zx7red
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2019
Posts: 6
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Post by zx7red on Feb 9, 2019 15:38:59 GMT -5
First off I've got 2 nat geo hobby tumblers so can tumble approx 3 pounds of rock at a time, Followed the instructions in the booklet that came with them and not been getting very good results. Started a new batch 2 weeks ago but been using less water than the booklet said and getting better results, also been running them for longer than the 6-7 day recommended. My drum is about half full of the same hardness rock, agates mainly, then filled to 2/3rds full with plastic pellets, about 25 gramms of cer-ox for polish and about 1 mug of water(4-5 fluid oz. the agates have got to have about another 2-3 weeks polishing but are coming up nicely. the drum of red jasper has just finished stage 2 so probably another 3-4 weeks work at least. Will try to figure out how to post photos and post some when they are done to a good enough polish to be displayed on here. seen some photo's of other peoples results and got definate rock envy!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Feb 12, 2019 10:46:53 GMT -5
Sounds like a plan to me....
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Post by miket on Feb 12, 2019 11:27:00 GMT -5
Seems like you're on the right track. I'm pretty new to tumbling also- there are two things to keep in mind...
1. The rocks will take waaay longer than you think. 2. Listen to the people here on RTH, you won't find any better advice.
Good luck and yes, please post photos!
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zx7red
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2019
Posts: 6
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Post by zx7red on Feb 26, 2019 8:04:05 GMT -5
Had my best results so far in the last year Finally got them to shine just waiting for the second batch to finish and get some photo's posted up. And yes, they take way longer than the mini guide says they do that came with the machines 3-4 weeks longer and less water than the guide recommends. Thanks for all the advice guys and gals much helpful
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gatorflash1
spending too much on rocks
Active in Delaware Mineralogical Society, Cabchon Grinding and Polishing, 2 Thumlers B's and a UV-18
Member since October 2018
Posts: 375
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Post by gatorflash1 on Feb 26, 2019 11:57:45 GMT -5
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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 Feb 28, 2019 6:28:35 GMT -5
Get a better Tumbler
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zx7red
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2019
Posts: 6
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Post by zx7red on Feb 28, 2019 10:05:35 GMT -5
Have you seen the limited options we have in the UK
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Post by As I in does tries! on Mar 1, 2019 21:23:07 GMT -5
Greetings from scotland, Get a better tumbler?? lets see
1: Beach Lapidary: 1.5lb Plastic Barrels, 2lb PB, 3lb PB, 5lb Rubber Barrels, 15lb RB
2: Evans Tumblers 1.5lb 2lb 3lb 6lb in either rubber or plastic barrels.
3: RotoBarrel 3L = Lortone 6lb barrel, 6L = Lortone 12lb barrel, 6L = 1x 6L or 2x 3L, machines start at £1250 ($1650).
Import Rock Shed USA 4: Lortone with 50hz 220v motor, 1.5lb, 3lb, 3A 4.5lb 45C, 6lb 33B / QT, 12lb QT, 36lb C300 with rubber barrels 20lb, C100 + 40lb, C200 steel barrels with rubber liner.
Vibrating tumblers 5: Belt Lotto with 50hz 220v motor.
6: Diamond Pacific Vibrasonic with 50hz 220v motor.
I currently have the following Lortone QT12/66 rotary tumbler, Lortone C300 rotary tumbler, 2x Viking Vibrasonic 2x 14lb and 2x 6lb hoppers (Diamond Pacific) (USA) vibrating tumblers, Hans lapidary 6 wheel rock grinder and polisher, 6 inch blade and wheel combo unit that is currently under redevelopment, with Silicon Carbide grit F80, F220, F600, F1200, with Tin Oxide (1.0 micron) and Aluminum Oxide (0.3 micron) polishes.
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