jdlee
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2004
Posts: 7
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Post by jdlee on Feb 6, 2004 9:47:12 GMT -5
I just started rock tumbling. I followed the instructions provided by lortone. After the final stage using tripoli that was provided by Facets where I oredered the tumbler and rocks. I used ivory snow to wash as suggested the rocks did not shine. They are smooth but do not have the wet look. What should I do?
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Banjocreek
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2003
Posts: 1,115
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Post by Banjocreek on Feb 6, 2004 11:21:54 GMT -5
This question probably comes up more than any other. Back on Page 5 of the board, there are 2 pages and 15 responses to "Justme" and the problem of no 'Wet Shine'. For me it was a matter of changing polishes. I went from the alum oxide provided in the kit to Cerium oxide that I purchased from 'TheRockShed'. My rocks shine very well now, and I used the same barrel all the way through. Trial and error is a big part of this infatuation.
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Trylobyte
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 101
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Post by Trylobyte on Feb 6, 2004 11:22:23 GMT -5
What kind of rocks are you working with?
Give us a rundown of the exact sequence of events...
I'n every load I've done, a few rocks are just unable to measure up, and I banish them to the underworld...
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jdlee
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2004
Posts: 7
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Post by jdlee on Feb 6, 2004 11:57:19 GMT -5
I have no idea as to the type of rocks I used I am without a doubt a novice. I bought them along with the tumbler that I ordered from a place called Facets on the net. The supplies the sent me were 60/90 silicon carbide for the course grit. 120/220 silicon carbide for the medium grit and Tripoli for the polish. I added plastic pellets on the last two stages and also when I washed them with ivory sow for 4 days. I could call Facets and try and find out what type of rocks I recieved if that will help.
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Trylobyte
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 101
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Post by Trylobyte on Feb 6, 2004 16:41:29 GMT -5
I have bought quite a bit of rough from Facets, and I'll guess that you got ahold of a mix of beach rock, probably agate/jasper type.
Seems like you're missing a stage 3 step, which would be 400, 500, or 600 grit. Or, you could consider the trilpoli to be a prepolish, and could follow it up with some cerium or other good polish.
Also, I don't believe you need to run in soap for 4 days. Perhaps one day prior to polish, and one day after is sufficient, but that recomendation could draw comments from the crowd.
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jdlee
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2004
Posts: 7
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Post by jdlee on Feb 6, 2004 23:51:17 GMT -5
By the grace of God someone opened a rock shop locally. I went by there and bought some c something oxide. I will try to do the final polish with this as suggested on this board. How much do I add for a three pound tumbler? I also have another question. I used the same plastic pellets for the 2nd and 3rd cycle. I thought I read some where that you should not use the plastic pellets for different cycles and that you should have plastic pellets designated for each cycle. Is this true?
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thewiz
has rocks in the head
"What good is money if you don't spend it"
Member since January 2004
Posts: 735
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Post by thewiz on Feb 7, 2004 0:38:48 GMT -5
yes you should keep each step seperate. the pellets will hold grit from one stage to the next and that is all that is need to ruin the batch. read this link for more info. was it cerium oxide that you bought i would use 2 to 4 tablespoons thewiz rocktumblinghobby.com/cycle/cycle.html
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Feb 7, 2004 0:51:44 GMT -5
If you haven't noticed, this hobby will drive you crazy. The only thing is if you are crazy before you start or crazy after. Sometimes the littlest detail will drive you wild. There are so many rocks out there and some for some reason or another will not shine.
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jdlee
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2004
Posts: 7
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Post by jdlee on Feb 7, 2004 15:28:51 GMT -5
Thanks for the info. Yes it was cerium oxide that I purchased. I will also go purchase some more plastic pellets.
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thewiz
has rocks in the head
"What good is money if you don't spend it"
Member since January 2004
Posts: 735
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Post by thewiz on Feb 7, 2004 15:47:44 GMT -5
do you have any info on the rock shop like if they have a web site
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jdlee
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2004
Posts: 7
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Post by jdlee on Feb 9, 2004 10:48:55 GMT -5
Yes, here is their website.
[http://www.4facets.com]
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Post by Noosh9057 on Feb 10, 2004 9:30:00 GMT -5
Well cerium oxide seens to work for me. I am now going on my Secant bach.
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Post by hurk04 on Feb 10, 2004 13:02:10 GMT -5
I would have to agree with an earlier reply.. it seems you are missing a step in your grinding #400-600... I tumble beech rock and that is the most important grind in my tumble it prepares the stones for final polish ... HURK
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