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Post by Toad on Aug 21, 2006 5:00:25 GMT -5
The directions on the lortone tumbler say to fill the barrel with water up to the bottom of the top layer of rock. Worked great every time I did so. Then I thought to experiment:
First I tried to hold out some water thinking that the slurry would form faster and I would get even better grinding action. The slurry did get thick fast - too thick. The rocks stuck to the side of the barrel and the big ones would ride to the top, fall, and chip the ones on bottom. Bad idea.
After a few more cycles at recommended levels, I tried extra water, thinking that a thinner slurry would mean better tumbling action. After a few days, I could barely hear anything from the barrel. When the cycle ended a week later, I found out why - too much water causes foam. The foam muffled the sound and the rocks. The grit did not fully break down and I had wasted a week. At least the rocks weren't damaged like when I held water out.
This is just my long-winded way of saying don't do what I did. Directions good; thinking bad.
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Post by ladyt on Aug 21, 2006 14:30:23 GMT -5
LOL Toad. That's why they call it experimenting. Thanks to you and your experiment, we know not to do it. Thanks!!! Tonja
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Post by Toad on Aug 21, 2006 17:11:53 GMT -5
Live and learn. Sigh...
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Post by Cher on Aug 21, 2006 20:04:58 GMT -5
Too funny but interesting to learn that it was excess water that made the foam. Thanks for the experiment Toad.
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Post by Toad on Aug 21, 2006 20:14:55 GMT -5
I live to serve.
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Post by LCARS on Aug 22, 2006 0:01:29 GMT -5
It's just good science to question convention & it's only through repeated experimentation that anything can be positively confirmed or disproved.
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Post by Toad on Aug 22, 2006 6:34:25 GMT -5
Yes, but if we continue to cover ground already well-proven, then we never advance. Onward and upward.
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Post by creativeminded on Aug 22, 2006 8:57:52 GMT -5
I have been having problems lately with my rocks making alot of thick slurry with my water level just above the rock level. I had the same problem you did in they didn't grind down, now I haven't had the foaming problem that you are, might I sugget you add a pinch of salt that will reduce the amount of foam you have. I would even go as far as getting some sea salt. Tami
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Post by Toad on Aug 22, 2006 17:07:19 GMT -5
I only had problem with the foam that one time I added too much water. The only other additive I use is borax. No problems since. Thanks for the tip though.
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Post by joe on Aug 22, 2006 21:34:22 GMT -5
Hmmm... I always thought directions were to be taken with a grain of salt!
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