Tumbling: What size barrel, how much media?

How to choose the right size tumbler for your job (Aussie Sapphire) When deciding what size tumbler to use, it can be confusing comparing all the different types available. This article provides all the dimensions and volumetric capacity data you need to help choose the right size for you. (copyright Aussie Sapphire)

When deciding what size tumbler to use, it can be confusing comparing all the different types available.  Combined with this, many tumblers are manufactured in the USA and specifications are quoted in a range of imperial units.

The other difficulty is that a range of tumbling media can be used and it can be very confusing trying to work out how much is needed. To help overcome some of this confusion, Aussie Sapphire has measured a range of tumbler barrels and bowls as well as the bulk density of a variety of tumbling media to assist you in making the right choice.

Please download this pdf document which gives dimensions, weight, volumetric capacity and recommended load limits:
 

Information on Tumbling Barrel/Bowl Size and Media Density

 

Although tumblers are usually described in terms of a weight rating, it is not actually the most useful measurement - it is more important to think in terms of available capacity in terms of volume. So the datasheet in the link above describes all the models in our range in terms of litres of volume so you can easily visualise how much space you have to work with and compare it to a batch size of the material you will be working with. 

Please note that this information has been compiled by Aussie Sapphire from a range of sources including users instructions from manufacturers.  It is intended to assist our customers but you should always read the owners manual for your particular tumbler and not rely solely on the information presented here.