# Best vibratory rock tumblers: bowl size, lids and what comes in the box Source: https://tumblegrit.com/best/best-vibratory-rock-tumbler Publisher: Tumble Grit. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://tumblegrit.com/how-we-pick A vibratory tumbler shakes a bowl of rock, grit and water instead of rolling a barrel, so stones keep their shape and each stage often finishes in days rather than a week or more. The trade-off is that it does little coarse shaping: most hobbyists rough-grind in a rotary or start with pre-shaped stones, then move to a vibratory for medium grit, pre-polish and polish. What separates the machines is bowl capacity in pounds, whether the bowl and lid seal well enough for wet slurry, and whether the listing is aimed at rocks or at dry metal and brass cleaning with walnut shell media. This guide compares six machines on those points and flags the ones whose included media suit metal parts rather than stone. ## Picks ### 1. Raytech 23-001 TV-5 Standard Vibratory Plastic Tumbler, 0.05 Cubic feet Bowl Capacity, 115V, 60 Hz A small vibratory bowl from Raytech, a long-standing lapidary and finishing brand. The ABS bowl holds up to 4 lb of rock, and the listing names rock tumbling and wet use directly. What the listing offers: - The manufacturer names rock tumbling and wet and dry operation, so the bowl is meant to hold grit slurry, not just dry media - Clear acrylic lid lets you check the slurry and stones without stopping the machine - 4 lb rock capacity suits a hobbyist finishing one batch of pre-shaped stones at a time Limits to know: - 0.05 cubic foot bowl is small: about 4 lb of rock per run, so large batches need several runs - Listing gives no information on grit, media or instructions for each stage, so you supply everything ### 2. VIYUKI 9LBS Vibratory Tumbler Polishing Machine A 9 lb vibratory bowl that the listing pitches for both rocks and small metal parts, with a redesigned bowl meant to stop leaks. Ships with 3 lb of walnut shell media. What the listing offers: - 9 lb capacity is more than double the Raytech bowl, enough for a full batch of mid-size stones - Listing says the bowl was redesigned to stop leaks, which matters when it holds wet grit slurry - Mid-range price for its size, and the listing names rocks and stones as intended loads Limits to know: - The 3 lb of walnut shell media is for dry cleaning metal, not for grinding or polishing rock - Listing does not describe the lid, motor rating or run time limits ### 3. Thumler's Tumbler Ultra-Vibe 10 Vibratory Rock 3 Quart UV10 183IN The Thumler's Ultra-Vibe 10, a 3 quart vibratory machine from a US tumbler maker, sold here through a reseller. For hobbyists who want a known lapidary brand for pre-polish and polish stages. What the listing offers: - Thumler's is an established rock tumbler brand with replacement parts and grit widely sold - 3 quart bowl gives room for a useful batch of finished-shape stones in the later stages - Built as a rock tumbler rather than a metal-parts cleaner, so it fits a grit and water workflow Limits to know: - The listing is very thin: one bullet with the capacity and no details on lid, motor or what is in the box - Highest price in this guide, and sold by a third-party reseller rather than the maker ### 4. Electric Vibrating Tumbler, Vibratory Rock Polishing Machine for Grinding and Polishing Jade and Jewelry Accessories, Ideal for Craft and Hobby Projects A vibratory polisher with a rubber barrel, pitched at jade, agate, amber and jewelry as well as small metal parts. For wet or dry use with ceramic media, steel shot or polishing compounds. What the listing offers: - Rubber-lined barrel is quieter than a bare plastic bowl and protects stones from chipping - Listing names agate, jade and amber among the intended materials and supports wet and dry use - Spiral vibration action described in the listing keeps the load turning over for even finishing Limits to know: - Listing does not state bowl capacity in pounds or quarts, so batch size is unclear - Lesser-known brand, and the price is above the 9 lb machines without stating more capacity ### 5. VIYUKI Electric 18LBS Vibratory Tumbler Bowl Tumbling Polishing Machine An 18 lb vibratory bowl rated 120V and 0.5A, sold with 15 lb of walnut shell media. The largest capacity here, for hobbyists finishing big batches of stones. What the listing offers: - 18 lb capacity, twice the 9 lb machines, for large batches or bigger stones - Listing says the motor can run for days, which matches multi-day vibratory stages - 15 lb of walnut shell media in the box is useful for dry burnishing or cleaning metal findings Limits to know: - Listing focuses on rust and paint removal from metal parts and gives no rock tumbling instructions - Large bowl needs a big load to work well, which takes a lot of grit and rock per stage ### 6. Leegol Electric 5LB Vibratory Tumbler Polishing Small Metal Parts A compact 5 lb vibratory tumbler sold mainly for cleaning small metal parts, with three half-pound bags of walnut shell media. A low-cost way to try vibratory finishing on a few stones. What the listing offers: - Lowest price in this guide for a full vibratory machine - 5 lb maximum load of parts and media suits small batches of stones in the finer stages - Leegol also sells rotary tumblers and parts, so the brand is familiar to hobbyists Limits to know: - Listing is written for lube and oxidation removal with walnut or corn cob, and does not mention wet grit use - The 5 lb limit includes media, so the actual rock load per run is smaller As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.