djsparkles
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since June 2010
Posts: 79
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Post by djsparkles on Jun 17, 2010 15:39:05 GMT -5
Hey all. Just got started with a real cheap set up; will be graduating to a better one as soon as funds are available *LOL*
Anyone have advice for a complete babe in the woods? I've heard that marble isn't a good material to polish, is that true? I would think small bits would turn out very unique patterns.
Any advice is welcome and anxiously awaited. Thanks!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on Jun 17, 2010 15:54:14 GMT -5
Don't know why marble wouldn't polish up good,they use it in all the court and government buildings.They have a lusterus sheen on the marble..............Give it a try.........
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Post by rockrookie on Jun 17, 2010 23:11:06 GMT -5
welcome to RTH !! --paul
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djsparkles
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since June 2010
Posts: 79
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Post by djsparkles on Jun 18, 2010 5:28:35 GMT -5
Thx, guys. I'm kinda asking because I have a ready source of marble; there's a tile and counter place here in town that is willing to sell me the remnants at a much discounted price *LOL*
I'll let everyone know how it turns out!
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djsparkles
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since June 2010
Posts: 79
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Post by djsparkles on Jun 18, 2010 15:40:25 GMT -5
Okay, here's another question:
What's the difference between the plastic cushion media and plastic pony beads? I know there probably is one but I can't think what it would be.
Any advice would be appreciated...
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Post by drocknut on Jun 19, 2010 0:13:46 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum. You might want to check around on the forum for answers. There are lots of members with lots of information but some don't check all the areas such as on here. Sorry I don't have any answers for you.
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Post by NatureNut on Jun 19, 2010 8:40:19 GMT -5
Hi Sparkles, welcome to the board. Glad to have you! The difference between the two is that the tumbling media is solid plastic, and the beads have a hole through them, thus trapping and carrying the grit from the various stages, which can cause contamination. Beads can be used, and this should be done with the tumbling media also, if they are separated after cleaning up each stage, and stored in a container to use for only that stage.
If you are short, and in a pinch, the ones from later stages can be used for earlier stages, but must then stay at that stage. Using the ones from earlier stages for later stages can contaminate a batch. If you picture the grit as tiny "edgy" particles that rub the rocks to wear them smooth, the earlier grit is larger, and gradually gets smaller as the tumbling stages progress. Media carrying grit from a later stage (smaller particles) won't hurt a tumbling stage using larger grit particles, whereas media carrying grit from an earlier stage (larger grit particles) can spoil the work of a later stage using smaller, smoother grit particles.
Hope I made sense and hope this helps. Best of luck and can't wait to see pics of your tumbling! Jo
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Mudshark
fully equipped rock polisher
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock. Will Rogers
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,083
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Post by Mudshark on Jun 20, 2010 7:23:39 GMT -5
Welcome to the best rock forum on the net!
Mike
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djsparkles
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since June 2010
Posts: 79
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Post by djsparkles on Jun 20, 2010 22:28:28 GMT -5
Thanks for the warm welcomes and the answers to all my questions! I'm sure I'll have many more before this is all over *LOL* But I'm certainly in the right place, y'all are friendly and VERY informative!
I've got my first batch tumbling right now, I'll post pics as soon as they're finished!
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Post by frane on Jun 21, 2010 7:19:05 GMT -5
Welcome to the board! Lots of information here to help you out. If you are tumbling marble or granite, it has different minerals in it and some are softer than others. It sometimes gives you pitting and must be taken to an even finer grit to get a good polish on it when cabbing it. Some will turn out great when tumbling it and others will not. It is one of those trial and error materials. Fran
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djsparkles
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since June 2010
Posts: 79
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Post by djsparkles on Jun 21, 2010 22:58:39 GMT -5
Um... cabbing?
I'm still getting the hang of this and not quite sure on most of the terms yet...
*feeling a little foolish and ignorant*
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Post by montanamuskrat on Jun 28, 2010 1:37:42 GMT -5
Welcome, this is a great place to ask questions and most important post lots of pics. Debby & Tom
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Post by johnjsgems on Jun 28, 2010 21:14:23 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum. "Cabbing" is cutting cabochons, the usually domed stones set in jewelry. Marble is a softer stone so generally hard to polish in a tumbler. Try some agates or jasper to get started. They almost want to be polished so are better to get you started.
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djsparkles
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since June 2010
Posts: 79
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Post by djsparkles on Jun 29, 2010 18:40:24 GMT -5
Gotcha. Thx for the info and the suggestions! I'll have piccies of my first batch soon.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Jun 30, 2010 20:51:26 GMT -5
Marble should tumble good as long as the entire batch is marble. Just keep an eye on it especially in the coarse stage because it's a soft stone.
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gemhunter
starting to spend too much on rocks
"Rock On"
Member since November 2009
Posts: 243
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Post by gemhunter on Jul 1, 2010 12:49:50 GMT -5
Hey, welcome. You will find a ton of info here. I was just a beginner myself in September, now I can tell a rock from dirt:-) The only problem is this hobby is becoming more varied for me. Good Luck, Ed
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2010 22:09:52 GMT -5
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