Rebel 17 Rock Tumbler

This tumbler is the best I've used thus far. It has a massive capacity, and the motor handled whatever I threw at it. The construction feels top notch. And with as large as it is, and filled to the appropriate level with all kinds of rocks, this unit still tumbles MUCH quieter than any of my other tumblers. They've all been put on notice...whether they're National Geographic, Leegol, Thumler, Tumble-Bee, Chicago Pneumatic...the Rebel is on top. Even though it appears to be based on the Thumler, it has improved on it in many ways.

I currently have 5 rock tumblers, and this is the best one. It is large, quiet and made from quality parts. It is clearly a copy of a Thumler's Tumbler Model B (not a bad thing) with some quality upgrades, offered at a lower price. I had never heard of this brand and neither had anyone in my rockhounding club. Similar to Thumler's, you cannot buy from them directly and must utilize a 3rd party, but they appear to be a legit if not low-key company.On this Rebel model made by Xtreme, the nuts used to secure the lid were upgraded from pressed wing nuts and washers (used on a Model B) to single nuts encased in plastic that are easier to finger tighten. The axles and bearings also appear to be higher grade steel and are more robust. There does not appear to be many other differences. In fact, this Rebel model and the Model B are so similar they even use the same drive belts.FYI assembly is required for the Rebel. You will need to mount the motor to the tumbler base. Oddly, the motor only uses 3 mounting points but has four threaded posts and the written instructions do not mention the four posts at all. I am guessing Xtreme just bought generic Chinese motors that were not made specifically for their tumbler but fit their purpose. I don't see many other ways the motor can be mounted so I do not think it was to provide more mounting options.Good tumbler overall will probably buy another one.

I have gone through many rock tumblers I bought others Which have Stop working optimally After about 2Uses. So far This 1 seems well made It is still doing a good job. If you do a lot of rock tumbling Do not buy a cheaper version they wear out I found out the hard way. It's a bit expensive however unless you find a good used one this is the price tyoy will pay for the serious tumbler!

The media could not be loaded. I have run 2, 4 week grit cycles in this thing and it takes the full load and just keeps rolling. The cheaper, lower quality machines have burned up or the cheap plastic breaks. This thing is built like a tank. The only reason for the 4 star vs 5 star is it only revolves at 20rmp. Pretty slow, but steady. 7 days/grit cycle and the rocks turned out great.. really quiet.

I have not u see it very long but it was easy to put together, more solidly built than the last tumbler I got this size, needs (i assume) no oiling as the last one did, and, i hope it will last longer.

I purchased two tumblers at the same time. The first one came out of the box and after assembly worked great. The second tumbler the bolts that hold the lid on and keep it watertight are slightly askew, not by much just enough that the closing plate scrapes the threads of the bolts. I have to tighten the nuts on the second one to a level that I can barely loosen them when finished. Usually I have to put the tumble barrel on a flat surface and roll it around and find the leaks and crank the lid down tighter. Once this has been accomplished tumbling is fine. So far, three weeks of constant use and they are working find. One note on the second machine is that the pulley is the slightest bit bent and wobbles the slightest bit, the pulley is plastic that is attached to the tumbler barrel.

Great high quality tumbler. Is very quiet and tumbles amazing! Wish it had one more faster speed option but this is the Best Extra Large Tumbler on the market for the price.

Tunnels rocks very nicely and can handle big rocks.