Submitted by albertnormandy t3_10phy49 in rva
Kid got a rock tumbler for Christmas and we've used up the stuff that came with it. Does anywhere around sell the supplies for another batch? I'm sure Bezos would sell it to me but I'd rather avoid any imperial entanglements.
Agree. Even if you don't buy a tumbler from there - the experience of meeting Mr. Packard is worth the trip. That man is a legend. He knows his stuff for sure.
Packard does sell varying sizes of grit, I've bought from him before.
Next time I'm in southside and have some time I'll try to take my son in there.
Cool, I didn't know this was there. Thanks!
Avid rock tumbler here! Best source for supplies is The Rock Shed. They ship super fast (faster than Bezos) and have great customer service. I haven't found a local place that sells what I like yet so this has been my go-to for all grits and polish. They have a great selection of rough for tumbling as well if you find you need more rocks.
Other sources for rocks include Rough Stone Rocks (just pay attention to the size as some things come in larger pieces that would need to be broken or cut) and Gems By Mail (the website sucks but their stuff is quality and they always have good deals).
I'll check them out. Thanks for the tip. I'm hoping I can find a source of rocks here, but it seems everything I dig out of my yard is crumbly quartzite as far as I can tell.
There's good rockhounding in Virginia if you're willing to drive a bit. You can find garnet, amazonite, amethyst, blue quartz, turquoise, unakite, prehnite and much more. There are some old mines that will seasonally be open to the public and are usually great for kids. Lucky Lake is one that's not too far that should open in the spring. But you can also Google rockhounding maps of Virginia to get suggestions on where to find different rocks. It's not as simple as looking in the back yard but it can make for a fun getaway.
Take a trip to Fairystone park.
Packard's Stamp and Rock Shop in Midlothian.
This post makes me miss the store Natural Wonders at Regency Mall
/u/theladydoor might know if there is anyone local. But I imagine online is where most supplies will be found.
HobbyTown USA at broad and gaskins has tumbler supplies! I make jewelry out of tumbled rocks and glass and that's where I buy my media and grit.
>> I'd rather avoid any imperial entanglements.
Rebel scum!
I know Harbor Freight sells it and usually has it in stock, and I imagine Hobby Lobby would as well...
el_plandito t1_j6kmdtj wrote
Maybe Packard’s Rock Shop on Midlothian Tpk?