bcbunny
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 112
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Post by bcbunny on Sept 7, 2004 22:39:58 GMT -5
Hi again,
Over the net I have read so many different things about how long to leave each stage in tumbler.
Can you folks help me out with how long each stage takes.....I know different type of rocks etc will take different times. but a ball park figure would be a BIG help.
Thanks a whole bunch Bunny
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Post by cookie3rocks on Sept 7, 2004 23:12:06 GMT -5
Hey Bunny, It is so much a matter of when YOU think think they are ready. In coarse, no grit should stick to the sides of the stones. If there are cracks so deep that the grit won't come out, set them aside. Not all stones will move forward at the same pace.
cookie
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JKowalski33
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 451
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Post by JKowalski33 on Sept 7, 2004 23:20:29 GMT -5
So far i have only experienced the 60/90 stage, but from what i have been told, you just check every week and reload, pulling out the ones that you think are ready. Put a few more back in to fill it to the correct volume, and then start it again. And i get the impression that every stage there after only take about a week give or take a few days. Hope that helps. ;D
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Post by connrock on Sept 8, 2004 20:09:45 GMT -5
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Post by creativeminded on Sept 9, 2004 9:42:50 GMT -5
I probably do more steps than most people on this site but I have found that it works well for me.
2 weeks in 60/90 grit will let it go longer if I need to. 2 hours in borax for cleaning 1 week in 120/220 grit 2 hours in borax 1 week in tripoli 2 hours in borax 1 week in 1000 grit 2 hours in borax 3-7 day in cerium oxide. I have found that this system works very well for me. The last two batches have come out with perfect polishes. When I get a chance I will post pictures of the remaining stones I have of the last batch. I sold some and wrapped some to sell over Labor Day Weekend. Tami
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James
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 876
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Post by James on Sept 9, 2004 13:34:44 GMT -5
Here's my typical formula: 60/90 as long as it takes! 120/220 7 days Pre-polish 7 days Polish 5-7 days I don't wash the stones after 60/90. I just rinse them off with water, then they go into 120/220. After 120/220 and pre-polish, I wash the stones for about 15-20 min with soap and hot water. After polish I let the soap go for a little longer; 30 min or so. Dry stones off quickly, as "water-spots" can remain on them. Pre-polish: I've found that the best pre-polishes are Aluminum oxide, (by Lortone) Tripoli, and SISA. I don't recommend Silicon Carbide pre-polishes such as 400 and 500 grit. However, 600 should be ok. If you use 400 or 500 grit, you should do a 2nd pre-polishing step with 1000 aluminum oxide grit. This is also essential for obsidian and other softer and more delicate stones. Tigers-eye for example. That's it! Keep is simple and you'll be just fine.
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Post by BIRDSEED on Sept 14, 2004 4:28:26 GMT -5
Try running the 60 grit stage for 25 days without a recharge--You then can skip the 220 stage and save on grit and $....LOTS OF PATIENCE....
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Post by BIRDSEED on Sept 14, 2004 10:50:22 GMT -5
Actually the smartest thing you can do is prep each stone befone tumbling-remove all "vugs" and "fractures"- 1. 25 days in 60 grit-no recharge 2. 5 days in 600 grit 3. 5 days in 1000 grit 4. 7 days in TXP polish 5. 24 hours in ivory snow After 1 month you will have good results-But only as good as the original stones...
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