National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit - Rock Polisher for Kids & Adults, Noise-Reduced Barrel, Grit, 2.5 Pounds Raw Gemstone & Jasper Mix, Great STEM Hobby Kit

I have never done rock tumbling before but became interested when I found some quartz at my mother's house. She lives outside Marble Falls, Texas. I shopped around quite a bit and based off reviews alone, this was the best machine for beginners and for the price. I initially bought the one available at my local Hobby Lobby and it would leak a little water and get the belt wet. The belt system used runner teeth and after just one day of use the belt was no good and the machine would not run. With this brand the belt is smooth and operates based off tension just like the pullies in your car. The rubber barrel helps eliminate most noises. The motor is quiet, the only noise is from the machine is it vibrating on a solid surface. Mine walks a little, so make sure you have it on a level surface. I waited to do my review until I had used the machine a while. I have done two separate rounds with it. Everything runs great still after more than 2 months of continuous use. I can see that the belt will wear out before anything else. There are little flecks of the belt around the area the machine sits in. I believe there is some plastic on the pullies that may be wearing on it. It does come with an extra belt though. I am currently tumbling Tiger's Eye rocks. The pack comes with a variety of rock types. I am tumbling like rocks together just to make sure everything wears at the same rate. My only real complaint is that in all the rock packs, the amount of amethyst is rediculos. I was provided some, but the pieces were so small that they would be destroyed if tumbled. There are also too many dalmatian jasper stones compared with how many of any other stone there is. Overall I am content with how well it works.

This was a great gift for our daughter. She loved it and and has gotten a lot of use from it. Recently it stopped working ( quit suddenly during cycles and all day lights flashing simultaneously) and I did some research to see if it was something I could fix. Found out there were some others that had the same issue. Some said it was the belt needing replaced or it was overloaded. We addressed these and the issue continued.Ended up reaching out to Nat Geo and explained the issue. They were amazing. The ended up replacing the unit for us and got my daughter tumbling again.Nat Geo products are a go to for us on birthdays and such for the fun and educational aspects they provide, along with the great family time and memories they have created.The customer service received will keep us buying their products!Thanks Nat Geo!

This works PERFECTLY! I've really enjoyed the results.

Update. Quit working just flashes lights.Good for small kids. Not good for someone wanting to tumble a large amount of stone. Comes with one small grit pack for stones it comes with and one in each pound of rocks. The rocks are crap. U get very little agate I got no amethyst, some pale amazonite, and the rest is various jasper. Oh did get a large chunk of sodalite that wont fit in tumbler. Tum let is NOISY!!! And it does take about 2 weeks to tumble stones so I advise u put it in the garage. Unless your in a cold climate because u must use water and grit to tumble stone. Also the jewelry it comes with, well all I can use are the cord for necklace.. u get 3 jewelry" kits" in this package. I can use the stone cages from the necklace and key chain, the earrings are clip ons that require an epoxy glue and same with the tiny adjustable ring. Honestly would have saved money buying a tumbler and bulk grit separate. All of this can also be found on wish. Just because it's a nat geo product doesn't make it better. The drum is all rubber with a stainless cap, and u get the base, plug, and an extra "belt" that's hidden under the cap. There are rocks in a bag inside the tumbler when u get it. None of jewelery quality. Lot of nice tigers eye chunks but u can buy that cheaper here or wish. If I wasnt a prime member and had to pay shipping.. this is 7+ pounds.. I would have not gotten it. It will work for now because ups was 3 days late from a snow storm. I'm starting Into lapidary and jewelry making so I'm sure I will get a lapidary wheel and bench as I improve. All jewelry findings can be found on amazon.

This is a great machine for introducing someone to tumbling. The included rock and grit packs help make it a really good deal. The drum stays sealed, and the tough rubber material will make it last a long time. The only annoyance is the noise, but that's unavoidable since we're using a motor to smash rocks together. You'll want to keep it on the opposite side of the house while sleeping.

The media could not be loaded. It is a little noisy but what could be expected considering what it is. So far it’s been great! My rocks are breathtaking and they are not even half way done! So when they are I know it’s going to be extremely exciting!!! This tumbler does not require any of the stuff the older ones did like salt n such. It’s so much easier and it is so much fun to work with this tumbler! It comes with everything you will need to make your own treasures! Including some jewelry holding items to display your Beautiful Jems that this tumbler has produced! The instructions are very clear and the tumbler does not leak! I love this thing! I am looking forward to using this tumbler for many years to come! I give this product Two Thumbs up with a very satisfied Smile!

This was purchased for my grandson as a Christmas gift. He liked the one I bought his cousin so he wanted one as well. He loves it. Now I find rocks here and there, save them for him to look up what they are and to polish them.