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Post by velodromed on Feb 9, 2024 11:53:51 GMT -5
It all started off when I first joined the forum, and Jason was kind enough to send me a big whopping box of Prarie Agates. He wouldn’t let me send him anything back, and I felt this kind gesture to my core. The first thing I did after this was to find somebody else to give rocks to. Ones I had found, as well as some of the ones that Jason had given me. Share the wealth, you know. Since then, I have exchange rocks with half a dozen or so people on here, and it’s become one of my favorite things to do. Unfortunately, I’ve had to slow down some as I’m recovering from lingering injury issues. The last couple of boxes I did took me three weeks to finally get out, and that made me feel bad to the point that I figured I would stop. But after thinking real hard about it…instead of stopping, I’ll simply disclose that it could take me a month to get it together. I’ll also take on only one exchange at a time. I plan on making this a running thread. As I began working on rocks that people, send me, I figure it’ll be fun to share the process. And I would love for those that I have sent rocks to also share their experiences processing them here. If you want that is  |
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Post by rockjunquie on Feb 9, 2024 12:01:42 GMT -5
It all started off when I first joined the forum, and Jason was kind enough to send me a big whopping box of Prarie Agates. He wouldn’t let me send him anything back, and I felt this kind gesture to my core. The first thing I did after this was to find somebody else to give rocks to. Once I had found, as well as some of the ones that Jason had given me. Share the wealth, you know. Since then, I have exchange rocks with half a dozen or so people on here, and it’s become one of my favorite things to do. Unfortunately, I’ve had to slow down some as I’m recovering from lingering injury issues. The last couple of boxes I did took me three weeks to finally get out, and that made me feel bad to the point that I figured I would stop. But after thinking real hard about it…instead of stopping, I’ll simply disclose that it could take me a month to get it together. I’ll also take on only one exchange at a time. I plan on making this a running thread. As I began working on Rock that people, send me, I figure it’ll be fun to share the process. And I would love for those that I have sent Rock to also share their experiences processing them here. If you want. Having been here a long time, I think I can safely say that it can take people awhile to hit you back. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Who doesn't like an unexpected rock surprise in the mail? |
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Post by velodromed on Feb 9, 2024 12:12:01 GMT -5
It all started off when I first joined the forum, and Jason was kind enough to send me a big whopping box of Prarie Agates. He wouldn’t let me send him anything back, and I felt this kind gesture to my core. The first thing I did after this was to find somebody else to give rocks to. Once I had found, as well as some of the ones that Jason had given me. Share the wealth, you know. Since then, I have exchange rocks with half a dozen or so people on here, and it’s become one of my favorite things to do. Unfortunately, I’ve had to slow down some as I’m recovering from lingering injury issues. The last couple of boxes I did took me three weeks to finally get out, and that made me feel bad to the point that I figured I would stop. But after thinking real hard about it…instead of stopping, I’ll simply disclose that it could take me a month to get it together. I’ll also take on only one exchange at a time. I plan on making this a running thread. As I began working on Rock that people, send me, I figure it’ll be fun to share the process. And I would love for those that I have sent Rock to also share their experiences processing them here. If you want. Having been here a long time, I think I can safely say that it can take people awhile to hit you back. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Who doesn't like an unexpected rock surprise in the mail? Actually, the people I have dealt with so far got their boxes out to me within a few days to a week. I was pretty amazed by that. I do this because I really love seeing what other people find in their area. Also, I t’s not just the rock that they find, but the types of rocks that they like. What appeals to them. This opens my own eyes a little bit you could say. Tells me not only about the area, but the person as well. Even when other rocks are thrown in, ones that have been bought or traded for with other members here. That also tells me much about the person. As a result, I feel like I’ve made some friends doing this. And as a rather introverted person, (not born that way, life made me that way), it’s nice to find people I enjoy chatting with. |
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hplcman
spending too much on rocks
Looking forward to my Friday Night Barrel Clean out!
Member since August 2022
Posts: 497
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Post by hplcman on Feb 9, 2024 12:58:47 GMT -5
Thanks for setting this thread up! I really like the idea of exchanges and making friends along the way. I'll definitely post progress pictures on here of the rocks I got from you and from Dillon! And this may be a great way for people to discuss future exchanges as well.
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Post by velodromed on Feb 9, 2024 15:55:08 GMT -5
Thanks for setting this thread up! I really like the idea of exchanges and making friends along the way. I'll definitely post progress pictures on here of the rocks I got from you and from Dillon! And this may be a great way for people to discuss future exchanges as well. Much appreciated! Thats great man. I think the formal way to do this, I think, is in the classified section. That’s how I understand it’s been done before by folks. I just tend to do things more one on one. Typically with someone I’ve either enjoyed communicating with here, or they live in an area with rock that amazes me so much that I reach out and unashamedly ask lol. |
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Post by velodromed on Feb 9, 2024 16:10:42 GMT -5
michiganpebblerHey Shelly, didn’t you send me this gorgeous lake tumbled Unakite? I’ve been working on it for the last six weeks and it is nearly ready for the vibe for steps 2-polish. Pretty sure you gave it to me. You’re the only one in Michigan I’ve traded Rock with lol. I think. My memory is pretty rough though, so forgive me if I’m wrong.  
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Post by velodromed on Feb 9, 2024 17:19:04 GMT -5
hplcman These two just went in the Rebel 17. I’ll try to check on them in 5 to 6 days. We’ll have an idea of how they’ll tumble then. The yellow one is so cool, I love it. I have no idea what it is but I am hoping that yellow goes through and through. The red one I’ll stick with my thinking it’s some kind of moss agate. 
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hplcman
spending too much on rocks
Looking forward to my Friday Night Barrel Clean out!
Member since August 2022
Posts: 497
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Post by hplcman on Feb 9, 2024 18:08:49 GMT -5
hplcman These two just went in the Rebel 17. I’ll try to check on them in 5 to 6 days. We’ll have an idea of how they’ll tumble then. The yellow one is so cool, I love it. I have no idea what it is but I am hoping that yellow goes through and through. The red one I’ll stick with my thinking it’s some kind of moss agate. SWEET!!! I can't wait for updates on those! I walked the rails looking for some more of that red moss-type agate and found a couple more pieces of it. I'll throw them into my QT-66 this weekend and we can compare results! And I have high hopes for that yellow rock. I really hope that turns out well! Have fun! Justin |
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dillonf
fully equipped rock polisher
Hounding and tumbling
Member since February 2022
Posts: 1,622
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Post by dillonf on Feb 9, 2024 19:29:32 GMT -5
Man. Love this thread. Anything that encourages us to swap and tumble is cool by me. I have been tagging folks who I got rocks from in my "Dillon's tumbles" thread. I won't repost that stuff here, but I can post pics of stuff I got in trades here in the future, but I'll probably still include them in my "Dillon's tumbles" thread as well. velodromed I actually have some banded chert you gave me in the Lot-O now - it should be out of polish sometime next week. I'll post results here. Also, I'm hoping to get some jasper @hplcman sent me in the barrels soon. I'll post results here as well when they are done! If anyone is interested in a small flat rate box trade let me know. I'm always game. Cheers y'all and happy Friday! |
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Post by velodromed on Feb 9, 2024 19:38:37 GMT -5
Man. Love this thread. Anything that encourages us to swap and tumble is cool by me. I have been tagging folks who I got rocks from in my "Dillon's tumbles" thread. I won't repost that stuff here, but I can post pics of stuff I got in trades here in the future, but I'll probably still include them in my "Dillon's tumbles" thread as well. velodromed I actually have some banded chert you gave me in the Lot-O now - it should be out of polish sometime next week. I'll post results here. Also, I'm hoping to get some jasper @hplcman sent me in the barrels soon. I'll post results here as well when they are done! If anyone is interested in a small flat rate box trade let me know. I'm always game. Cheers y'all and happy Friday! This is exactly the spirit I was hoping for! I love it. Man I can’t wait to see that banded chert. Some of them are amazing and if I remember right, a couple of the ones I sent you ended up being good. It’s such a random thing because they’re thickly covered with calcite or lime type crud. |
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Post by velodromed on Feb 9, 2024 19:40:33 GMT -5
[quote source="/post/1309354/thread" author=" velodromed " t SWEET!!! I can't wait for updates on those! I walked the rails looking for some more of that red moss-type agate and found a couple more pieces of it. I'll throw them into my QT-66 this weekend and we can compare results! And I have high hopes for that yellow rock. I really hope that turns out well! Have fun! Justin ————— That’s great! Can’t wait to see how they turn out. I’ll let you know how mine goes. |
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roughingon
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2024
Posts: 13
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Post by roughingon on Feb 9, 2024 23:30:55 GMT -5
Very cool thread, someday (hopefully soon) I will be able to join in. I live in a part of middle TN on a mountain that supposed to be one of the best rock hounding spots in TN. My son found some decent agates for me in the creek across the street last summer, I’ve found some banded chert that I haven’t tumbled, and I have some red/yellow flint looking pieces (kind of reminds me of Ohio flint) in the tumbler now to see how it turns out. I’m still learning my tumbling/polishing process (with much much improved results, thanks guys!) but I really plan to get to hounding this spring/summer! Here’s hoping I find plenty to share.
Colleen
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Post by velodromed on Feb 9, 2024 23:42:14 GMT -5
Very cool thread, someday (hopefully soon) I will be able to join in. I live in a part of middle TN on a mountain that supposed to be one of the best rock hounding spots in TN. My son found some decent agates for me in the creek across the street last summer, I’ve found some banded chert that I haven’t tumbled, and I have some red/yellow flint looking pieces (kind of reminds me of Ohio flint) in the tumbler now to see how it turns out. I’m still learning my tumbling/polishing process (with much much improved results, thanks guys!) but I really plan to get to hounding this spring/summer! Here’s hoping I find plenty to share. Colleen That’s great! Welcome, this forum is a wealth of information. Feel free to ask questions, somebody almost always has an answer. Polishing stuff that you found yourself is always a lot of fun, I’ve found. Creek agates, cherts and flints should be good rocks to learn on. I’ve never seen rock from Tennessee so that will be interesting. What kind of tumbler do you have? |
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roughingon
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2024
Posts: 13
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Post by roughingon on Feb 10, 2024 8:48:26 GMT -5
Very cool thread, someday (hopefully soon) I will be able to join in. I live in a part of middle TN on a mountain that supposed to be one of the best rock hounding spots in TN. My son found some decent agates for me in the creek across the street last summer, I’ve found some banded chert that I haven’t tumbled, and I have some red/yellow flint looking pieces (kind of reminds me of Ohio flint) in the tumbler now to see how it turns out. I’m still learning my tumbling/polishing process (with much much improved results, thanks guys!) but I really plan to get to hounding this spring/summer! Here’s hoping I find plenty to share. Colleen That’s great! Welcome, this form is a wealth of information. Feel free to ask questions, somebody almost always has an answer. Polishing stuff that you found yourself is always a lot of fun, I’ve found. Creek agates, cheers and flints should be good rocks to learn on. I’ve never seen rock from Tennessee so that will be interesting. What kind of tumbler do you have? Right now I have a 3lb koolstone (it was my initial Amazon purchase and honestly once I learned how to keep it at the lowest speed, it hasn’t done so badly) and a tumble bee 2x2. I got the TB 22 from the rock shed because they didn’t have any lortone. I will get the lortone 3x3 to replace the koolstone when I can. I don’t have a vibe and right now (until my husband builds us our hobby shed) I really don’t have a place to run one so you’ll be seeing tumbled only results from me for awhile. I really have been getting great shine, except that I had left small imperfections that were coming out in the final stage on some of them. I had done a large batch of quartz because despite my 10-20lbs of rough, that’s where I started so there was a lot of bruising. There were some beautiful wins in there though, just not enough (along with my photography skills, to share yet. I have some moss and Montana agates, some Ohio flint, some mookaite, some desert jaspers, etc that are working through now that are absolutely coming out great. I’m hoping I can share those eventually. |
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Post by velodromed on Feb 10, 2024 16:55:03 GMT -5
That’s great! Welcome, this form is a wealth of information. Feel free to ask questions, somebody almost always has an answer. Polishing stuff that you found yourself is always a lot of fun, I’ve found. Creek agates, cheers and flints should be good rocks to learn on. I’ve never seen rock from Tennessee so that will be interesting. What kind of tumbler do you have? Right now I have a 3lb koolstone (it was my initial Amazon purchase and honestly once I learned how to keep it at the lowest speed, it hasn’t done so badly) and a tumble bee 2x2. I got the TB 22 from the rock shed because they didn’t have any lortone. I will get the lortone 3x3 to replace the koolstone when I can. I don’t have a vibe and right now (until my husband builds us our hobby shed) I really don’t have a place to run one so you’ll be seeing tumbled only results from me for awhile. I really have been getting great shine, except that I had left small imperfections that were coming out in the final stage on some of them. I had done a large batch of quartz because despite my 10-20lbs of rough, that’s where I started so there was a lot of bruising. There were some beautiful wins in there though, just not enough (along with my photography skills, to share yet. I have some moss and Montana agates, some Ohio flint, some mookaite, some desert jaspers, etc that are working through now that are absolutely coming out great. I’m hoping I can share those eventually. My cousin gave me his tumble bee over Christmas to fix. He’d broken right after he got it. I put it back together last week and got it running. His is missing the rubber covers over the drive and idle rods, so it slips horribly. Tilting it fixes that until I can find something (thinking marine grade shrink wrap). The tiny ‘timing belt’ drive belt is interesting. It sure does spin fast though, 50-60rpm. Does yours spin fast? I’m thinking to test a different power supply on it to see if I can reduce it to around 30rpm. * I forgot, it has a standard plug wired in. Not a separate power supply. Rotary tumblers are great, but I do love my raytech vibe for polishing. It’s loud though so I understand the hobby room need. Those are all nice rock and should tumble well. Looking forward to pictures down the line… |
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roughingon
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2024
Posts: 13
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Post by roughingon on Feb 11, 2024 14:33:26 GMT -5
If I had to guess, I’d say it is a little fast. I haven’t had any major issues with it, yet, but it’s only been running since Christmas. I guess I’m just working through and learning my process now, which will be great for when I get better equipment. I have been very happy with my issue free polishes which I seem to get more of each time. I’ll get there eventually, it’s definitely a learning experience.
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Post by velodromed on Feb 11, 2024 14:55:49 GMT -5
If I had to guess, I’d say it is a little fast. I haven’t had any major issues with it, yet, but it’s only been running since Christmas. I guess I’m just working through and learning my process now, which will be great for when I get better equipment. I have been very happy with my issue free polishes which I seem to get more of each time. I’ll get there eventually, it’s definitely a learning experience. I’ve ended up with four cheap rotary tumblers that I use to breakdown rough rock. They have their place and I enjoy wrenching on them. So much of what we collect is covered with calcite or lime, and I have to tumble it just to see if it’s any good. One in 10 rocks end up being decent enough to polish, the others get thrown in the yard. Someday I’ll get a couple of more quality tumblers to go with my rebel 17. But for now these work…  |
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dillonf
fully equipped rock polisher
Hounding and tumbling
Member since February 2022
Posts: 1,622
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Post by dillonf on Feb 17, 2024 8:26:41 GMT -5
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doublebluff
having dreams about rocks
Member since September 2021
Posts: 60
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Post by doublebluff on Feb 17, 2024 9:16:13 GMT -5
Velodromed and I had a nice rock exchange at the end of last year. I finally got a few Texas rocks in the tumbler this week!
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pantagruel
starting to shine!
Member since November 2023
Posts: 34 
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Post by pantagruel on Feb 17, 2024 10:44:26 GMT -5
This is so cool! And I loved reading this thread 💜 such a great way to start my day!
I'm in Chicago, right next to a rock beach, but there's a distinct lack of rock that isn't solid grey all the way through (a few exceptions though, that I'll be posting in the pics section). We're hoping to take some rockhounding trips when it's warmer, into Wisconsin and Michigan, and may consider a move in several years (disability-pending 🙃) to a more rock friendly location.
Anyway, again I just loved reading this thread this morning. Glad y'all are doing this!
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