My dad's old rock tumbler still gives me smoother stones than my new one

I've used both his old machine and my modern one for the same batch of agates. The stones from his come out with a deeper shine, even though it takes longer. Is it just me, or did they build things to last back then?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_pat1mo ago

My buddy's dad still uses his ancient belt sander from the seventies. That old beast leaves a finish his new orbital sander can't touch, even on the same wood. He claims the weight and simple motor just do a better job, no plastic parts to wear out. Sounds exactly like your rock tumbler situation. They absolutely built stuff to last back then, not just to sell fast.

maxm631mo ago

Found a 70s sander at a garage sale last year, and that old workhorse still runs like a dream.

piper_wells6528d ago

Honestly, I see it the other way around sometimes. My grandpa's old tools broke down all the time, he just knew how to fix them. My new stuff might have plastic parts, but it's lighter and gets the job done faster. I bet your dad's tumbler works because it was well cared for, not just because it's old. They still make good tools now, you just have to look past the cheap stuff.