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Post by fernwood on Jan 11, 2019 7:15:43 GMT -5
So, could not wait to start on latest experiment. Removed the Apache Tears from the 1 lb barrel after a 24 hour Borax cleaning. Then placed in zippie bag with water, just in case. Started with 80 grit, unpolished 1/2 pea gravel and my pearler beads used for 1st stage. Added some 1 1/4" triangle ceramic media, which is new. The barrel contains about 25% items to be tumbled and 75% media, slurry and grit. Did not add any water, as the slurry was pretty thin. Based on knowledge gained here, I combined the Petoskey and Turritellas for a reason. The shells should help with shaping the Petoskey. Will be checking on Sunday. Am guessing I will need to remove the Petoskey and add some other rocks similar in hardness to the shells. Not worried about if the Petoskey has some grooves from the shells, as I can easily remove those with my usual method of files, whetstone and sand paper. Was just looking for more shaping on these. I use the 1 lb barrel mostly for final polishing or small batches or experiments. So, here is a close up of the Petoskey with a few of the shells.
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Post by fernwood on Jan 17, 2019 13:39:28 GMT -5
After 1 week there has been almost no difference. Even the shells di little forming to the Petoskey. Did notice that none of the grit had broken down. All was left in my utility sink after washing barrel contents. Added rough grit slurry and 2 TBS 120/220 grit. Figured the 120/220 would be better than the "bad" 80 I was using. Any thoughts on why what I purchased as 80 SIC would not be breaking down? I have used it for 3 batches and has never broken down. Sorry about the hazy photos. My utility room is so cold the camera phone lens keeps fogging up.
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hopenfaith
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2018
Posts: 1
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Post by hopenfaith on Jan 17, 2019 20:01:53 GMT -5
let me know if it works this time, I have petosky stones too and they are hard to make them look nice
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rodeodan
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2010
Posts: 213
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Post by rodeodan on Jan 20, 2019 0:02:22 GMT -5
What did the pea gravel look like after a week? Is it possible that the grit is breaking down this softer stone instead of grinding the fossils?
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Post by fernwood on Jan 20, 2019 4:08:09 GMT -5
The pea gravel is a mix of quartz's and jaspers. It has been through several rough stages in the past. Will see what happens after another week.
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Post by TheRock on Jan 20, 2019 12:53:33 GMT -5
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