RedwoodRocks
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2003
Posts: 762
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Post by RedwoodRocks on Sept 19, 2004 22:54:59 GMT -5
Hi folks,
I started a new batch of african turquoise in a 3 lb tumbler on Saturday morning. I didn't hear much tumbling action, so I took a peek this afternoon. The barrel if full of bubbles.
If there is no to very little tumbling sound, are the rocks tumbling or just floating in the barrels. Is there any point in continuing? Should I dump and start over? Feed it a tums?
Any suggestions are welcomed!
Thanks, Cal
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Post by sandsman1 on Sept 20, 2004 0:45:35 GMT -5
check these cal--- too much water---too full---pieces too big see if any of these are stopping the action
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Post by Cher on Sept 20, 2004 1:15:14 GMT -5
That was a problem I just had with one of my barrels, it was too full and preventing any good tumbling action. I took some out, and it seems to be tumbling good now. (Mines a 3 pounder too Cal) [glow=red,2,300] ~ Cher ~[/glow] pages.prodigy.net/bestsmileys1/signs/RockOn.gif [/img]
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Post by puppie96 on Sept 20, 2004 3:43:53 GMT -5
Well, I'm on a little different tack here, I've been having some barrels foam big-time, it's like a washing machine, and I have been scooping the foam out and putting it in a container, then letting it tumble, sometimes adding more grit (I often use recycled grit for this purpose. Eventually the foam subsides. I think the foam forming causes the lack of sound -- I think it sort of traps and cushions the rocks. IMHO only.
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Post by creativeminded on Sept 20, 2004 9:21:34 GMT -5
When it comes to the bubbles I just leave them, of course I usually don't open my barrels until it is the end of the cycle. The batch I currently have running when I opened up the barrel to change out the grit there was quite a bit of foam on top, but the stones still rounded it out very well. I also notice that my polish foams really bad and again I still get great results. I guess what I am trying to say is I don't think foam is a big problem. Tami
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Post by rockyraccoon on Sept 20, 2004 9:36:10 GMT -5
cal i always just get the foam out with a paper towel, clean the rim and keep going. you might check 'em a little more often just in case. i think puppies right the foam might likely be cushioning the stones as the foam would stay on top as the barrel turns so the stones are falling into the foam.
kim
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Post by docone31 on Sept 20, 2004 9:52:07 GMT -5
I suspect, the foam is quieting the tumble. I let the foam sit as it does contain some grit. If the batch comes out not quite the way you think it could, take out one of the larger stones, and run it with the original grit in it for a few more days. Once you go to the 220, it also will grind and a lot of the rough spots will have been rounded. African turquois is turquoise. The colour is from the mineral base it forms in. It is pretty soft and should work out without too much effort.
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RedwoodRocks
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2003
Posts: 762
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Post by RedwoodRocks on Sept 20, 2004 21:42:47 GMT -5
Thanks all for the suggestions.
I don't think there are any pieces too big- at most, about an inch to an inch and a half. I do have a bunch of small chips in this batch. The barrel is only filled about 60%. Heard somewhere, that less than 75% full helps get a better tumble.
I think I will let it keep going for now, but keep a close eye, I.e. open up more frequently, I don't want any accidents!
Thanks again. Cal
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bwalters
has rocks in the head
Member since March 2004
Posts: 557
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Post by bwalters on Sept 20, 2004 22:11:58 GMT -5
Cal or Anyone,
Do you know the hardness of the African Turquoise?
Good luck with your currently tumbling batch, Cal. Hope you'll show us pics after it's done!
BE
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Post by connrock on Sept 21, 2004 5:50:04 GMT -5
Hi cal, Is the "foam' you're talking about just the suds from soap or is it a mucky kinda thing? If it's suds from soap,,,,that's a good thing to leave alone.The soap suds helps the grit to "deploy" itself on the rocks.It's kind of like a grit "travel agent". If it's the mucky type I'd leave it alone as well.I sometimes just bang the barrel on the bench,like mom did to get the bubbles out of her cake mix.If you remove it you'll be taking out grit as well and that's not good. Hope this helps,,,, Tom
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Post by connrock on Sept 21, 2004 5:54:40 GMT -5
Hi BE, I did a google search on African Turquoise Hardness and came up with a whole bunch of interesting facts about it including the fact that it "may" not even be turquoise!! Here's a link to Google: www.google.com/webhp?hl=enAlso,if you want to see pictures of it or just about anything else on and off earth just click on the "Image" link and off you go! Here's the link to the Image search: www.google.com/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi&q=Hope this helps ya,, Tom
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Post by sandsman1 on Sept 21, 2004 7:36:10 GMT -5
your right tom its a type of jasper--last time i was looking it was anywear from 5 to 7 on mohs too
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RedwoodRocks
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2003
Posts: 762
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Post by RedwoodRocks on Sept 21, 2004 23:31:34 GMT -5
Tom,
thanks for the advice, I am letting it roll. You can see the grit floating in the bubbles. If the rocks don't start smoothing out, I'll recharge and try again.
I agree, I don't think this is a true turquoise. I think the blue coloring is caused by copper, but the other minerals that make up turquiose is missing.
Cal
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