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Post by stoner on Jan 19, 2004 21:58:19 GMT -5
Hi all. I know the first step is to shape the stones and get rid of jagged edges and that's where you'll lose most of the mass. Going on to step 2, what are you actually trying to achieve in this step? And the same question for step 3. What do you look for to determine whether or not they're done?
Thanks, Ed
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Justme
starting to shine!
Member since March 2003
Posts: 38
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Post by Justme on Jan 20, 2004 0:04:57 GMT -5
According to Andy's thorough instructions (included on this web site) it is unnecessary to repeat either Phase 2 or 3 at 220 or 400 grit respectively. These phases are scouring the stone smoother in preparation for the polish. Can't recommend enough taking the time to read Andy's instructions and the rest of the wealth of information found on this web site. But I'll give you fair warning - it may cause you to catch rock fever.
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Banjocreek
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2003
Posts: 1,115
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Post by Banjocreek on Jan 20, 2004 0:47:44 GMT -5
I think I may have an illustration from my days in auto body repair. #1 The first step was to get the shape the right formation using a very rough file. It left big scratch marks but moved lots of material. #2 Then we would use a fairly course sand paper to remove the scratches since the shaping was pretty much complete. #3 Then we would use a finer grit sand paper to get everything nice a smooth and scratch free. Preparation for paint. #4 I liken the polish phase to the buffing out of the paint after it was applied. This would bring out the shine in the paint smooth the whole thing out. So having said that I think it is pretty important to follow all the steps. I just haven't gotten the formula entirely correct on the buffer polish step yet. But I'm working on it, and by golly I'll have it before long. I'm only on my second batch because my first batch was reduced to an amount not worthy of a tumble. So I'm going to take a second batch up to the same step and combine them. for the polish phase. Can you say "too many variables?' I can!
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donwrob
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2003
Posts: 509
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Post by donwrob on Jan 20, 2004 9:46:44 GMT -5
I like that analogy Banjo! Works for me. But you left out the part where you charge the poor guys insurance company twice what the job was worth ;D Hehe, just kiddin' buddy! Good answer really, later, Don
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Banjocreek
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2003
Posts: 1,115
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Post by Banjocreek on Jan 20, 2004 12:53:16 GMT -5
;D yeah, you're right. But it didn't sound as cool if I would have simply told you we just went to the junk yard and then bolted on a new fender. I just couldn't see the relationship to rock tumbling there.
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Post by stoner on Jan 20, 2004 17:57:20 GMT -5
Hi banjo. Your analogy was right on. I am a woodworker and it is pretty much the same when working with wood; especially the nice exotic woods. So I guess it's just a matter of experience, knowing how long is long enough without wasting time-and rock size-as to when to move on to the next step. Well, I am new to this hobby, but I've caught the fever real bad.
Just wanted to say it's great to read everyone's posts here. They're very informative, and sometimes entertaining.
Keep on tumbnin', Ed
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