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I add ceramic fillers to make sure the barrel is at least 3/4 full. It makes very little noise that way; I can't hear it when standing outside the door of the room I'm running it in.

I like the glass idea, that sounds fun.

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> ceramic fillers

Thanks for this tip. I'm planning on buying a friend a tumbler for xmas, and if this works as advertised, I feel this would be a must have as part of the gift.

Edit: of course, TFA mentions this as well for those willing to click the link <facepalm>

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It's a long article :)
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You can pick up Silicon Carbide grit pretty cheap online ( impure moissanite ). I have several tumblers, but have yet to finish the process of making polished gems- but it is still on my bucket list :). I have made lots of "sea glass: though. I have taken quite a bit to the local beach ( about 40 miles north of Palm Beach Fl. ) I toss it into the surf, figuring it will make some beachcombers happy. My logic is that once it has been in the ocean a few days, it will actually be sea glass. I would not make that claim for any of the glass that comes straight out of the tumbler though. Next time you visit a craft show and see folks with "Sea glass" Jewelry, note if they have separate displays for "real" sea glass, and man made.
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My girlfriend loves sea glass and has a rock tumbler. I think we will try this, thanks!
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