meskhov
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 41
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Post by meskhov on Mar 11, 2017 16:23:44 GMT -5
I just started a new batch after a long time away from tumbling. I have purchased a mixed basic rough mix, about 10 lbs all about a mohs 7 added 20 oz of water, 16 oz of 60-90 grit and 2 tsp of borax. This tumbled for 7 days. Then, I went to change the solution out to re-run another week with fresh media as the rocks were still rough I repeated the drill. Again in 7 days I inspected, had the nice gravy slurry, about a tsp of grit at the bottom during rinsing but the big thing is the rocks are not getting worn down or smoothing up at all? I repeated again last week, the same thing so now at 3 weeks and again the same, not one bit of difference, no further wearing down or smoothing and the level of rocks did not drop at all. The level did drop almost by half after the first week but then stopped for all subsequent weeks even though I added some more rough rouck to make up the difference to get to 2/3 full and I even used some small ceramic cylinders as usual. I am stumped here at what is going on with this batch and would appreciate any help. Very frustrating to say the least. Thanks in advance. [img src=" i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/Meskhov/IMG_1310.jpg" src=" " alt=" "]
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Mar 11, 2017 16:43:11 GMT -5
I sometimes run things for 2 or 3 months before they're ready to move out of stage 1. I would suggest skipping the ceramics during stage 1 and just keep filling with new rough rock. Patience is needed when tumbling!
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napoleonrags
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2015
Posts: 474
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Post by napoleonrags on Mar 11, 2017 16:54:42 GMT -5
The rocks in your pix look good. If the grit is breaking down then the process is working. Sometimes if I have too many small rocks in the mix it slows down the process. Perhaps try to put a couple larger cobbles in the barrel?
Keep on rollin, Colin
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meskhov
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 41
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Post by meskhov on Mar 11, 2017 17:56:08 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies. Yes, next cleanout I'll remove the ceramics and try a few large stones, can't hurt. It seems like the process is stagnating after the first week, but the grit is getting used up so something is going on.
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huskeric
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2016
Posts: 353
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Post by huskeric on Mar 11, 2017 21:28:36 GMT -5
I would also say from my own personal experience, getting the little rough spots out seems to take the most time. I think they look pretty nice, and would say that I would put at least most of those into the next stage. It takes a LONG time to get these down to where they are completely round/smooth, or even anywhere close to that. If you are really getting back into it, maybe buy a wet saw so that you can do some rough shaping. That can take WEEKS off from tumble times and it really gives you much more control of how the rocks will come out.
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Post by wigglinrocks on Mar 11, 2017 21:39:48 GMT -5
Looks like the rocks are shaping real well . Usually the first week or two shows the most progress as the rough edges are being ground off . I agree what the others have said also .
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meskhov
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 41
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Post by meskhov on Mar 21, 2017 16:25:22 GMT -5
Forgot to ask do you guys measure the grit by a measuring cup or by weight on a scale? Right now I'm using 16 oz via a measuring cup. I don't have a digital scale so I can't see if there is a difference. Thanks
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ubermenehune
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2016
Posts: 293
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Post by ubermenehune on Mar 21, 2017 16:40:47 GMT -5
Model B user here. I've always measured by weight, not volume. I recharge grit 2x per week, using one of those red Solo party cups filled approximately 2/3 full (10-13 oz).
In my experience and opinion, the stage one grit measurement doesn't require a strict level of precision. Nowadays, I just eyeball it.
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meskhov
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 41
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Post by meskhov on Mar 21, 2017 18:17:34 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply. Just wanted to see what other users are having luck with. Are you using 46/70 or 60/90 for the first stage?
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,423
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Post by Wooferhound on Mar 21, 2017 19:00:25 GMT -5
It breaks down anyway . . . why not use the biggest grit ?
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ubermenehune
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2016
Posts: 293
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Post by ubermenehune on Mar 21, 2017 19:21:50 GMT -5
Right now i'm using SiC 60. But 46/70 and 60/90 serve the same purpose.
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ubermenehune
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2016
Posts: 293
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Post by ubermenehune on Mar 21, 2017 19:25:10 GMT -5
It breaks down anyway . . . why not use the biggest grit ? Yep. SiC 36 eventually quickly becomes 60, 90, 120, 500, etc., and everything in between.
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napoleonrags
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2015
Posts: 474
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Post by napoleonrags on Mar 21, 2017 21:04:58 GMT -5
Forgot to ask do you guys measure the grit by a measuring cup or by weight on a scale? Right now I'm using 16 oz via a measuring cup. I don't have a digital scale so I can't see if there is a difference. Thanks I have a couple hi-speeds that I clean out once a week. First load is about a cup and a quarter of 30 grit and .25 cups of kItty litter. Then after 2 then 3 days I add a bit less then a cup. YMMV (I've never used that acronym before). Buenos suerte. Gather no moss, Colin.
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meskhov
starting to shine!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 41
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Post by meskhov on Mar 22, 2017 4:24:30 GMT -5
Colin: Thanks for the reply. I'll have to try that method out!
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