sdrockgal
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since December 2016
Posts: 87
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Post by sdrockgal on Dec 10, 2016 13:00:30 GMT -5
I started tumbling about a month ago and thanks to my lurking ways I am still running most of my rocks in rough stage. This is my backyard rough. My question is when we were out looking for rocks my 5 year old found this. I'm not sure what to do with it to make it great. Any ideas?
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Post by captbob on Dec 10, 2016 13:17:10 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum sdrockgalYou are tumbling the rocks in the first picture?
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sdrockgal
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since December 2016
Posts: 87
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Post by sdrockgal on Dec 10, 2016 13:20:31 GMT -5
I am. Is that bad? Some are turning out with interesting color.
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Post by captbob on Dec 10, 2016 13:32:42 GMT -5
No, nothing is bad when it comes to tumbling rocks! Some of those in the 1st photo just didn't seem to have much potential. But ya gotta start (and learn) somewhere. Some of them are turning out quite nicely in that last photo. Looks like you are taking the time to let them shape well before moving on. That's half the battle right there.
Don't see why you couldn't throw the rock on the plate in the tumbler as well. May turn out to be interesting. Is it too big for your tumbler? Do you have a rock/tile saw?
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sdrockgal
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since December 2016
Posts: 87
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Post by sdrockgal on Dec 10, 2016 13:37:28 GMT -5
That one is almost 7 lbs and I only have 3# barrels. We have a hill in our backyard that is almost all gravel at the top. Most of the rocks I'm pulling out seem to have a thick crust. I was shocked the first time I checked the barrels and saw so much color. I haven't invested in a saw yet but I do have a plethora of tools in the shop. My hubbys a mechanic and has some air tools with cutting capabilities.
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 10, 2016 15:29:29 GMT -5
Hi sdrockgal. Is the sd part of your name South Dakota ? Just wondering since I'm in Aberdeen, SD.
I'm sure to your 5 year old, that 7 pound rock is beautiful just the way it is. Why not leave it as is for your child ?
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sdrockgal
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since December 2016
Posts: 87
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Post by sdrockgal on Dec 10, 2016 15:52:03 GMT -5
I'm just outside of Pierre. Only a little cold these days.π She's the only reason I'm trying to figure something out with this rock. She wants it shines like the ones in the store.
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Post by captbob on Dec 10, 2016 15:59:58 GMT -5
Is it shiny when wet? If so, you could cheat and spray it with a polyurethane or similar product and it will look shiny. Maybe someone else will have a better suggestion than polyurethane, but you can get that kinda stuff at most any hardware or bog box store.
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sdrockgal
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since December 2016
Posts: 87
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Post by sdrockgal on Dec 10, 2016 16:32:09 GMT -5
That's a good idea. I might have some of that in the garage. It is pretty shiny when it's wet.
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 10, 2016 16:37:12 GMT -5
I'm just outside of Pierre. Only a little cold these days.π She's the only reason I'm trying to figure something out with this rock. She wants it shines like the ones in the store. Which side of the river ? I have a rockhound friend in Ft. Pierre. She might be able to help you get it shined up. For raw Fairburn agates I use baby oil to put a semi gloss on them. You could also use a good grade of furniture finishing wax to put more of a gloss on that big rock. Clean the rock real good & make sure it's completely dry first. Rub in some wax & buff it with an old shoe brush. You mat have to use several coats of wax, but each time you buff it, it will take more of a shine.
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sdrockgal
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since December 2016
Posts: 87
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Post by sdrockgal on Dec 10, 2016 16:43:12 GMT -5
I am out the other way but not to far. I'd love to meet up with someone in this area that could help point me in the right direction.
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 10, 2016 17:40:35 GMT -5
I am out the other way but not to far. I'd love to meet up with someone in this area that could help point me in the right direction. I'll send you a PM, telling you where you might be able to meet up with her.
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dottyt
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2016
Posts: 305
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Post by dottyt on Dec 11, 2016 1:15:50 GMT -5
I'm just outside of Pierre. Only a little cold these days.π She's the only reason I'm trying to figure something out with this rock. She wants it shines like the ones in the store. My kids are always finding rocks that they want shiny that have no chance of getting shiny via tumbling (not hard enough and or made up of minerals of different hardness). You can paint them with lacquer (brush or spray) or clear fingernail polish for smaller rocks. Heck, you can paint flowers or stars on parts of the rock and that might work for a younger child. The only problem with polyurethane is it usually yellows over time. Probably not a big deal here as she will probably like other things by then. You could also put glitter paint on it.
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