Buying Guide
How Long Does Rock Tumbling Take?
A typical batch takes about a month. Here is how long each stage runs and what changes the timeline.
The typical timeline
A standard four-stage rotary tumbling run usually takes around four to six weeks from rough rock to polish. Each stage typically runs about a week, though the polish stage is often a little shorter and the coarse stage can run longer for very rough rock.
Stage by stage
- Coarse grind: about 7 days, sometimes repeated for very rough or angular rock.
- Medium grind: about 7 days.
- Pre-polish: about 7 days.
- Polish: about 4 to 7 days.
What changes the timeline
- Material hardness. Harder stones like agate and jasper take longer to shape, but polish beautifully.
- Starting shape. Rough with sharp corners and pits needs more coarse time.
- Tumbler type. Barrel size, speed and load all affect how quickly the stones move.
- Grit quality and quantity. Follow the recommended amounts for your barrel size.
Do not rush the early stages
The final gloss depends on how well the coarse and medium stages did their work. Extra time at the start saves disappointment at the end.
Choose a machine that fits your volume: browse rotary tumblers such as the Lortone QT6 or the Lortone QT12, and read the Rock Tumbler Grit Guide.