rab
off to a rocking start
Member since November 2019
Posts: 2
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Post by rab on Nov 28, 2019 20:14:45 GMT -5
Hi We are new rockhounds... rock addicts? In NB Canada We have several rotary tumblers running and just inherited a frankford arsenal case tumbler
We are trying a dry tumble in it - can anyone here speak from experience about using it for wet vibe tumbling?
Or any advice on dry tumbling of agates and jaspers in a vibe tumbler?
thanks
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Post by As I in does tries! on Nov 30, 2019 2:09:01 GMT -5
Greetings rab the only compound I know is Diamond Pacific Vibra-Dry. 1: It's $26+ per pound per grit or polish. 2: It's does not break down so you can reuse it again and again. 3: You need one grit or polish per stage if you are doing multiple stages. There is a discussion here on RTH Forums about Diamond Pacific Vibra-Dry!
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faodail
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2018
Posts: 24
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Post by faodail on Apr 24, 2020 18:51:23 GMT -5
Hiya
Thanks for posting the link to the Vibra dry. Seems that there is not a lot of reviews on how effective it is. The blurb on the Diamond Pacific page indicates that you need to take a polishing cloth to the stones after the cycle. Huh? I check all my stones individually at each stage- sometimes needing to remove grit or pre-polish by hand- but I draw the line at having to polish my rocks with a polishing cloth. Seems to me to defeat the purpose of polishing in a tumbler (I polish in the vibe but cut and smooth in the rotary).
I can't see much else when I search google.
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faodail
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2018
Posts: 24
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Post by faodail on Apr 24, 2020 19:11:04 GMT -5
I found this guide on Mamasminerals:
"To polish your rocks without water or other additives, use about 25 to 30% of the load by volume of Vibra-Dry. Start with #1700 mesh, and run for 2 to 3 days, then switch to #14000 mesh for another 2 to 3 days. Rocks that are Mohs 5 to 6 may require a third step, using #25000 mesh for the same amount of time.
Vibra-Dry polishing compound is reusable."
Might need to consider how much I would tumble soft or delicate stones/fossils. At AU$70 per pound (0.45kg), those three stages alone would cost $210.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Apr 24, 2020 19:29:37 GMT -5
I use the 50,000 Vibra Dry to finish off my cabs after I've polished them. It just seems to make them pop even more. Love the stuff.
Vibra-Dry+ is a dry process, so that your stones, coins or jewelry pieces can be easily removed from the mix, cleaned with only a polishing cloth or rinsed in water. I usually just wipe them off on my pant leg. You will have some of the Vibra-Dry stuck on the stones due to static electricity (I think). If you're doing a lot of stones, a rinse in a strainer would work fine.
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faodail
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2018
Posts: 24
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Post by faodail on Apr 28, 2020 2:11:50 GMT -5
Thanks Hummingbirdstones.
I have never used dry polishing before so I am very curious. Are you okay with a few questions (as the Vibra Dry is very expensive here in Oz)?
What is it made of? I suspect that it is not organic as it is reusable.
So you would do everything, including the polish and burnish stage then run it through the Vibra Dry, or does the Vibra Dry replace the polish and burnish step?
How much would you use in a normal load, and how long generally would you run it for? I have the 4 pound Mini sonic machine.
Thanks in advance.
Ps- I looked at your cabs- they are beautiful!
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