tepperly
off to a rocking start
Full Metal Tumbler
Member since October 2007
Posts: 11
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Post by tepperly on Oct 13, 2007 22:02:28 GMT -5
Well, my first batch is done. I am fairly pleased with it, but I see lots of room for improvement. Here is what I did: 1. Coarse grit - 7 days 2. Fine grit - 7 days (with plastic pellets) 3. Prepolish - 4 days (with plastic pellets) (I followed Thumler's instructions rather the internet) 4. Polish - 11 days (with plastic pellets) 5. Ivory soap & saw dust 10 hours Based on what I've read, I should have done 7+ days for prepolish. When people run polish for more than 7 days, do they recharge it? Some rocks chipped during the polish step. I added beads, but I didn't add sugar. Well here are the pictures. I would be glad for any suggestions or diagnosis.
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emyhro4048
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2007
Posts: 396
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Post by emyhro4048 on Oct 13, 2007 22:28:15 GMT -5
Very nice batch. Don't cut down on the pre-polish time. Go at least 7-10 day's and then to the polish stage. I also burnish with borax after each step to make sure all the grit from previous step are gone. The polish stage does not need to be recharged as it doesn't wear out. In fact, some members re-use the polish, however, I do not. Too much hassle for me. I made the same mistake with my first few batches because I was too impatient. Good luck with the next batch and any of the stones your not happy with can be added to the next polish stage to increase the shine. Remember that some stones just don't take to a shine as well as others do.
Ed M.
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SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Oct 13, 2007 23:35:01 GMT -5
tepperly, Don't be too hard on yourself. It turned out pretty good if you ask me. I know when I first started out I used different methods, and it took me a while to learn patience. I now run my 1st stage for usually 12 days...maybe longer. Honestly, I have never recharged a load, but I do keep the stones that haven't shaped back, and throw them in for a second round in the 1st stage. I think I usually let all 4 steps roll for at least a week..but tend to go longer and change when I can get to it. I've learned from experience, and mostly form the board members...burnish after every load. I use Borax, and it really suprises me how much nicer the polish ends up in the long run. I used sugar a few times, and karo syrup, to thicken the slurry, but more pellets for me works fine. You'll get a system down which works for you. There are sooo many techniques, and everyone tumbles differently, but Patience is always the biggest factor. It's a nice 1st load, and they only get better. Thanks for posting the pics, and looking forward to the 2nd batch. Steve
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Post by rocklicker on Oct 13, 2007 23:51:13 GMT -5
Nice looking load tepperly. They look darn nice to me. I like that big dark green one. I agree you should go for more prepolish and polish. What is your prepolish at? Consider adding another step if its 600, like tripoli or 1000 grit (after the 600). You will figure out what recipe works best for you. I like the sawdust idea, I'll have to try it. What little I do know about tumbling is that the more you leave them in there the nicer they turn out. Steve
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tepperly
off to a rocking start
Full Metal Tumbler
Member since October 2007
Posts: 11
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Post by tepperly on Oct 14, 2007 9:41:53 GMT -5
I agree you should go for more prepolish and polish. What is your prepolish at? Consider adding another step if its 600, like tripoli or 1000 grit (after the 600). You will figure out what recipe works best for you. I like the sawdust idea, I'll have to try it. What little I do know about tumbling is that the more you leave them in there the nicer they turn out. Steve The prepolish was what came with my Thumler's kit, so I don't know it's rating. Thanks for the recommendations.
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Post by beefjello on Oct 14, 2007 11:12:20 GMT -5
First batch or not, those look great!
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luv2hound
freely admits to licking rocks
I try & I try, but dang it! Those rocks just keep ending up in my pockets
Member since June 2007
Posts: 890
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Post by luv2hound on Oct 14, 2007 22:40:58 GMT -5
You did a great job. Nice shine. In the first pic, the rock at the top with the lines running through it really catches my eye.
~~Mitzi~~
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Oct 15, 2007 2:22:35 GMT -5
Hi, My you got a better shine on them than I did on my first batch!!.
I usualy rotary tumble my first stage for a smoother shape,
Then I go to the Loto from 220G through the stages , takes 10 day's to a gloss finish,
Its a overlapping system that works
These Lot "O" 's are fantastic, and such a saving on grit also absolutly amazing
Your going to wonder how you ever got on before Lot"O" came on the scene !!!!!!!!!!!!! ;D
Jack Yorkshire UK
PS, I use Conrock's Lot "O" recepie .
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Post by Tonyterner on Oct 15, 2007 11:25:02 GMT -5
Nice assortment of rocks. Pretty good shine for a first batch. I'll second steve on the borax. I use it after every grit also and it really cleans the rocks up nicely. I even get a shine after with a burnish following the 1st stage.
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