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Post by Jugglerguy on Dec 2, 2016 12:37:23 GMT -5
I agree with what Garage Rocker said above. The only reason I know of for adding more 120/220 grit is if you're starting your rocks in the Lot-O rather than starting in a rotary tumbler. I tried this once. I cleaned out and used fresh grit every day. I wanted to see what would happen over a long period, so I did this for a month. On the last clean out of 120/220, I let it run for two or three days as Randy said to make sure the grit broke down before switching to 500. |
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Post by txrockhunter on Dec 2, 2016 13:33:42 GMT -5
I'm sorry if this has been discussed before, but I haven't seen anything "definitive." When you run 120/220, do you need to clean out before you recharge with more grit, or just keep adding a few spritzes of water? I know you don't want too much slurry in the bowl, but looking for some "best practices." Thanks! When you say 'recharge', do you mean adding more 120/220, because most of us don't add more once you get it going? Put your two tablespoons in and run it for 36-48 hours, adding a squirt or two of water as it dries out. By not adding more, you are allowing it to break down to the point that it 'leads' right into the next stage. Also, you don't have to be so concerned about larger grit moving on to the next stage with the rocks. It will be broken down to something close to 500 anyway. Do your cleanout before moving to 500, then again before 1000 (if using that stage) and clean out well before polish. Maybe even burnish before polish if you want to.
There are exceptions. I believe Jeremy txrockhunter was doing grit additions, or recharges, during the 120/220 stage to get more grinding action throughout that stage. Don't know if he still is, but he gets great results too.
I have modified my evil ways, thanks in part to Drummond Island Rocks, Garage Rocker, & Jugglerguy. I now run just about everything out 24-48 hours, with the exception being material that is undercutting in the rotary. Some mossy material will undercut in the rotary, but not in the vibe. With that stuff I'll rinse and recharge every 12 hours until satisfied and then let it go for 36-48 hours before moving to the next stage. By rinse, I mean spraying water into the bowl, swishing it around (gently), and draining the dirty water with my hand over the opening (outside). Do that 2-3 times, add new grit (1 - 1.5 Tbls), and fire it back up. No need to be perfect, since you are putting the same grit back in. Whole process might take 3-5 minutes. Now, when I'm moving stages, I'll take a toothbrush and a bucket of water to scrub any holes, voids, cracks, etc. that might hold old grit. I will also scrub them after burnishing the final stage, to remove any polish before it dries. Dried polish is almost impossible to remove. Take all the advice you can get from the experienced tumblers here ( Drummond Island Rocks, Jugglerguy, jamesp), but don't be afraid to experiment. |
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Post by orrum on Dec 2, 2016 20:17:58 GMT -5
I put slabbets in the Loto with live edges and run the standard 8 day routine. I ignore wether the grit is in the rough live edges and just go thru the routine. They make totally awesome pendants!!!
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Dec 21, 2016 15:23:23 GMT -5
osuguy0301, just wanted to bring your attention to this excellent thread. Welcome to the Lot-O family!
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