kategoodwin
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2011
Posts: 59
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Post by kategoodwin on Oct 12, 2011 13:54:38 GMT -5
Ok...newbie question here...I should look through a few threads to see if I can find the answer...but honestly...I'm being lazy.
While polishing rocks can you pull the plug on your polisher for say a weekend and then start right where you left off when you get back? I leave nearly every weekend and wouldn't be able to monitor it for two days every week. And if you can do this...does it make a difference in the finished result? Thanks!
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Post by johnjsgems on Oct 12, 2011 14:44:33 GMT -5
If it is a rotary I would let it run. If a vibe it would be ok as long as it doesn't dry up.
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Post by rockrookie on Oct 12, 2011 15:58:52 GMT -5
Kate , i judge this depending on which tumbler that i am using and how long that i'm gone . i have all rotary tumblers . but , i know that some of them witholder belts or heavy loads . the 12 & 15 lbers may have problems , if the power goes out . because , i know that if the power blinks out even for a second i have to push them to get them rolling . the belt just spins . i am leaving for a week on saturday . i'm shutting them all down this time . though i have let them go for the weekend several times.
just my 2 cents --paul
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Post by 150FromFundy on Oct 12, 2011 18:53:12 GMT -5
I have an A-R2, a Model B and a UV-10. They run whether I am here, or not.
I have left the rotaries for two weeks, and the vibe for three days. No problems. The Thumlers have thermal protection on the motors if ther ever is.
Darryl.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,466
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Post by Sabre52 on Oct 12, 2011 22:11:05 GMT -5
I think you can get away with shutting down a couple of days in polish and prepolish if you shake the barrels or tubs a bit before you start them back up. In coarse or fine grind though, the sediment can settle and pretty much cement the whole batch into a glob if you don't keep it running and in a vibe especially, this can eat up the bottom of your tub as the grit will settle to the bottom and grind it away.....Mel
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Oct 13, 2011 1:19:00 GMT -5
Yes you can stop it
Dont forget "Sods Law "
But if its a rotary Open up before you restart and make sure it hasent set solid just give the rocks / Goop a good stir up to loosen the mass
Jack Yorkshire uk
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Steve
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2005
Posts: 506
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Post by Steve on Oct 13, 2011 9:54:29 GMT -5
I've often stopped the rolling when going on vacation. For short weekend trips I usually just keep them rolling. However I would never start a run just before leaving. Problems with lids usually happen in the first day or two. When you restart you do have to watch it close for the first few minutes until the sludge breaks up and the rocks are rolling free again. Only once did I have to pick up a barrel and shake it vigerously.
The only time I've stopped a vibe I took out the rocks and stored them in a bucket of water. It's best to time a vibe so you don't interrupt the process.
Steve
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Oct 13, 2011 10:25:10 GMT -5
I concur with Mel on this one. I've had tumblers stop when I wasn't checking on them and the sediment had cemented the rocks in the tumbler. You can get them going again; it takes a while for things to shake loose. I've tried digging the stuff out, but it's so hard that I found I would just rather start them up, even though they're sort of lopsided.
Chuck
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kategoodwin
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2011
Posts: 59
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Post by kategoodwin on Oct 13, 2011 13:31:44 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! I just bought my tumbler today and talked with Shawn at the Rock Shed and he was saying basically the same things as you guys. Thank goodness! I was worried I'd have to hold off on my polishing until I'd settled into one spot and traveling back and forth all the time.
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Post by rocklicker on Oct 22, 2011 0:10:48 GMT -5
As far as rotaries go, when you shut it off stand up the barrel.That way when you start it back up again the rocks won't be all stuck on one side and the tumbler will run smoothly.
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