Best bulk rock tumbler grit: 10 lb to 40 lb packs by stage

What the listing offers

• Every stage in bulk, with the weight weighted toward coarse and medium as it should be
• Listing states 99% pure silicon carbide and 99.5% aluminum oxide
• Ceramic filler and polishing beads included for topping up light loads

Limits to know

• Highest outlay in this guide, and too much grit for someone with a single small tumbler
• 1500 aluminum oxide is a standard polish; some hobbyists prefer a finer final polish on quartz

What the listing offers

• 11 lb jar is a full year of coarse grit for most hobbyists with one or two barrels
• 60 grit cuts fast on quartz, agate and jasper, which the listing names
• Single jar from a tumbler brand, with a stated rock coverage figure

Limits to know

• Straight 60 rather than graded 60/90, so it leaves slightly coarser scratches to remove in step 2
• Coarse only, so medium, pre-polish and polish must be bought separately

What the listing offers

• Pre-measured for 10 lb barrels, so no guessing at amounts on a large tumbler
• 12,000 grit aluminum oxide polish for a high final shine
• Listed for rotary and vibratory tumblers

Limits to know

• One run's worth for a 10 lb barrel, so the total weight is much lower than the 10 lb tubs
• Not useful for a 3 lb barrel unless you split the packs yourself

What the listing offers

• Aluminum oxide polish in bulk, normally the most expensive grit per pound
• Stated coverage of up to 60 lb of rock per jar
• Listed as compatible with National Geographic, KoolStone and Lortone tumblers

Limits to know

• Listing describes it both as the final polish and as a step before ultra-fine compounds, which is confusing
• 1200 is a medium-fine polish; some stones need a finer final step for a glassy shine

What the listing offers

• Mid-size bulk kit that covers all four stages without committing to 40 lb
• Ceramic filler and polishing beads in the set
• Low price for the total weight, with a measuring spoon

Limits to know

• Listing does not give the grit grading for each stage
• 2 lb of coarse runs out quickly if your rough needs repeated step 1 runs

What the listing offers

• The listing states 60/90 grit silicon carbide for the first stage of rock tumbling, in a 20 lb size.
• Listed as compatible with most rock tumblers, including rotary and vibratory machines.
• The product page says it can be used on stones, minerals and glass, including sea glass projects.

Limits to know

• 20 lb is far more than one small 3 lb barrel is likely to use in a short time.
• The spec sheet does not state the container type or how the 20 lb is packed.

What the listing offers

• Graded 180/220 is a standard step 2 size that follows 60/90 coarse cleanly
• 10 lb lasts many runs, since medium is usually run once per batch
• Compatible with any rotary tumbler brand

Limits to know

• Sparse listing with no stated purity or coverage
• Medium only, and many hobbyists use medium more slowly than coarse, so 10 lb may sit for years