sifu
starting to shine!
Member since September 2010
Posts: 35
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Post by sifu on Sept 6, 2010 17:57:05 GMT -5
Okay, I know people ask this question frequently! But some variables prompt me to ask it again. I'm a rockhound, and I'm interested in polishing some rocks I find but I also want them to retain as much of their original shape as possible. So I figure a vibe type tumbler is the right choice. (Correct me if I'm wrong!)
So, then, what size? Some rocks I want to tumble measure 2 inches by 2 inches by 4 inches. Most are smaller, but several are around that size. So which vibe model should I go for?
Thanks in advance.
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Post by deb193redux on Sept 6, 2010 22:24:38 GMT -5
You could put one rock that size into a balanced load in the LOt-O. IMHO the donut style bowls such as UV-10, Gy-Roc, and Raytehc, would not permit 4" to move freely. The center cone is problematic.
You could get a UV-18 or Gy_Roc 40# machine, but that is major $$ to buy and operate.
The hoppers on the Vibra-Sonic and VT series would allow for 2x2x4, and you could get a 10# or 14# to allow several pieces of that size in the load - but those machines are expensive too. They last forever, but are pricey.
Give serious thought to Lot-O, and also seriously think about 1.5x1.5x3" for the largest piece.
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Sept 7, 2010 2:46:12 GMT -5
Hi Heres a link to the Rockshed and the Lot"O" Note, it is not recomended to do stage 1 in a lot"O" as the rough grit wears the barrel away OK from stage 2 (220G) www.therockshed.com/tumbler1.htmlHope this helps Jack Yorkshire UK
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Sept 7, 2010 12:38:30 GMT -5
I have a UV-18 and even though you can do rocks that size, I wouldn't put more than 2 of them in a load because they will start to interfere with the motion. If you're going to do a lot of rocks that size, you might want to look at one of Diamond Pacific's larger tumblers (see page 60): www.diamondpacific.com/Resources/2010%20Complete%20Catalog.pdfHowever, I have read that it can be very difficult to polish rocks in the baseball size and larger range. Once I get about goose egg size, I start thinking about cabbing. Chuck
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Post by tntmom on Dec 22, 2010 1:00:47 GMT -5
Sifu? Do you teach martial arts? My son is a Sihing, I'm friends with Sifu's and work for a Sibok.
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