pennyh
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2014
Posts: 3
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Post by pennyh on Sept 16, 2014 6:23:22 GMT -5
Hi All
I'm very new to the whole rock tumbling thing (although I've had a small tumbler for several years)
I work with crystals on a daily basis and, as Hubby and I have just moved to the East Coast of britain, I thought I'd start to put my 'magpie' beach collecting addiction to use lol.
I have a question though. Is it possible to obtain just a lustre to a raw find rather than a full on glass like tumblestone finish? I have had a good old 'mooch' around this site since joining and I came across the mention of a final 'tumble' using washing detergent and leather. Can anyone explain this process a little further and give me your views if it is workable? Or offer an alternative method.
I eagerly await your replies.
Have a good one, Penny
ps, I want to retain the angular, raw look that a full tumble will remove.
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,546
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Post by tkvancil on Sept 16, 2014 9:56:53 GMT -5
I one used a dremel and some polish paste to give an okay shine to a piece. It was pretty well rounded naturally.
A vibratory tumbler will polish up rocks in their natural shape with minimal loss of material. The rocks won't round off but the sharp edges will "soften" a bit.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2014 14:15:17 GMT -5
Greetings [pennyh] Penny firstly may i welcome you to RTH Forums from this side of the pond! I recently done about 5kg (11lb) of Quartz Rock crystal shards in my 14lb vibe hopper in 4 stages. 60g (2.116oz) of Fixed220 Silicon Carbide for 48 hours with 30g (1oz) of water. After each stage just rinsed the rock until the water ran clear & washed the hopper. 30g (1.058oz) of F600 for another 48 hours with 30g (1oz) of water. All rocks had a silk finish, but minimal rock loss just rounded edges. 30g (1.058oz) of F1200 for 48 hours with 30g (1oz) of water. 1 teaspoon of Borax for 72 hours with 30g (1oz) of water. All rocks had a clean, clear & shiney finish, but the shards still contain their natural flaws. Please check out my Sticky's below. Sorry no pics as someone nicked my camera, need to get another soon! -- Please click images to open larger images in a new Tab, same with everything that is Underlined! I currently have a 3lb Beach (UK), Lortone QT 12/66 (USA) rotaries & 2x Viking Vibrasonic (Diamond Pacific) (USA) virbrating tumblers, with Silicon Carbide grit F80, F220, F600, F1200, with Tin Oxide (1.0 micron) & Aluminum Oxide (1.0 micron & 0.3 micron) polishes. I hail from (The Barony of Seabegs) Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, U.K, where aliens (15mb) sometimes come for a visit & about 4 miles west from that monstrosity & 7 miles west of this new monstrosity! Sticky's: their contents are resource information 1#: Vendors worldwide (2mb), 2#: How to use the forum, 3#: How to identify rocks & minerals, 4#: Save money on expensive grits & polishes, 5#: Aussie Lapidary Forum: Rock Tumbling Guide!
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Post by braders on Sept 17, 2014 17:40:47 GMT -5
Spray finish
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2014 20:25:32 GMT -5
For a temporary gloss, removable varnishes would also be one option (be sure to read the removal instructions, as a few require exotic/dangerous concoctions to remove). You can find these most places that sell artist supplies. I think a gloss hairspray might also work, and should remove with a soak in warm, soapy water, although it will yellow more quickly over time. Oiling/waxing rocks is traditional in China, Japan and Korea for scholar stone (gongshi, suiseki, suseok) specimens to even out the color and give a bit of shine. A paste floor wax should work. Old wax can be removed with household cleaners.
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Post by connrock on Sept 18, 2014 8:25:45 GMT -5
A vibrating "tumbler" will give you the results you're looking for. This is a piece of Arizona Petrified Wood I did in my vibrating unit and as you can see the natural look of it remains after it has been done,,,,, This is a closer look at the surface,,, This is a piece that was tumbled in a rotary to round it off and then in a vibe to finish it,,,, Quite a difference in the 2 different techniques! connrock
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Post by snowmom on Sept 21, 2014 5:34:59 GMT -5
ditto Connrock, I love my vibe polisher because it leaves the actual natural structure of the rock but cleans the beach and wear yuck off and reveals the rock's true character. Many people here use rotary tumblers because they want to wear the rock down to absolute smooth and shiny texture. I like the vibe because it leaves the rocks I find in a more natural state. welcome to the forums, we love pictures! (hint!)
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pennyh
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2014
Posts: 3
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Post by pennyh on Sept 21, 2014 7:36:25 GMT -5
Hi to All Thank you everyone for taking the time to give me some very helpful hints Well it looks like I'm going to have to bite the bullet and purchase a vibrating polisher!! I may be 'dodging' the bullets when hubby discovers my intentions lol Penny x
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