Rock Tumbling Planner

Enter your rotary tumbler's barrel size and when you start. You'll get the grit for each stage and the date to move on to the next one.

Assumptions behind the plan

• Grit: about 2 level tablespoons per pound of rock in each stage, a common rule for rotary tumblers.
• Load: the barrel filled about half to two-thirds with rock, and water to just below the top of the rocks.
• Times: about a week per stage, with a longer coarse stage for rough, angular stones.
• Clean between stages: wash rocks and barrel well, and never pour grit slurry down a drain.

This planner is for rotary tumblers and rocks of similar hardness, such as agate, jasper and quartz (Mohs 6–7). Vibratory tumblers run shorter stages. Always check your tumbler's instructions.