christianswest
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2023
Posts: 54
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Post by christianswest on Oct 14, 2023 9:24:31 GMT -5
After a few rounds of tumbling, I see that I need to learn a thing or two about trimming rocks prior to tumbling. For those who do this, what is your best advice? Specifically, when to trim out divots in rocks and when not to? When to trim edges and when not to? How much to trim or not to trim so that the rock doesn’t look “unnatural.” I have a used 7 inch tile saw that I plan to use for this.
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,328
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Post by rocknewb101 on Oct 15, 2023 8:07:35 GMT -5
I don't normally trim from the start unless a rock has an obvious divot or crack line that either won't tumble out or could break apart mid-tumble. When this happens I just use whichever saw fits the job and take off only enough to remove the problem - but it does leave a flat spot usually. During tumbling I'll often find spots that just aren't grinding away and sometimes I'll take the rock to one of the hard wheels on my cab king and try to grind the spot down. Sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. I feel like if I can easily and confidently clean out a spot of grit/polish I'm less likely to fuss with it and just see it as a natural part of the rock. But, if the hole or crack is such that could possibly trap grit, I either try to deal with it (by grinding or cutting), or realize it's a possible contamination point and remove it. Hope this helps somewhat!
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Post by jasoninsd on Oct 15, 2023 23:50:10 GMT -5
I don't always cut a straight line with the trim saw...oftentimes I'll "roll" the rock across the blade so it doesn't take a straight cut. Basically, I'm not cutting "into" the rock...only grinding the outside of the rock while rolling it against the blade.
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christianswest
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2023
Posts: 54
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Post by christianswest on Oct 17, 2023 7:53:24 GMT -5
I don't normally trim from the start unless a rock has an obvious divot or crack line that either won't tumble out or could break apart mid-tumble. When this happens I just use whichever saw fits the job and take off only enough to remove the problem - but it does leave a flat spot usually. During tumbling I'll often find spots that just aren't grinding away and sometimes I'll take the rock to one of the hard wheels on my cab king and try to grind the spot down. Sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. I feel like if I can easily and confidently clean out a spot of grit/polish I'm less likely to fuss with it and just see it as a natural part of the rock. But, if the hole or crack is such that could possibly trap grit, I either try to deal with it (by grinding or cutting), or realize it's a possible contamination point and remove it. Hope this helps somewhat! Thank you. Very helpful!
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christianswest
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2023
Posts: 54
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Post by christianswest on Oct 17, 2023 7:53:59 GMT -5
I don't always cut a straight line with the trim saw...oftentimes I'll "roll" the rock across the blade so it doesn't take a straight cut. Basically, I'm not cutting "into" the rock...only grinding the outside of the rock while rolling it against the blade. Thank you. Very helpful.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Oct 22, 2023 14:01:41 GMT -5
often cut rocks. I usually like to cut out problems (several slices all around the problem area). Sometimes I will run a couple course runs then take a hammer to it. Sometimes I grind out problem areas on the 60 grit flat lap. Sometimes I just tumble until the rock gives up (or disappears). It all depends on the pattern, and the depth of the issue. I have been playing with odd shapes as of late (odd off kilter pyramids, cubes, very thick slabs) and given enough time some of the unnatural shapes actually turn out looking pretty natural. THe more you play with the saw, the better you will get!
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geoff59
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2022
Posts: 280
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Post by geoff59 on Oct 23, 2023 2:53:04 GMT -5
often cut rocks. I usually like to cut out problems (several slices all around the problem area). Sometimes I will run a couple course runs then take a hammer to it. Sometimes I grind out problem areas on the 60 grit flat lap. Sometimes I just tumble until the rock gives up (or disappears). It all depends on the pattern, and the depth of the issue. I have been playing with odd shapes as of late (odd off kilter pyramids, cubes, very thick slabs) and given enough time some of the unnatural shapes actually turn out looking pretty natural. THe more you play with the saw, the better you will get! This^! if anything, I probably don’t “correct” issues on the rough I tumble often enough.
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Post by Mel on Oct 28, 2023 18:22:57 GMT -5
Bigger rocks I tend to just cut off the worst parts but smaller ones I grind down once I have enough to make it worth it (aka never), currently I just send them through stage 1 as filler rocks over and over.
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christianswest
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2023
Posts: 54
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Post by christianswest on Oct 29, 2023 6:22:31 GMT -5
often cut rocks. I usually like to cut out problems (several slices all around the problem area). Sometimes I will run a couple course runs then take a hammer to it. Sometimes I grind out problem areas on the 60 grit flat lap. Sometimes I just tumble until the rock gives up (or disappears). It all depends on the pattern, and the depth of the issue. I have been playing with odd shapes as of late (odd off kilter pyramids, cubes, very thick slabs) and given enough time some of the unnatural shapes actually turn out looking pretty natural. THe more you play with the saw, the better you will get! Good advice and encouragement. Thanks you!
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christianswest
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2023
Posts: 54
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Post by christianswest on Oct 29, 2023 6:23:05 GMT -5
Bigger rocks I tend to just cut off the worst parts but smaller ones I grind down once I have enough to make it worth it (aka never), currently I just send them through stage 1 as filler rocks over and over. Thank you. Good advice
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