vladio
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2015
Posts: 1
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Post by vladio on Mar 26, 2015 17:18:27 GMT -5
My 6 year old son loves rocks and asked that we try rock tumbling. I bought a decent tumbler and have ran 4 sets through and none have come out shiny. They seem to get to a really nice smooth state but no gloss. The last batch ran for a week on the final, very fine grit for about 10 days (I checked at 1 week and they were glossy so I ran them longer). I just took them out and dried them off and the edges are nice and gloss but the rest of the rock is still semi gloss. What could we be doing wrong. Here's what we did:
1st, we have a 3lb rotary tumbler from Harbor Freight.
We started with 2 lbs of "African Mix" and ran them a week on the Coarse grit, took them out and washed them very well and cleaned the barrel thoroughly, Did this the same for all 4 grits with the exception of running them on the fine/last grit for a few extra days. All the stones are not glossy except for the edges.
Any help is appreciated.
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Post by Pat on Mar 26, 2015 19:59:40 GMT -5
I don't know; don't tumble, but lots of folks here can probably help you out.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Mar 26, 2015 20:24:36 GMT -5
What kind of grit are you running,plus were all the rocks the same hardness? The more slurry,the better...
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Mar 26, 2015 20:28:24 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum!
A picture would go miles in answering that question. If there are flat areas that are dull and edges are shiny that usually means not enough small rocks in the batch. The small rocks carry the polish and are needed for an even finish.
There are only a few more variables to look at from what you already mentioned above.
1) how full of rocks was the barrel? 2) what type of rocks? 3) how much water was used? 4) what sizes were the rocks 5) what grit stages did you use? 60-90, 120, 500 then polish? 6) what type of polish and how much was used?
No worries we will get you through this
Chuck
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,154
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Post by jamesp on Mar 27, 2015 7:03:46 GMT -5
vladio-Welcome to the forum.You mentioned 2 pounds of rocks and a 3 pound tumbler. If you do not fill the barrel to about 3/4 full you will probably have bad results. Could you have not filled the barrel enough ? Chuck's first question above....
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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 Mar 27, 2015 8:05:03 GMT -5
I'm with Chuck. Assuming your stages and polish are OK, those smalls for filler and carrier are very important to a good tumble. Good surface to surface contact is necessary for a good polish. Rocks that are all larger and of similar size do not always afford good contact on all surfaces. I keep a big container of tiny tumbles I add especially for this reason.
As Chuck mentioned, similar hardness is also a factor. Softer stones tumbled along with agate or jasper can be problematic and often will not polish. I find this true even with stones only slightly softer. Ie. rhyolite at mohs 6 mixed with agate of mohs 7. Frequently the softer stones will achieve only a satin finish....Mel
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,546
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Post by tkvancil on Mar 27, 2015 8:58:55 GMT -5
What sticks out for me is that the coarse grit was run for one week. I know that is what most tumbler instructions say to do. You will find that most of us here run the coarse grind for several weeks to perhaps a few months. My first tumble ever was in a little 1/2 pound tumbler and I ran all the steps for one week. My results were similar to what you describe.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Mar 27, 2015 9:15:30 GMT -5
On my 1st try(that was only a few months ago) I ran my course grit for a week,wasn't long enough-started over and ran it for two weeks + a few days...........I now run all the stages after the course grit,for about a week and a half.. I don't use three stages anymore either,I run four+Ivory soap,after the four run(for a couple hours)...
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Fossilman
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Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Mar 27, 2015 9:16:39 GMT -5
It does get easier-THUMBS UP...............
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,154
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Post by jamesp on Mar 28, 2015 6:17:47 GMT -5
To tumble rocks you have to follow the instructions closely. barrel 3/4 full or darn close, water just below the rocks a mix of sizes run in coarse grit for usually a long time till rocks round off. Requiring clean outs and fresh coarse grit added about every week till rocks are rounding rocks of similar hardness Agates are easy to tumble. At least start with agates. Not sure what 'African mix' is. You can post photos of your rocks-that will help people identify them. It is easy when you get the hang of it. But tumbling has to be done a certain way. Lots of check points and rules that must be followed. fossilman 's first tumble. I think he had a bump or two. then he posted his first batch. They are pretty much as good as it gets. Montana Agate:
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Fossilman
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Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Mar 28, 2015 23:55:18 GMT -5
Yes,I had a few bumbs in the road,but stuck to it and kept on going-don't let a few things bum you out-if anything start over and think it through.....After awhile it all fall's into place and away you go with some great shiny rocks!
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
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Post by peachfront on Mar 29, 2015 8:52:45 GMT -5
I have used the 3# Harbor Freight rotary tumbler for several years now. There's no way I can get results I'm proud of without spending weeks if not months in the 60/90 coarse grind.
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gazingm42
starting to shine!
Member since July 2014
Posts: 45
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Post by gazingm42 on Mar 29, 2015 9:26:44 GMT -5
I have a dual 6# tumbler. I find that I using my first stage with 80 grit for at least 2 - 3 weeks until smooth. I then sort them out and move the rock on to stage 2 only if I am 100% with the rock. Else it goes back in stage 1 with more rocks. I also keep some of the small rocks that I would normal put in the garbage back in the stage 1. This helps moves that grit around and always move it on all the rock surfaces.
I know harbor freight is not always the best solutions for tools. Can answer on your tumbler but the one question to ask is where is your grit and polish coming from? Is it harbor freight brand or another source?
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