peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
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Post by peachfront on Jun 15, 2012 16:45:18 GMT -5
I got some very nice Michigan septarian from rattlehead. He is probably wondering if I died. No, I'm just slow as Christmas. To date, I have picked out one stone by hand and shaped it in the round, over-sized pebble shape that I want. However, it is still heavily scratched and badly in need of sanding. This piece is 2.5 inches long, way too big for my wheels. I believe that I need to back up to 100 wet/dry sandpaper and do it by hand, correct? Any other ideas? While I was wondering what to do to get a decent sanding/polishing job, I found this site: www.myrockhound.com/toolssupplies/tumblinglappinginstruction.html It purports to tell how to sand and polish the septarian pebbles in a tumbler. Has anyone tried this? I am afraid of ruining some beautiful material if I mess up. Thanks! Attachments:
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Post by talkingstones on Jun 15, 2012 22:14:47 GMT -5
Maybe in a vibe but I definitely wouldn't in a rotary ... and probably not even a vibe if it's as soft as I think it is... I'd go with the sandpaper... I know it's a drag, but you'll be sure to save the piece. See what everyone else says, but that's my two cents...
Cathy
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Post by NatureNut on Jun 16, 2012 7:07:46 GMT -5
Hi Mary, I agree with you both, it is a tough call. I can only help by telling you that I ran a few pieces through my rotary. I got the Septarian in Quartzsite, wasn't great quality... had been thrown away. Don't remember how big it was when it started, but here is a pic of one that ran through my rotary. Jo
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
|
Post by peachfront on Jun 16, 2012 9:52:56 GMT -5
Thanks, Jo. I appreciate that example. I like the shape you got, and your sanding job is much better than where I am so far (I still have ugly scratches) but I want to try for a higher polish. I think it is possible but not sure...
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
|
Post by peachfront on Jun 16, 2012 15:56:47 GMT -5
Whew. Just did the 300 grit wet/dry sandpaper on this piece. Might rest up and try the polish tomorrow.
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
|
Post by peachfront on Jun 17, 2012 9:58:30 GMT -5
Update: Actually got a nice polish with, of all things, Zam. I still don't like my sanding job though, as I can see tiny scratches in the photograph when I blow it up, although I can't see them just with my eyes. But I think the basic idea is sound. I might back up to the 220 wet/dry sandpaper and then take it through 400 wet/dry. I don't have any finer. Then move to the Zam now that I know it works on this material.
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Post by talkingstones on Jun 18, 2012 20:41:03 GMT -5
Sounds great! Let us see your results when you get there!
Cathy
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