Introduction
Rock tumbling is a unique hobby and it’s something we’ve briefly covered before in our huge list of hobbies.
We love it because it’s a relatively simple pastime but also incredibly satisfying once you’ve smoothed down some beautiful stones to be used in decorative ornaments or just as a standalone trinket to look at.
With that in mind, we’re going to take a look at the best professional rock tumblers you can get for your money whilst also pointing out any notable pros and cons too.
Top 5 Professional Rock Tumblers (Best For The Money)
Quick Summary: In case you don’t want to read the full reviews, here is a snapshot of our favorite rock tumblers.
1. MJR Tumblers Rock Tumbler (Optional Sizes) – Best Overall
- ENHANCE YOUR TREASURES: Transform rough stones and glass into polished gems with ease using this MJR Tumblers single barrel...
Pros
- Heavy-Duty
- Solid Frame
- Thermo Overload Protection
- Powerful Motor
- 2-Year Manufacturers Warranty
Cons
- No On/Off Switch (has to be turned off at socket)
If you need a heavy-duty rock tumbler that can handle everything you throw at it (and more), then getting an MJR rock tumbler will be the best choice overall.
That’s because it’s made from an ultra heavy-duty steel frame that is welded together for solidity and also features corrosion and scratch-resistant coating to increase longevity.
It also features a heavy-duty motor with built-in thermo overload protection meaning you won’t need to worry even when you have it turned on for long durations.
You might also be happy to hear that MJR is an American-based company and they also offer you a 2-year guarantee against any product defects.
This unit also features the ability to have up to 4 different barrel combinations meaning you can get different kinds of results for your tumbling.
The barrels are also rubber-lined meaning they should last without wear for a very long time, the only caveat being that the bottom-side of the barrel isn’t rubber-lined and we’ve seen reports that they may wear a little after a year or two, however, can be easily replaced.
In terms of price, the cost is relatively high (depending on your finances), however, if you’re wanting to take your tumbling to a professional level then you’ll be expected to fork out a little more for a better overall experience.
2. Tru-Square Heavy Duty Rotary Tumbler – Longest Guarantee
Pros
- 5-Year Guarantee
- Solid Design
- Powerful Motor
- Overload Protection
Cons
- Can be a little noisy if overloaded with material
If you need a tumbler that is both heavy-duty and something you can be confident in using for a long time, then this rotary tumbler from Tru-Square is a genuinely good pick.
That’s because it’s designed with long-lasting materials, however, Tru-Square also offers you a 5-year guarantee against any defects meaning you can be confident in its longevity.
In terms of specs, it supports up to 15 lbs of material and also features a hexagon-shaped rubber-lined interior (removable) barrel.
The motor is rather powerful (115v) and also boasts a fan-cooled system with overload protection meaning you won’t have to worry about it burning out when left on for long durations.
They’ve also noted that this particular tumbler is extensively used by serious professionals meaning you can expect it to perform to a high level for whatever you’re doing.
In fact, you can use it not just for rocks, but also metals too such as brass which can be good for niche uses.
Overall, the price and performance are rather fair for everything you’re getting including the long guarantee.
3. Leegol Electric Rock Tumbler – Large Capacity
- Electrical Input: 120V/60Hz/0.5A Barrel Capacity: 18LBs.
Pros
- Large 18 lb capacity
- Budget-Friendly
- Easy-to-use
- Faster than rotary tumblers
- Responsive Customer Service
Cons
- Mixed Reviews
On the face of it, the Leegol electric rock tumbler is an absolute bargain as it’s one of the lowest-priced on this list and also features a speedy vibratory tumbler for a quick turnaround on projects.
It has a rather large 18lb capacity and boasts the ability to be able to tumble both rocks and metal.
We’ve also noted the ease of use and the simple layout to operate this machine.
We also appreciate the addition of the hose to drain any liquids depending on the type of tumbling you’re doing.
It’s also quite a capable machine and is able to deliver lots of power which means in theory, it should be able to go through most projects without a hitch.
With that said, we’ve seen mixed reviews about it wearing holes in the bottom of the barrel, but our experience was excellent.
As with anything, make sure to read the instructions (included) and only use the materials it specifies to prevent any early wear or damage.
4. VIYUKI Rock Tumbler – Cheap Professional Tumbler
- Product Parameter: 120V/60Hz/0.5A/18LBS
Pros
- Very Cheap
- Large Capacity
- Fast Processing
- Powerful 120v Motor
Cons
- Takes a while to remove the bowl
If you need a professional rock tumbler that is powerful, easy to use, and rather cheap, then the VIYUKI rock tumbler is a perfect choice.
In fact, we were considering listing it as the best overall choice for professional rock tumblers because of how well it performs compared to the price.
In fact, as you can see, there’s very little we can say in the way of downsides — the only thing we noted is that the bowl can take a while to be removed but that’s a small price to pay for everything else that makes up for it.
You even get inclusive walnut shell material with the tumbler which is basically the cherry on top of how great this tumbler is.
You’ll also be happy to know that it has a large 18 lb capacity so you can stuff it full with quite a few things whilst also not having to wait as long for it to be finished compared to a rotary tumbler. It’s also one of the most powerful meaning it can shred through rocks and metal in no time.
In fact, you needn’t just take our word for it as it’s a very well-reviewed rock tumbler from the majority of buyers too.
5. WireJewelry Double Barrel Rotary Rock Tumbler – Most Versatile
- Professional Grade Double Barrel Rock Tumbler with (2) Leak Proof Rubber Barrels to Minimize Noise
Pros
- Multi-barrel
- Powerful 120v Motor
- 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty
- 24/7 Design
Cons
- Small Capacity (Per Barrel)
If you need something that is versatile and allows you to tumble different things at the same time, then it could be worth getting this double-barrel rotary rock tumbler from WireJewelry.
That’s because you can operate two barrels at the same time meaning you can have different mixes on the go, essentially solving the need to wait for one load to finish first.
It also features a powerful 120v motor and WireJewelry has confirmed it should run 24/7 non-stop for years.
In fact, you can feel confident in this statement as they also provide you with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The only downside is that the barrels are rather small in terms of capacity at 3 lbs each meaning you’ll have to be quite specific about what you’re wanting to achieve.
With that said, they do include some material to use meaning you can save on some of the cost or effort of sourcing additional material which is nice.
Extra Questions: Rock Tumblers
Are Rock Tumblers Worth It?
Yes, rock tumblers are worth it and they usually last a long time meaning you won’t have to keep spending money on your hobby.
You can turn the ugliest rocks into a thing of beauty with a rock tumbler and they’ll even help you discover what kind of minerals are inside the rock once they’re smoothed down.
As well as that, rock tumblers are relatively straightforward to operate meaning you won’t need to spend too much time learning how to get them going.
Is There Anything Else I Need to Know About Rock Tumblers?
Make sure to always read the instructions before using your rock tumbler.
This is because some stones and rocks are not suitable for use in your tumbler and could end up damaging the inside or the machine altogether.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that some tumblers are suitable for use with multiple materials i.e. metals, rocks, and glass, however, not all of them are suitable so make sure to take note before buying to prevent disappointment.
Conclusion
In our opinion, these are the five best professional rock tumblers and are well worth the money depending on what you’re using them for.
They all have different advantages and can be suitable for specific niches; make sure you know what you’re wanting to do with them first to prevent being disappointed.
Overall, the MJR Tumblers Rock Tumbler is the best tumbler in general because of the solid build and large size capacity, however, as it’s expensive, the VIYUKI Rock Tumbler is the next best thing and will save you a ton of money.
Don’t Forget
If you enjoyed this article then make sure to save our homepage to your favorites.
You can also browse our arts & crafts section for more creative hobby information and topics.
