Classic Crafts Rock Tumbler Classic

by Classic Crafts

Product Features

• Change rough stones into beautiful, high luster gemstones
• UL listed heavy duty rock tumbler
• Includes: Rock Tumbler machine, rough semi precious stones, grit, polish, jewelry settings, and glue
• Detailsed instructions included
• Ages 10 and up

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13 x 5 x 13 inches ; 3.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000ISUU
• Item model number: 635
• Our recommended age: 10 years and up
• Manufacturer recommended age: 10 - 18 years
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,320 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
  • #21 in Toys & Games > Learning & Education > Science > Geology & Earth Sciences
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (82 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

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

Product Description

Change rugged rocks into glistening semi-precious stones like agate, jasper and amethyst with this Smithsonian Rock Tumbler. Using a heavy-duty motor, this machine polishes rocks to perfection. Make jewelry and keychains with the finished polished rocks. Set includes tumbler, gemstone rocks, polishing powders, assorted jewelry settings, glue, AC adapter and complete instructions. Refill kit sold separately.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

570 of 581 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thumbs up on the Tumbler!!!!, July 19, 1999

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Classic Crafts Rock Tumbler Classic (Toy)

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!

221 of 223 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rewarding project!, October 26, 2000

By A Customer

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Classic Crafts Rock Tumbler Classic (Toy)

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.

100 of 100 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Some tips for using this rock tumbler, February 11, 2000

By A Customer

= Durability:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Classic Crafts Rock Tumbler Classic (Toy)

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.