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Post by cookie3rocks on Sept 18, 2004 20:48:56 GMT -5
Hi all, I know most of you haven't had good expierences with corundom, but tell me if this sounds right to you. I've been running 3# of corundom (mostly rubies, very red/pink stones) for about 3 weeks in the vibe. I've thrown in some junk stone to keep the weight up and also the stuff I got on vacation in NC. About 2/3rds seem to be ready to move to the next step, plus some I pulled out earlier when they were ready. Not all of it is ready, but can I go ahead and throw everything in the next batch? Surely it wouldn't hurt the ones that aren't ready, I can allways back them up when this is finished. Some of these are going to be very nice. Have some cone shaped pieces that have stars on either end that look like a flashlight when you turn them to the light. I call them "Star Babies". This is what I've done: 120/220 for three weeks (in the vibe, mind you) Going into 600 tonight. If you think I should wait longer, let me know. Of course I"m anxious to move on. Is it too soon? Thanks ;D
cookie
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Post by docone31 on Sept 18, 2004 21:33:21 GMT -5
Cookie. I usually run straight batches when I do corundum. Some I have to do over and over, some do real well one full run. Some take forever. I have never used a vibratory on corundum. I have only used tumblers.
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Post by BearCreekLapidary on Sept 18, 2004 22:07:44 GMT -5
Hello Cookie,
I am not of much help with your question.
I just wanted to say "good luck" ... the star babies sound very interesting!
Have a great weekend,
John
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MoonStone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 202
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Post by MoonStone on Sept 19, 2004 1:44:25 GMT -5
Hi Cookie! ;D I have no experience with this, but I do think that your thoughts sounded right to me, to throw everything in the next batch if it wouldn't hurt the ones that aren't ready, you can always go back with them if needed. Probably someone with more experience will help you with this better! Nice to see you back on tumbling again
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Post by puppie96 on Sept 19, 2004 3:54:02 GMT -5
Hi Cookster, I'm just not sure what to tell you here. My experience was that I would think it was time to move on, so I would, and get all the way to the end and blah. Dull. I'd find a few very small beautifully polished ones. I did this drill a lot. Now, I saw above that Docone has had batches that went fine on one run, so that means there is hope; it sure hasn't worked that way for me. Frustrating, cause these stones can look so darn good and you get them out of polish and still thinking that they would be dynamite if you could only get that frost off the surface. Sorry to be such a pessimist. I did same as you, moved ahead with all including the unreadies, and I agree that I see no reason this should cause a problem. I have actually done better with them in barrels as "dunnage rock" as suggested by Docone, I think, many months ago. To be honest I would not try them in a vibe again. I know you are going to forge ahead and I wish you luck, if it does go well it will be great news. I also had some great crystals and stuff starting out.
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Post by connrock on Sept 19, 2004 9:09:58 GMT -5
Hi cookie, There's nothing wrong with going to the next cycle with your load. If you think about it,the corundum that isn't ready for it is just being used as a "filler" .The material is the same hardness and all you reall want it for is the weight to keep the vibe running right. I've done the same thing several times using flint chips for a filler.The flint is from Ohio from a friend who scrapes up the scraps left by the flint knappers. The big plus using the flint chips is that someof "it" comes out real pretty as a bonus. I've also used large tapered bearings (1-1/4 inches in dia X 2 inches long) just to keep the weight up to par. Hope this helps and good luck,,,, Pictures later?? Tom
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