gruner
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2019
Posts: 7
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Post by gruner on Sept 23, 2019 21:36:43 GMT -5
Hi All,
I mentioned earlier that I originate from Oregon and I miss it dearly. My job forces (subjective) me to live in central California, close to the foothills not far from Yosemite. I originally had questions about a number of rocks I've collected, but I've given up trying to post photos here. No offense the to moderators and the site, but I can renew my vehicle registration or passport or get married -- even buy weapons online (though I don't) -- easier than I can post pictures here. And oh my brothers and sisters did I try.
I'm learning a bunch just by working. I started with a Lortone 33b. Then bought a second, because I'm naturally impatient. I've recognized the need to upgrade, so here's how I have been rolling. Please offer suggestions:
1. I've been using a commercial grade wet tile saw to prep stones for tumbling, and to cut in half any stone that seem worthy of investigation. Mostly I work with agates, jasper, quartz and opals. Mostly agates. But I'm looking to branch out and work larger, more diverse specimens.
2. I've felt the need to buy a trim saw and a polishing wheel, like what people would use to hack thunder eggs and make them beautiful. This seems like an upgrade from the blunt tile saw.
3. I know the Lortone 33bs are pedestrian. If I upgrade my trim/polishing gear, where do I upgrade the tumbling? I've read other people singing praises for Thumbler models and saving time with other models. Some basic suggestions would be great. I try to process about 6-8 pounds a week. Any time-saving gear suggestions would be appreciated, without sacrificing quality. I can already see the Lortones becoming more specialty tumblers for precious projects.
I know -- all this has been covered in another thread. And If I search, I'll scroll through years of banter and find useful answers eventually. I assume it would be easier for the knOwbies to respond to the knEwbies, than it would be for me to spend hours sifting through old, mostly unrelated threads.
I love you all. I hope I don't sound like a jerk. I'm not. May the quartz be with you!
Gruner
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oldschoolrocker
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,540
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Post by oldschoolrocker on Sept 23, 2019 23:00:49 GMT -5
The upgrades regarding tumbling would be to move to larger barrel- such as lortone 6lb or 12lb models. More efficient at rough grinding than 3lb barrel. Use rotary for stage 1 grinding only And upgrade to vibrating tumbler for stage 2 thru polish. Will shorten time spent in those stages by weeks, also reduce grit consumption. Most here use the lot o tumbler or thumler uv10 or uv18.
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gruner
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2019
Posts: 7
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Post by gruner on Sept 23, 2019 23:13:08 GMT -5
Rocker,
That's the advice I needed. I've heard that using a Vib for steps 2-4 was the trick, I just needed to hear it another time. I'll follow your advice. Thanks!
JT
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 24, 2019 7:27:51 GMT -5
Welcome to the habit errrr hobby. I'm sorry abt the picture issues. Did you follow @tommys thread about using cloudinary?
Posting pictures here has been a years long issue. The cloudinary format is by far the best alternative we have and if followed to the T it should go smoothly. If you run into trouble - just ask about it.
Welcome aboard from Virginia- hopefully we'll be lucky enough to see some of your hoard collection.
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Post by knave on Sept 24, 2019 8:07:04 GMT -5
Not to hijack, but does the Cloudinary thing work on mobile phones? I just go to the Tapatalk app to add photos but just mobile browser for general reading.
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Post by TheRock on Sept 24, 2019 12:01:23 GMT -5
Hi gruner I Agree with what oldschoolrocker mentioned. A Lortone or Thumler in a Rotary staying around 12 Lbs. And with a Vibe Id go a Thumler UV-18. Which is a little extra capacity to add extra ceramic media if you really have some delicate stones to keep from bruising and getting a good polish. I have all the types mentioned and they all have advantages. Purchase from The Rock Shed Shawn is a good Guy! Good Luck.
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Post by greig on Sept 24, 2019 15:57:04 GMT -5
The advice so far is excellent. Here are my additional thoughts, from somebody that is basically lazy. There is nothing wrong with a tile saw (with a large enough blade), except the blade is a bit thick and the cuts can be a big rough (wheel marks). A slab saw and a trim saw are time savers because there is less fussing with the cut rock. So are grinders and laps. That said, I somewhat recently bought all of these time/effort saver things and have not yet set them up. On the other hand, my tile saw was used on rocks yesterday and today. As for a larger barrel, the only downside is you need quite a bit of rock. They eat rock like monsters. I have 12, 6, 3 and 2 lb rotary tumblers. The 3 gets the most use.
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,647
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Post by Tommy on Oct 1, 2019 10:54:56 GMT -5
Welcome to the board gruner! Thanks for the introduction.
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Post by As I in does tries! on Oct 31, 2019 1:29:51 GMT -5
Greetings from Scotland on the other side of the pond!
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