remove the stones and WASH STONES AND BARREL WELL.
What is a Lortone?
Lortone® Tumbler – 3lb Rotary – 120V (US) Lortone tumblers are designed to handle the weight of stainless steel shot and are used widely in the jewelry industry, so you can depend upon this machine to last for many years. Tumble finishing is the easy way to put a shine on metal clay jewelry.
Can you reuse rock tumbler grit?
Because grit gradually breaks down as you’re tumbling, you cannot reuse it. However, the slurry that your tumbler creates can be used from the previous stage to help the grinding action. For the polish stage, you do not want any slurry or grit in the barrel from your prior stage.
Is there a difference between a rock polisher and a rock tumbler?
A whole range of items can be tumble polished and generally any type of tumbler will do a similar job on polishing. The difference is that rotary tumblers will smooth and round your stones while a vibratory tumbler will polish them in their existing shape.
What is stainless steel shot used for?
Stainless steel shot is often used for surface cleaning, preparation, and finishing of non-ferrous metals and stainless steel castings and forgings, as well as granite and marble.
Can you put seashells in a rock tumbler?
You can tumble seashells in a rock tumbler – as long as they’re not too thin. But you’ll want to change up the process a bit. The same process used for hard rocks will not work for shells. Shells are very soft and fragile, so you’ll want to skip the coarse grit stage, and give very little time to stage two – if any.
Are tumbled stones worth anything?
Some tumbled stones have a value that is above the costs of manufacturing, sorting, transportation, packaging and retailing. These stones are made from a scarce raw material that has a higher market value or made from a common raw material that has exceptional beauty.