gerard
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2011
Posts: 218
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Post by gerard on Aug 12, 2011 11:30:38 GMT -5
I am kinda new to tumbling and have done a bit of research finding different opinions, and was wondering if any of you experts would like to give me your suggestion for a final polish medium on agate slabs. (batch started in a 15 lb rotary)
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,466
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Post by Sabre52 on Aug 12, 2011 12:42:41 GMT -5
Aluminum oxide polish from the Rockshed. It's inexpensive and works terrific on rocks in the quartz mineral group like agate and jasper.....Mel
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Aug 12, 2011 13:23:55 GMT -5
I'm with Mel,rockshed ao is all I use.
snuffy
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jspencer
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 929
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Post by jspencer on Aug 12, 2011 14:18:20 GMT -5
I`ve never used Rockshed before. I have been buying a product called Raybrite A locally for about $15 for a 1lb. box. That and a bit of Borax is all I have been using since cerium went so high.
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Aug 12, 2011 14:27:45 GMT -5
The Rockshed sells their AO polish for $4.75 a lb. Big difference.
snuffy
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 12, 2011 15:13:42 GMT -5
I think the Raybrite is about .5 micron. Most "tumbler polish" aluminum is micron size and around 3 micron. The micron usually works as well as cerium on hard stones in a rotary or on a buff. The finer aluminum generally polishes better on buffs and vibes and on a wider range of materials. The finer it is ground the higher the price.
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jspencer
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 929
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Post by jspencer on Aug 12, 2011 21:48:43 GMT -5
I`ll have to check them out. I`m willing to save a dollar when I can. ;D
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gerard
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2011
Posts: 218
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Post by gerard on Aug 13, 2011 11:45:21 GMT -5
Thanks for the feedback - off to rockshed. Just the rocks and AO no carrier medium?
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,466
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Post by Sabre52 on Aug 13, 2011 12:44:37 GMT -5
I use plastic pellets with all stages after coarse grind including final polish. I also like to make sure I have a good mix of stone sizes to assure good surface to surface contact.....Mel
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Post by tanyafrench on Aug 13, 2011 15:11:05 GMT -5
I agree on the AO from therockshed. Shawn will also give you candy in the box. It's all I use.
Tanya
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Post by gr on Aug 13, 2011 19:23:45 GMT -5
Tanya, you only use candy to tumble with? Must be the sugar that polishes ;D
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