The Lortone QT66 Rotary Rock Tumbler is a heavy-duty, mid-size tumbler designed for rockhounds who want more capacity and flexibility than a single-barrel tumbler can provide.
Featuring two 6 lb. rubber barrels, the QT66 allows you to process two separate batches of rocks at the same time. Run different types of rough, use different abrasive stages, or simply tumble twice as much material in a single machine.
Its rugged steel frame, long-wearing rubber barrels, watertight barrel closures, and dependable motor make the QT66 an excellent choice for serious hobbyists, rock collectors, families, clubs, and anyone who regularly tumbles larger quantities of rough.
And the versatility doesn't stop there. The QT66 frame can also accommodate a 12 lb. barrel, which can be purchased separately, allowing you to convert the machine from two 6 lb. barrels to one larger-capacity barrel when your tumbling needs change.
Key Benefits
- Two 6 lb. Barrels – Process two separate batches at the same time for a total barrel capacity of 12 lbs.
- Run Different Stages Simultaneously – Keep different tumbling stages separated instead of mixing them in one barrel.
- Run Different Materials – Process different types of rock at the same time without combining them.
- Long-Wearing Rubber Barrels – Durable rubber barrels help reduce noise and withstand repeated tumbling cycles.
- 10-Sided Barrel Interiors – The molded interior increases tumbling action by helping lift and reposition the rocks as the barrel rotates.
- Watertight Barrel Closures – The barrel design helps contain water and abrasive slurry during wet tumbling.
- Rugged Steel Frame – Built for dependable operation and long-term use.
- Flexible Barrel Configuration – The QT66 can accommodate its standard two 6 lb. barrels and can also be configured with an optional 12 lb. barrel.
- Compact Mid-Size Design – Provides substantially more capacity than small hobby tumblers without requiring the footprint of a multi-barrel production machine.
Two Barrels Give You More Control
The biggest advantage of the QT66 is its two-barrel design.
Each barrel holds up to 6 lbs., allowing you to tumble two batches independently. This is particularly useful because rock tumbling is a multi-stage process, and different batches don't always progress through the stages at the same rate.
For example, you could have:
Barrel 1: Stage 1 coarse grind
Barrel 2: Stage 2 medium grind
Once Barrel 1 is ready to move to Stage 2, you can clean it and begin the next stage while Barrel 2 continues its own process.
You can also use the barrels for completely different materials. One barrel could contain agate while the other contains jasper, petrified wood, quartz, or another suitable tumbling material.
This flexibility is one of the reasons the QT66 is such a useful machine for people who tumble regularly.
6 lb. Rubber Barrels
The QT66 comes equipped with two 6 lb. molded rubber barrels.
Lortone's rubber barrels are designed to be long-wearing while helping reduce the noise produced as rocks tumble inside the barrel.
Each barrel features a molded, 10-sided interior. Rather than having a completely smooth cylindrical interior, the angled surfaces help lift and reposition the rocks as the barrel rotates, increasing the tumbling action.
The rubber barrels are also designed with a watertight closure, making them suitable for the wet tumbling process used for grinding and polishing rocks.
6 lb. Barrel Capacity
Each barrel has a maximum capacity of 6 lbs., giving the QT66 a total barrel capacity of 12 lbs. when both barrels are installed.
For rock tumbling, however, the barrel should not simply be filled completely with rocks. Lortone recommends filling the barrel approximately 1/2 to 2/3 full with rocks of assorted sizes and then adding the appropriate abrasive and enough water to cover the rocks and abrasive.
Proper barrel loading is important because the rocks need room to move and tumble effectively.
Tumble Two Batches at Once
The two-barrel configuration makes the QT66 particularly useful for anyone who wants to keep multiple batches moving through the tumbling process.
You can use the two barrels to:
- Process two different types of rock
- Run two different batches of the same material
- Keep different tumbling stages separate
- Experiment with different grit or tumbling techniques
- Increase your overall tumbling capacity
- Keep a polishing batch separate from grinding batches
This is especially valuable when you're working through a four-stage tumbling process, where each stage may take several days.
An Excellent Choice for the Four-Stage Process
The QT66 is well suited to the complete four-stage rock tumbling process.
Stage 1 – Coarse Grind
Coarse silicon carbide removes sharp edges, fractures, pits, and rough surfaces while beginning to shape the stones.
Stage 2 – Medium Grind
A finer abrasive continues smoothing the stones and removes the deeper scratches left during the coarse grind.
Stage 3 – Pre-Polish
A much finer abrasive prepares the surface of the stones for the final polish.
Stage 4 – Polish
A fine polishing compound produces the smooth, glossy surface that brings out the color, patterns, and natural beauty of the stones.
Because the QT66 has two barrels, you have more flexibility when moving batches between these stages.
Tip: Keep barrels and media thoroughly cleaned between stages to minimize cross-contamination. Many experienced tumblers prefer to dedicate a barrel to the polishing stage.
Optional 12 lb. Barrel Configuration
One of the best features of the QT66 is that the machine isn't limited to its original two-barrel configuration.
Lortone offers a 12 lb. replacement barrel that fits the QT66, allowing the machine to be converted to a single large-capacity barrel.
This gives the QT66 an unusual amount of flexibility.
You can start with:
Two 6 lb. barrels
→ Two separate 6 lb. batches
And later add a:
12 lb. barrel
→ One large-capacity batch
This makes the QT66 a particularly versatile choice for tumblers whose needs may grow over time.
Built for Larger Rocks and Larger Batches
The QT66 belongs to Lortone's mid-size tumbler line and is designed for larger material and higher-volume tumbling than compact machines.
The 6 lb. barrels provide enough room for larger pieces of rough while still allowing you to process smaller stones in useful quantities.
When tumbling larger stones, proper barrel loading becomes especially important. A mixture of appropriately sized rocks helps create better movement inside the barrel and reduces the tendency of similarly sized pieces to simply roll together.
Always consider the hardness, size, shape, and condition of your rough when deciding what materials to tumble together.
Rugged Steel Frame
The QT66 is built around a rugged steel frame designed for the weight and demands of larger-capacity tumbling.
The frame supports the drive shaft and idler shaft, while the barrels rest securely on the rotating components during operation.
A barrel guide helps keep each barrel properly positioned during tumbling.
This straightforward mechanical design also makes the machine relatively easy to understand and maintain.
Dependable Drive System
The QT66 uses a belt-driven system consisting of a motor, motor pulley, drive pulley, drive shaft, idler shaft, and belt.
The design is simple and serviceable, with individual replacement components available for many of the machine's wear items and mechanical parts.
The manufacturer's parts documentation lists replacement components including the drive belt, bearings, pulleys, shafts, barrel guides, nylon washers, and motor.
That serviceability is an important advantage for customers who plan to use their tumbler for many years.
Designed for Extended Tumbling
Rock tumbling isn't a process that happens overnight.
A single stage commonly runs for several days, and completing all four stages can take several weeks. The QT66 is designed specifically for this type of extended operation.
Lortone describes its rotary tumblers as quiet, durable grinding and polishing machines.
With proper loading, cleaning, and maintenance, the QT66 can provide years of dependable rock-tumbling service.
Easy Barrel Loading
To begin a batch, remove the barrel lid and load the rocks.
Lortone recommends filling the barrel approximately 1/2 to 2/3 full of rocks, using an assortment of rock sizes for best tumbling action. Add the appropriate abrasive and then enough water to cover the rocks and abrasive.
When closing the barrel, the mating surfaces of the barrel and inner lid should be cleaned before assembly. The knurled nut should be tightened only snugly—do not use tools to overtighten it, as excessive tightening can distort the inner lid and cause leaks.
Specifications
- Model: Lortone QT66
- Type: Rotary Rock Tumbler
- Barrel Configuration: Two 6 lb. barrels
- Total Barrel Capacity: 12 lbs.
- Individual Barrel Capacity: 6 lbs.
- Number of Barrels: 2
- Barrel Material: Long-wearing molded rubber
- Barrel Interior: 10-sided / decagonal design
- Barrel Closure: Watertight rubber-sealed design
- Frame: Rugged steel
- Motor: 110V motor for U.S. models
- Drive System: Belt driven
- Base Dimensions: Approximately 11.5" W × 12.5" L
- Optional Barrel: 12 lb. barrel available separately
- Country of Manufacture: USA
- Manufacturer: Lortone
What's Included
Your Lortone QT66 includes:
- Lortone QT66 tumbler base
- Motor and drive system
- Two 6 lb. rubber barrels
- Barrel lids and closure components
- Barrel gaskets
- Barrel guides
- Operating instructions
Tumbling Supplies You'll Need
The QT66 is a rock tumbler rather than a complete tumbling kit, so you'll need rough rock, tumbling abrasive, water, and appropriate tumbling media to begin processing your stones.
For a typical four-stage process, you'll need:
- Coarse silicon carbide grit
- Medium silicon carbide grit
- Fine abrasive or pre-polish
- Rock polishing compound
- Tumbling media when needed
- Rough rock
The two-barrel design makes it especially convenient to maintain separate batches and stages, but remember that each barrel should be thoroughly cleaned before moving to a finer stage.
The Gemstone Lab offers tumbling grit, polish, ceramic media, plastic pellets, and rough rock so you can build a complete tumbling setup around your QT66.
Who Is the QT66 Best For?
The Lortone QT66 is an excellent choice for:
- Serious rock tumblers
- Experienced hobbyists
- Rock collectors with larger quantities of rough
- Families who want to tumble multiple batches
- Rock and mineral clubs
- Customers who want two independent tumbling barrels
- Tumblers who want the option to upgrade to a 12 lb. barrel later
If you're only planning to tumble small batches occasionally, a smaller Lortone such as the 3A may be a better fit.
If you want two independent barrels and substantially more flexibility, the QT66 is a significant step up.
QT66 vs. Lortone 33B
The QT66 and 33B both provide two barrels, but they serve somewhat different needs.
The 33B uses two smaller 3 lb. barrels and is an excellent choice for everyday hobby rock tumbling.
The QT66 doubles the capacity of each individual barrel to 6 lbs., giving you a total capacity of 12 lbs. and more room for larger batches and larger pieces of rough.
The QT66 also has the unique advantage of being able to accept an optional 12 lb. barrel, giving you the ability to change from two independent batches to one larger batch when needed.
A Versatile Tumbler That Can Grow With You
The Lortone QT66 offers an excellent combination of capacity, flexibility, and proven Lortone construction.
With two 6 lb. rubber barrels, you can run two batches simultaneously, keep different stages separated, or experiment with different materials. And with the optional 12 lb. barrel, you can change the machine's configuration as your tumbling needs evolve.
For rockhounds who have outgrown a small tumbler but don't need a multi-barrel production machine, the QT66 is a versatile, durable choice that gives you considerably more room to tumble.
Two barrels. More capacity. More flexibility. More rocks to polish.
