meskhov
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 41
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Post by meskhov on Mar 5, 2011 15:19:37 GMT -5
Finally, after 7 weeks in 46-70 I have some keepers! I have had a lot of trouble with this batch of Quartz, Amethyst and jasper trying to get it rounded to my liking in this first stage. A Big Thanks to Tom_Connrock) for helping me troubleshoot what is happening. It seems that in this 15 lb Thumlers model B I think I might be using too much water. I cut back based on Tom's suggestions and it definitely helped. Will continue trying to tweak the water level. It also seems that this batch is very hard and doesn't like to be ground down. I had been using 12 oz of 46-70 grit and have since changed to 16 oz, again per Tom's advice. half of the load had to go back again for another round of rough as they still had pits and not fully shaped to my liking. I recently ordered a Lot-O Tumbler and Tntmom (Thanks Krystee!!) has helped me a lot with advice and recommendations!! Once I have enough to go into the Lot-O we will see how that does since I'm a newbie to all of this. Thanks in advance for any tips or advice, I need all the help i can get!Lol Mike ps any way to get rid of all the fracturing and crakcs in the quartz and amethyst?
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Post by Toad on Mar 5, 2011 15:39:17 GMT -5
I use ceramic media/beads in my batches to help with cushioning. Quartz and amethyst like to fracture, so a good variety of sizes (rocks and added media) in your batch should help fill gaps and give the rocks less room to 'fall' while tumbling.
Congrats on the patience. Many folks rush through the first step to get the batch finished. Since you are taking time on that first step, you will be well rewarded when these beauties come out of polish.
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Post by tanyafrench on Mar 5, 2011 15:49:36 GMT -5
You have learned well the art of patience. Those are some beautiful stones and they should take a great shine. You have had some training from some of the best. Keep up the good work.
Tanya
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Post by tntmom on Mar 5, 2011 16:22:16 GMT -5
Those are shaping up good!!!
~Krystee
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Post by rockrookie on Mar 5, 2011 20:51:00 GMT -5
Looking good !! --paul
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blr2449
has rocks in the head
Can I retire now?
Member since January 2011
Posts: 554
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Post by blr2449 on Mar 5, 2011 23:13:29 GMT -5
Those are looking really nice! What are your plans for them?
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meskhov
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 41
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Post by meskhov on Mar 6, 2011 7:27:38 GMT -5
I'm not sure what I will do with them after they are done. Most likely give them a way to family and friends and the kids want some to bring to school for show and tell. Thanks for the vote of confidence! I have been pulling my hair out over this batch as it's taking so long just to get out of rough, 7 weeks! Thanks Mike
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Mar 6, 2011 9:26:45 GMT -5
Good job,keep it up.
snuffy
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Mar 6, 2011 15:16:59 GMT -5
Nice! As for ammy... well I went and looked at a few past batches I did. My average was 16 weeks in course! Patince is the name of the game!
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Post by Toad on Mar 6, 2011 16:58:53 GMT -5
Don't necessarily look to pull out the whole batch at once. Look at each individual stone. If it is ready to move on, pull it out and set it to the side. If it is not ready (likely the majority) throw it back in the barrel. When you are done sorting add a few new pieces of rough to the barrel to make up for any volume lost ( due to grinding or stones you pulled out for the next stage) then roll them again. Eventually you will have enough stones for stage two. Every stage after the first is a breeze in comparison...
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meskhov
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 41
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Post by meskhov on Mar 25, 2011 13:02:43 GMT -5
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carneliancanuck
having dreams about rocks
Member since November 2010
Posts: 63
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Post by carneliancanuck on Mar 25, 2011 13:18:32 GMT -5
very nice. i like the shapes. i really liked the brown and white zebra looking stones in the top pics.
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meta99
has rocks in the head
Ohio Flint Ridge flint
Member since October 2010
Posts: 540
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Post by meta99 on Mar 25, 2011 13:45:31 GMT -5
Advice for the next batch...do what you did with this batch!!!! Nice rocks....great shape and shine! Sue
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meskhov
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 41
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Post by meskhov on Mar 25, 2011 14:10:44 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies! Yes, that zebra stone will look nice when done as I did not have space this time in the Lot-O for them but they will surely go in the next batch for sure. I just wish all the roughing didn't take so long,lol.
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Post by tntmom on Mar 25, 2011 18:43:18 GMT -5
Mike, FANTASTIC!!!! You NAILED the shine! WTG! ;D ~Krystee
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Post by tntmom on Mar 25, 2011 18:59:44 GMT -5
ps, just a hint, if you modify the subject line of your original post with something like..."update, batch finished" or something else along those lines, people here (like me) will know that the thread has changed since my last response. I'm soooo happy that I reread this thread. I almost didn't because I knew that I had already posted to it. So glad I did though or I would have missed your stunning results!!!!
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Post by gr on Mar 25, 2011 19:10:48 GMT -5
Mike, you might try some preshaping ( if you have the means) before you put them in the barrel. It's a little time consuming but I think it's worth the effort. It cuts down on your rough stage time. Nice looking batch Mike!
gary
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meskhov
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 41
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Post by meskhov on Mar 25, 2011 20:39:28 GMT -5
Gary: Thanks for the reply. I don't have any means at the moment but I think I will need to get something as it is just taking too long in the rough to wear down all the sharp corners, etc. I am thinking maybe a Dremel with a diamond wheel or a small lapidary wet saw might help. Thanks for your advice. Mike
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meskhov
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 41
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Post by meskhov on Mar 25, 2011 20:41:55 GMT -5
Krystee: Thanks for the reply, couldn't have done it without you guys! It was a long first journey but i think from here on in it will be smoother sailing. Just a lot of things to know just by sight to troubleshoot will take a while to learn but slow but sure as the old saying goes. Mike
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Mar 26, 2011 7:43:13 GMT -5
Patience you have learned well. Your shine will easily competenwith anything on this board. Congrates
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