Gear
Gear guides, one item at a time
Each guide covers a single tool or consumable and compares a handful of options by what their Amazon listings state.
Tumbler and setup
- Best rock tumblers and grit for making sea glassSix rock tumblers for making sea glass compared by barrel capacity, barrel material, timer and speed settings, and the grit and media in the box.
- Best rock tumblers for kids: kits by age and barrel sizeSeven rock tumbler kits for kids compared by barrel size, barrel material, timer and speed settings, and what comes in the box, with ages where listed.
- Best rock tumblers for adults: hobby-grade rotary machinesSix rotary rock tumblers for adults compared by barrel capacity, rubber barrel, single or double barrel, timer and speed settings, and kit contents.
- Best rock tumbler replacement belts and how to pick the sizeRock tumbler replacement belts compared by the tumbler models each listing names, belts per pack, material and stated size, so you can match your machine.
- Best rock tumbler replacement barrels and lids by sizeReplacement rock tumbler barrels and lid kits compared by the tumbler models each listing says it fits, capacity, material and what comes with the lid.
Rough rock
Loading the barrel
- Best plastic pellets for rock tumbling and when to use themFive plastic pellet options for rock tumbling compared by listing: pack weight, plastic type and packaging, plus why each grit step needs its own batch.
- Best ceramic media for rock tumbling: sizes and how much to buySeven packs of ceramic media for rock tumbling compared by listing: shape, piece size, pack weight from 1 lb to 8 lb, and the material stated.
- Best grit refills for a National Geographic rock tumblerSeven grit refills for National Geographic rock tumblers compared by listing: grit format, stated coverage and extras. Independent site, not affiliated.
- Best rock tumbler grit kits for a full 4-stage runSeven 4-step rock tumbler grit kits compared by listing: grade and weight of each step, total weight, stated coverage, container and included media.