Product Description

This is the real thing! Heavy duty rock tumbler does much more than ordinary rock polishers- it actually changes rough stones into beautiful high-luster semi-precious gemstones. You can even make jewelry and key chains with the settings included in this set. U.L. Listed. Set includes tumbling machine with heavy duty motor, rough semi-precious stones (including amethyst, jasper, agate and others), grit, polish, jewelry settings, glue and instruction manual. Ages 10 and up.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4176 in Toys & Games
• Brand: NSI
• Model: 26354
• Dimensions: 5.10" h x 13.00" w x 13.10" l, 3.75 pounds

Features

• Includes amethyst
• Includes jasper
• Includes agates

Editorial Review
It may be a grind to wait nearly 30 days to create polished rock jewelry with the Rolling Stones Rock Tumbler. But, as the makers write, "you are grinding in days what it takes nature thousands of years to do in a stream, river, or ocean." So, find a clean, remote area with a properly wired outlet where the constant tumbling won't disturb others (and where curious little hands won't wreak havoc), and start rolling. The first step involves assembling and lubricating the tumbler itself. Once the two-cup, plastic barrel rolls easily atop its 10-inch-long and 6-inch-high plastic base, it's time to open the small bag of gritty stones that comes with the kit. Constant maintenance and much patience will reward the owner with shiny stones in about one month. A small sampling of jewelry settings and findings is provided, along with order forms for gold-tinted accessories. --Liane Thomas

Teacher Review
Transforming rough rocks into smooth and beautiful objets d'art can spark conversation in the areas of geology, cause and effect, and the origins of the physical world. The rock tumbler can foster independent play for one child, and cooperative play for a group. --M. Sullivan, Amazon.com editor and former schoolteacher

Customer Reviews

Thumbs up on the Tumbler!!!!
I bought NSI's Rock Tumbler, for my grandson, the budding geologist. While there are many different tumblers out there with a wide range of prices, I chose to buy NSI's brand because of its high quality and low noise. I'm familiar with NSI as I initially purchased the Rock Tumbler for my own son several years ago. My son used it so much, I was afraid he'd burn the motor out of it, but he never did! I only wish I'd kept it to give to my grandson, otherwise I wouldn't have had to buy a new one! The set includes everything you need to do your first batch of stones: an electrically operated tumbler, barrel, grit and polish, rough semi-precious stones, a jewelry kit, and instructions. Unlike many of todays toys which give children instant gratification, polishing rocks is a good lesson in patience as it takes several weeks to see the result. After using the tumbler himself, my grandson reported that it was his favorite present as he enjoyed the anticipation and suspense building up to opening the tumbler. He never knew what magical surprise awaited him. Even though it's been a few years since I gave my grandson the tumbler, he still collects rocks and transforms them into treasures that he often makes into gifts for others, such as necklaces and key chains. I definitely got my money's worth with this purchase. If you have a rock lover or jewelry maker at your home, you can't go wrong with NSI's Rock Tumbler as a gift!

A rewarding project!
We bought this for our 8-year-old son as a project. We knew ahead of time that it would take at least 3 weeks. (It should state this on the box though.) Rocks are hard! Nature can take thousands of years to do what this does in weeks! However, it is quite noisy and can leak a little. Put it in a garage or follow the suggestion of the other reviewer about a cooler. Vaseline does stop the leaks. Your patience with this will definitely pay off! The rocks were beautiful! There were quite a few big ones, plenty of medium size and lots of small ones. My son, the budding scientist that he is, was absolutely thrilled! I was so impressed and fasinated by each rock! I could not wait to do another batch! A great long-term project that teaches not only about nature, but about how rewarding a little patience can be. I highly recommend this to all people, (adults as well) who are interested in rocks and crystals.

Some tips for using this rock tumbler
This product is noisy, but we put ours in a cooler and that insulates the sound almost totally!

I had a problem with the drum leaking so I used vaseline to seal it and it works great too!

We are on day 21 of the 30+ days required.