Lortone 33B Rotary Tumbler vs Lortone 3A Rotary Tumbler
Buy the 33B if you want to run two batches at once or keep a coarse and a fine stage going side by side. Buy the 3A if you tumble one batch at a time and want the smaller, quieter, cheaper unit. The 3A has ranged from $139.95 to $149.95 since October 30, 2026; no current price was given for the 33B, so compare its live price at your store before deciding.
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Lortone 33B Rotary Tumbler
Choose the Lortone 33B if you want twin 3 lb barrels so you can run two grit stages at once or double your batch size in one compact base.
Pros
- Two barrels let you run coarse and fine grit stages at the same time.
- Twice the batch capacity of the 3A in one compact base.
- Barrels can be removed or run individually.
- Upgraded drive over earlier Lortone models.
Cons
- Requires oiling, an extra maintenance step.
- No price was listed, so cost is unknown here.
- Heavier and larger than the 3A.
- No sealed-barrel or sound-absorption claim.
What separates them
| Lortone 33B Rotary Tumbler | Lortone 3A Rotary Tumbler | |
|---|---|---|
| Barrels | Two 3 lb rubber barrels, usable together or one at a time | One 3 lb rubber barrel |
| Total capacity per run | Up to 6 lb across both barrels | 3 lb |
| Drive | Upgraded drive motor | Continuous-duty 110V AC motor rated for 24-hour running |
| Noise and sealing | Rubber barrels; no sealed-barrel claim listed | Patented tight-sealing rubber barrel that also absorbs sound |
| Maintenance | Requires oiling per the instructions | No oiling step listed |
| Footprint | Base 6.25 in wide by 10.25 in long, 11 in tall | Base 6 in wide, 9 in tall |
| Included guide | Operating instructions | Operating instructions plus a 21-page gemstone tumbling booklet |
Price history
$218.00$139.95
- Lortone 33B Rotary Tumbler: lowest $218.00 on Oct 30 at Mama's Minerals.
- Lortone 3A Rotary Tumbler: lowest $139.95 on Oct 30 at Delphi Glass; $149.95 on Nov 1.
Prices at every store
Lortone 33B Rotary Tumbler
- The Gemstone LabCheck price at The Gemstone Lab
- LortoneCheck price at Lortone
- Mama's MineralsCheck price at Mama's Minerals
Lortone 3A Rotary Tumbler
- The Gemstone LabCheck price at The Gemstone Lab
- Delphi GlassCheck price at Delphi Glass
- Home Science ToolsCheck price at Home Science Tools
Specs compared
| Spec | Lortone 33B Rotary Tumbler | Lortone 3A Rotary Tumbler |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rotary tumbler | Rock Tumbler |
| Included Components | Twin 3 lb. rubber barrels | One barrel |
| Included Instructions | Yes | Lortone 3A rotary tumbler operating instruction… |
| Age Range | Adult | Adult |
| Target Users | Hobbyists, Professionals | Those tumbling small items |
| Interactive Elements | Barrels can be used simultaneously or individua… | Working rock tumbler |
| Durability | Molded Rubber Barrel’s | Durable |
| Material | Rubber (barrels) | Rubber (barrels) |
| Power Source | Electric | Electric |
| Skill Level |
What reviewers say
Lortone 33B Rotary Tumbler
Owners treat the 33B as a durable workhorse and often keep one running for years. The twin barrels and easy servicing draw the most praise; the oiling routine and slow rotary cycle draw the most complaints.
Pros
- Long service life with basic maintenance
- Twin barrels let two grit stages run at once
- Rubber barrels hold up and run quieter than plastic
- Straightforward to repair with common parts
Cons
- Oiling schedule is easy to forget
- Rotary tumbling is slow, often four to six weeks per load
- Small barrel size limits how large a stone you can finish
- Motor and drive noise bothers some owners in living spaces
Lortone 3A Rotary Tumbler
Reviewers are largely positive about the Lortone 3A, calling it quiet, dependable and compact, with a drum that seals well. One shopper reported receiving a non-working unit with a European plug.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for tumbling two grit stages at once?
- The 33B. Its twin barrels let you keep a coarse batch and a fine batch running side by side, which the single-barrel 3A cannot do.
- Is the 33B worth it over the 3A?
- If you tumble often or in volume, yes: you get double the capacity and two simultaneous stages. For occasional single batches, the 3A does the same job for less.
- Which one is quieter?
- The 3A. Its patented tight-sealing rubber barrel is designed to absorb sound, and owners repeatedly cite quiet operation.
- Which lasts longer?
- Both are Lortone rotary units with a durable reputation. The 3A's continuous-duty motor is rated to run 24 hours a day for years, but the 33B needs regular oiling, so upkeep matters more there.
- How long does a batch take?
- About 4 to 6 weeks for a full polish cycle on the 3A, per the manufacturer. The 33B runs the same rotary process, so expect a similar timeline per barrel.
- Do both include instructions?
- Yes. The 33B includes operating instructions, and the 3A adds a 21-page gemstone tumbling booklet.