Top 8 Beginner Rock Tumbling Mistakes

Gemstone Crafting
Gemstone Crafting
Sep 6, 2026

Are you having trouble with your rock tumbler? Trying to figure out why your rocks aren't getting shiny? I have about a dozen years of experience helping people learn to tumble rocks and troubleshooting their problems. Let me help you figure out what you might be doing wrong. There might even be a tip or two in this list for more experienced tumblers.

– MERCH –
Buy Michigan Rocks shirts and other merchandise here.
https://michigan-rocks-shop.fourthwall.com/

– HIGHLAND PARK LAPIDARY –
Highland Park makes some high quality tools at reasonable prices. They also have the best price on grit that I have found. I make a commission if you buy something through this link. It doesn't cost you extra.
https://hplapidary.com/?ref=ROBERTABRAM
Use promo code MICHIGANROCKS for 10% off rough rocks and accessories.

– KINGSLEY NORTH –
Kingsley North is a lapidary store in Michigan's U.P. They make a great cab machine and sell many other brands too. They have a huge selection of rough rock, tumblers, grit, jewelry supplies etc. at good prices. If you buy using the following link, I make a small commission.
https://fas.st/t/u7uaxb5V

This is the cabbing machine I use:
https://fas.st/t/vCjRymKC

– THE ROCK SHED –
I buy a lot of lapidary supplies and rough rock from The Rock Shed. I don't make money from your purchases there, but they have good prices and good service. This is where I buy my finer grits and polish.
http://rockshed.com

– AMAZON STOREFRONT –
I also have an Amazon storefront. This is where you can find other products you may have seen in my videos. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn't cost you extra.
http://www.amazon.com/shop/michiganrocks

– NANCY'S BOOKS –
My wife is an author! Her novels are available on Apple, Amazon (Kindle or paperback), Barnes and Noble, and Kobo. We would be very thankful if you read them.
Slinging Bullets: https://books2read.com/slingingbullets
Trial by Bullet: https://books2read.com/trialbybullet
Faded Spotlight: https://books2read.com/fadedspotlight