leisa
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2015
Posts: 16
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Post by leisa on Feb 1, 2015 14:49:14 GMT -5
Hmmn. Apologies if this is a repeat post. I didn't see the message I thought I wrote earlier.
Is there a difference between 60/90 grit and 80# grit. I used the 80# grit that was on sale at Kingsley North. When I checked today (about 8 days into stage 1), slurry was VERY thin. Also the first time I used the AR-2. Never had a problem with "thinness" before.
Not sure what happened. Still tumbling the same kinds of rock (Jasper, agate, unakite, etc.)
So, dumped the slurry and started again. Added an extra tablespoon of grit and will check in a few days. (5 tbs instead of 4).
Did I mess up when I started the batch last week, or does 80# grit require different amounts than 60/90?
Thanks for the assistance.
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blessed
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by blessed on Feb 1, 2015 17:15:54 GMT -5
I don't think there is enough difference to worry about. Some folks save there old slurry, let it dry, then add some of it to the new batch to get a faster start on the new slurry, or to thicken it up. I did that for a year or so, now I use a table spoon of cat litter in the first two stages. cat litter is made from clay. James B
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Post by Jugglerguy on Feb 1, 2015 17:33:27 GMT -5
I used to use 60/90, but I bought the Kingsley 80 grit too. I haven't noticed a difference.
My slurry thickness varies. Harder rock produces rock dust slower and therefore the slurry is thinner. I measure my water, but too much water produces a thinner slurry. My slurry is thicker on the very first run with very rough stones. Those high spots seem to grind off quicker, and then the action slows, so I get thinner slurry after the first week.
I've always used Lortone tumblers, so I can't comment on the difference in tumblers.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,456
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Post by Sabre52 on Feb 1, 2015 19:12:14 GMT -5
No real difference in my experience. I find both 60/90 and 80 break down in about three-four days in the rotary and both seem to grind rough about alike. I usually dump, clean and recharge every four days in my old 12 pound Lortone barrels that I run on my MJR rig. I used to just leave a lot of slurry and recharge the grit but found the thicker slurry seemed to inhibit the grinding action ....Mel
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leisa
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2015
Posts: 16
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Post by leisa on Feb 2, 2015 11:01:14 GMT -5
Thanks for the feedback re: 80# grit.
Will check barrels in a few days, rather than let it go a week like I did the last time.
I notice people comment on how the grit breaks down (i.e. after 3-4 days). How does one know that the grit has "broken down?"
Learning a lot here. Thanks.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Feb 2, 2015 11:41:43 GMT -5
Feel the slurry. If it feels gritty, it's not broken down. If it feels smooth, it is broken down,
I've tried using plastic pellets in my rough grind stage a couple times. After a week, I've found very noticeable grit laying in the bottom of my barrel that was obviously not broken down. Usually I don't use plastic and when I do weekly cleanouts, the grit seems to be mostly used up.
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,546
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Post by tkvancil on Feb 2, 2015 13:16:16 GMT -5
I agree with what the others have said, not much difference.
I have had a load not do as expected here and there even though using my same usual formula. When it comes out thin and still feeling gritty I usually seal it back up and let it run. The second round usually uses up the grit.
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Post by nowyo on Feb 3, 2015 9:57:31 GMT -5
I'll be the odd man out and say that I think the 80 grit works slower than 60/90. For the difference in price, though, it's cheaper to run a little longer. YMMV.
Russ
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leisa
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2015
Posts: 16
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Post by leisa on Feb 3, 2015 10:06:38 GMT -5
I did a quick check today. The slurry is still thin, but the rocks are smoother than they were last week. So it is working. I agree. It may be slower, but you can't beat the price.
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hornseeker
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2014
Posts: 268
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Post by hornseeker on Feb 4, 2015 12:06:10 GMT -5
My first batch I used a 40-60 and there is definitely a different between that and the straight Kingsley 80, but I cant quantify the diff since Im such a newby. I will be using this 80 at least until its all gone, which should be the better part of half this year!
Keep Rollin!
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