sawman
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2012
Posts: 16
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Post by sawman on Mar 2, 2012 23:01:54 GMT -5
this is my very first tumbled rocks after second stage. My question is should l do the third stage of 500 grit? or go to the pre polish. here is a pic
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Post by susand24224 on Mar 3, 2012 3:52:19 GMT -5
I think we all do different formulas. If your second stage was 120/220, I would go to 500. With Mohs 7 rocks in a rotary tumbler, I often skip 1000 (prepolish). But I never skip 500.
Susan
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Post by talkingstones on Mar 3, 2012 6:01:53 GMT -5
They look reat, but I'd do the 500 as well.
Cathy
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keystonecops
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2010
Posts: 957
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Post by keystonecops on Mar 3, 2012 9:48:24 GMT -5
Go 500, it will help them too POP. Later Clyde
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sawman
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2012
Posts: 16
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Post by sawman on Mar 3, 2012 9:51:05 GMT -5
Thank u Susan and Cathy for the response I will do that, Trying to learn
Jim
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 3, 2012 20:08:32 GMT -5
I would use the 500 step and then polish. After you get a couple of successful tumbles you can try variations (like run 120/220 longer and skip 500 or run 60/90 longer and skip 120/220). You will have your method eventually. I've tried a lot of variations I've heard from others and all seem to work. Best tip is run a burnish cycle after last grit and again after polish. I use powdered Tide detergent but many use Borax.
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Mar 4, 2012 3:03:15 GMT -5
After 500 Id do a wash Burnish for 48hours and then a polish as john above says
Maybe next time try this Im sure you want to see these rocks finished ?
I always think the 2nd run is the most important and have sometimes done it 2 X
You will find out we all have our perfect receipe and You will have yours in a few years time
Its the results that matter
All the best
jack Yorkshire uk
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sawman
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2012
Posts: 16
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Post by sawman on Mar 4, 2012 10:50:15 GMT -5
Thank u all, l have been reading all the post and found that everyone has there own way of doing it. After a while it can get confusing. This is a fasinating hobby, l put them in with 500 grit and tide and borax yesterday.
john l will attempt to build a grinder and flat lap in the next few weeks do u have the sc disk and belts that l will need all so a 6" expando drum? Got to start out small. got 2 14" diamond blades coming from a friend in NM to build a slab saw. I am a welder by trade (45years now) and my brother is a Machinist with a complete shop so we have the tools, and thanks to all of u in this group we will hopefully gain the knowledge to be successful.
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Post by connrock on Mar 5, 2012 9:23:44 GMT -5
sawman,,, Something I think is important especially in the beginning is to stick to one and ONLY one recipe and method of tumbling. If you do this it's much easier to correct mistakes then if you keep trying different things.
Get one method under your belt and then you can "refine" it to the one of your liking and choice!
connrock
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