azgnoinc
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2014
Posts: 484
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Post by azgnoinc on Apr 16, 2014 23:03:54 GMT -5
Here's a few pics from my first batch, I'm pretty happy with the pet wood but can see most if not all of the leo skin jasper headed back a step or two in the process. I was also amazed at how many errors/minor issues I saw when I saw my pics versus just looking at the stones - I've got a very long way to go (gotta look up info on final cleaning) but learning something new here on RTH pretty much every day!! Enjoy the pics. I'll update when I can get some pics outside in natural light - hopefully tomorrow. Gene Here's the entire batch first: The pet wood: the leopard skin jasper: A lonely chunk of fire agate: Any feedback - tips - hints or suggestions are gladly welcomed!!
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,154
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Post by jamesp on Apr 17, 2014 7:46:24 GMT -5
Leopard skin-ultimate agate. well done, pretty stuff.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2014 8:06:08 GMT -5
We're these hatched from a vibe or rotary? Dave
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Post by connrock on Apr 17, 2014 8:09:39 GMT -5
It took me a few years to get the polished rocks I wanted so don't get discouraged! Arizona pet wood can be a bugger to do with all of it's nooks,fractures and cracks,,,,all of which can hide grit and polish! Leopard Skin Jasper is also a tough one to do with all the undercutting and I do it by itself with filler/cushion after the rough stages. Fire Agate will only give you "so-so" results due to all the places where grit and polish don't do much to it and also hide grit and polish. Mixed loads can be difficult to do and for a beginner can be very difficult.Each type of rock has it's own "personality" and like us humans,,,some don't get along very well! I would try doing only one type of rock until you get it right.By then you'll have learned a lot and can experiment with other types if rocks,both alone and mixing them. I don't see any smaller rocks either and they are necessary in order to get the rocks to round off nicely in the rough stages and also to help with all of the remaining stages. You'll get it! Good luck,, connrock
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 17, 2014 9:11:50 GMT -5
That leopard skin jasper is really cool. I thought it was ocean jasper at first.
I was wondering if these were done in a rotary or vibe too. I've never done a batch entirely in the vibe, but I'd expect them to turn out like yours if I did.
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azgnoinc
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2014
Posts: 484
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Post by azgnoinc on Apr 17, 2014 11:01:47 GMT -5
Thanks for the input everybody. This batch was entirely done in my cheapy HF rotary tumblers. I had started this mixed batch before joining RTH, so I've corrected my future batches by sorting them into individual varieties of stones per batch. As for the smaller rocks, there were some, but I mainly used ceramic pellets for smaller fill in material.
Is there a "right" way to get any of the residual white powdery looking stuff from the nooks & crannies in some of these or just a soft bristle tooth brush and some elbow grease.
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,546
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Post by tkvancil on Apr 17, 2014 11:40:28 GMT -5
Nice batch there especially for a first time. Love that leopard skin. As for the residual white powder (polish residue) you can burnish after the polish is done. Burnish = tumbling the polished stones in soap. This needs to be done before they dry. Scrubbing with a brush is also an option but needs to be done before it dries. Dried polish turns to "cement" and is a bugger to clean. My burnish recipe can be seen here ... forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/post/738781/thread
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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 Apr 17, 2014 12:28:59 GMT -5
Yep, what conrock said. Leopardskin is an orbicular rhyolite and some of it can be a booger to polish. It rounds easily but can be pretty porous or of mixed hardness. I've had some that will never polish beyond a satin finish. Best done by itself with a process similar to how you would do obsidian and even then you have to cross your fingers....Mel
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Post by 150FromFundy on Apr 17, 2014 16:56:48 GMT -5
The best way to get grit/polish out of the dimples and crevices is to get rid of the dimples and crevices from the get go. Easy to say, tough to do, especially when you are just starting out. The anticipation of getting something finished fast can be overwhelming.
Most new tumblers come with a manual that doesn't tell the whole truth. Chances are, your manual may have indicated that you only need to spend a week, or so on Stage 1 with 60/90 grit. Then move to the next stage. To remove more dimples and crevices, you need to spend several weeks on Stage 1 with 60/90 grit, changing the grit each week. This is the most important stage that will require the most time and patience. The remaining stages are relatively easy, if you have spent enough time in Stage 1.
Keep up the good work.
Darryl.
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Post by connrock on Apr 18, 2014 8:44:19 GMT -5
What Darryl said,,,,and I can't tell you how many times I've written the same thing! Thanks Darryl! LOL connrock
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Apr 18, 2014 18:14:04 GMT -5
Congrats on your first batch. The comments you have already received looked very constructive. You will certainly learn a little with each batch. Keep tumbling and keep posting pictures Chuck
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2014 18:46:32 GMT -5
I think youll grow to be extremely proud of your first batch...I have of mine/imperfections and all, I saved them for studying....I think you did a great job
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jollyrockhound
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2013
Posts: 409
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Post by jollyrockhound on Apr 21, 2014 11:19:35 GMT -5
Cool batch!
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miander
spending too much on rocks
Searching for the shop of my dreams...
Member since November 2013
Posts: 407
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Post by miander on May 4, 2014 21:56:33 GMT -5
Congrats on your first batch!
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