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Post by twistedsister1234 on Oct 20, 2012 22:21:58 GMT -5
I am just getting started on tumbling procedures etc, and I have several smaller slabs and larger chunks of tiger eye.... Just wondering how long each stage of grit takes... They all have fairly sharp edges so what should they look like before they begin the second stage of tumbling?? Any advice would be appreciated!!!
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Dora
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2012
Posts: 252
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Post by Dora on Oct 21, 2012 2:57:38 GMT -5
Hello twistedsister, I believe that you will get more and much better replies if you post this one on the “Totally Rock Tumbling” Section. Here is a quicky: First stage = Shaping stage - Usually the longest stage. It takes from 1-4 weeks (sometimes much longer) depending on how rounded you want your stones to be. Second stage = Sanding stage – Usually take 1-2 weeks. Third stage = Pre-polish stage – Usually take 1-2 weeks. Fourth stage = Polishing stage – Usually take 1-2 weeks. Fifth Stage = Burnishing stage (OPTIONAL) – Usually takes 1 week or less. It’s used to try to bring the best shine possible. The whole process could take several months depending on the rocks you use and their initial shape. Welcome & Happy tumbling!
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,455
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Post by Sabre52 on Oct 27, 2012 22:52:57 GMT -5
Tiger eye tends to bruise ( little dings and microfractures) along the edges too so for best results, it works best to use a lot of smalls as filler or ceramic or plastic pellets as filler in the last three stages. It's also better to run it in coarse till really rounded as the thinner edges will show more bruising and rounded surfaces will not show as much....Mel
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