huffstuff
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2007
Posts: 1,222
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Post by huffstuff on Aug 23, 2007 22:19:59 GMT -5
Hi! My name is Amy Huff and I've been lurking for about a week. I live near Houston, Texas with my husband and daughter, who starts kindergarten next week.
I asked for a tumbler for my birthday and I received a 3-lb Tumler. I'm in the pre-polish stage right now, although I know (now) I didn't stay in the rough grit anywhere near long enough. But we're all eager to see how everything turns out anyway. I'm grateful to the Rock Shed who adds a bag of their mix to the "brown" mix sent by Tumler.
I think I want to try a less mixed batch next time, just one or a few types of rocks. Any suggestions?
I entered some poems in the contest. Hope y'all like them. (I'm originally from PA, but I've picked up "y'all" and "fixin to..." in my 18 years in Texas).
This looks like a nice place. Glad I found you.
--- Amy
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huffstuff
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2007
Posts: 1,222
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Post by huffstuff on Aug 23, 2007 22:22:50 GMT -5
Ooops, sorry, you know I mean a Thumler's tumbler. Thought it didn't look right.... missing the "h"
--- Amy
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Post by Lady B on Aug 23, 2007 22:50:35 GMT -5
Well I said it before elsewhere, but it's worth repeating here. WELCOME to RTH Amy. You are really going to like it here. Sounds like you are already heading in the right direction by getting some of your "stuff" from the Rock Shed. I'm sure you'll be getting all kinds of helpful hints and tips from RTH members, too. RTH always looks out for us Newbies.
Thanks again for entering my contest on your very first day here. We seem to have several things in common--rocks, poems, PA (I was born and raised in Philly), time spent in Texas (I only lived there for 18 months but I've been back to visit 6 or 7 times. Love that Lone Star.)
Like I told you earlier today. Ask questions. There aren't any stupid questions on this board but there are a lot of wonderful answers.
Lady B
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Post by flintfish on Aug 24, 2007 8:13:30 GMT -5
Hi Amy, welcome to the gang! Tumblings such great fun, and we're all learning all the time. Looking forward to seeing the photos when your rocks are done! There's always a new rock to tumble, and the best ones are the kind you find out and about. I'd try a nice batch of red jasper or maybe some agate chunks ( stripey rocks are extra cool! ). Red jasper is always a personal favourite as it shines up beautifuly. I've got a nice batch of mossy agates just getting through to 220 which I'm really looking forward to seeing all shiney. Anyway - welcome and have fun!!
Cheers,
Harry.
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firewalker45
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since August 2006
Posts: 929
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Post by firewalker45 on Aug 24, 2007 18:36:45 GMT -5
Hi Amy and welcome! I suggest you buy some riverstone pebbles. You can find it anywhere they have garden centers. 1. you get quick results 2. can be used as a filler and 3. costs under $4.oo for about 40 pounds.
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Post by sbreed on Aug 24, 2007 21:46:36 GMT -5
Welcome Amy! Another Texan!! There are several members in your area. Oh, and be sure to mark your calendar for the Woodward Ranch Blitz in April 2008!!
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 25, 2007 19:49:20 GMT -5
Welcome aboard. One thing you will learn about "mixed batches" is the softer stones lose. You will have to learn the relative hardness of rocks and separate them. Or stick to agates and jaspers until you really get going.
John at JS Gems
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emyhro4048
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2007
Posts: 396
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Post by emyhro4048 on Aug 25, 2007 20:46:26 GMT -5
Welcome to the board Amy. Lot's of good people here alway's willing to provide the answers. You mentioned that you didn't let the first rough grind go long enough. It is important to let each step go the full course for best results. I go about 7-10 Day's for each step including the polish stage. I use the pellets in the last three stages. Hope it helped. Ed M.
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Post by beefjello on Aug 26, 2007 8:40:12 GMT -5
Welcome Amy! You'll pick up lots of helpful tips and advice here to help get you through those tumbles. Be sure to post pics! We like pics!! ;D
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