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Post by Jugglerguy on Mar 29, 2014 21:56:09 GMT -5
I've always tumbled my first stage in a rotary tumbler and all the other stages in my Lot-O. I was thinking about trying to do a batch with all stages in the Lot-O. I know that doing this is not supposed to round the rocks as much, but rather keep the shape more natural. But I'm wondering exactly what to expect from the first stage. I'm used to getting every little crack and pit out before moving to the second stage. Is this possible with a vibratory tumbler? How do I know when to move on?
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herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Mar 29, 2014 22:06:30 GMT -5
The other thing to think about is that the coarse grit is too much for the vibe. You can chew apart the barrel. I don't know about the Lot O but the UV is a no no for 60/90
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Post by Jugglerguy on Mar 29, 2014 22:21:20 GMT -5
I realize that I can't use 60/90. I was going to start with 120/220, or just 220 if I don't have enough 120/220. That's what's recommended by the manufacturer. I was a little concerned about putting really rough rock in my barrel, but I guess it's made for that.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2014 23:12:21 GMT -5
I've done many rough rocks in my double lotto.knocks off the rough edges a bit but shines them up the same.has never seemed to effect the barrels. Dave
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Thunder69
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Thunder 2000-2015
Member since January 2009
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Post by Thunder69 on Mar 29, 2014 23:57:03 GMT -5
I do almost all of mine in the vibe...I like the natural look of the stones ..It won't get out all the cracks and pits forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/61916/sweetwater-petwood-2This was the results....Smoothing , shaping in the 120/220 grit...More smoothing , matte shine in 500 grit...Shine in polish...I add borax in the 500 and polish stages...then Burnish in borax for 12 hour and rinse in hot water in the sink...JOhn
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Post by Jugglerguy on Mar 30, 2014 7:39:27 GMT -5
Thanks for the help Dave and Thunder. How long do you run the rocks in the first stage? How do you know when they're ready for stage two?
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Deleted
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Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2014 8:12:59 GMT -5
That's really up to you.beauty is in the eye of the beholder.i just finished a batch of marfa plume agate endcuts and pieces.ran them in 120/220 for 3 days with a clean out everyday.than two days in 600,then polish and burnish. Dave
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