MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
|
Post by MichiganRocks on Mar 2, 2005 7:38:39 GMT -5
I think that my biggest complaint with the plastic pellets isn't separating them when I clean out the barrel, it's more when I open the barrel and just want to check on the progress of the rocks. I reach in to get a couple of rocks. When I pull my hand out it looks like all the pellets in the barrel have attached themselves to my hand. By the time I get them all off, I've got plastic pellets all over the place. I have been using some Oak wood pieces lately in my polish and I really like it better. I now use my plastic strictly in the grit stages if needed. I don't typically check those stages during the cycle so the "hand magnet" thing doesn't matter.
Ron
|
|
|
Post by mrbrett on Mar 2, 2005 8:39:31 GMT -5
Conrock the cracks I was talking about are like crystal formations where the pellets find there way into the small cavity. I like the wood filler idea. I have some black walnut and hard maple left over from making children blocks out of that I can cut down and try. Does the polish shine the wood up? You know the plastic pellets are not to bad to get out but, like Mich was saying when you check your barrels they get all over your hands and the lid when you pop it off is covered with them. They just stick to everything!
I wonder with the wood filler if they might be to big and allow the rocks to colide with each other more than the plastic devils?
|
|
stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
|
Post by stefan on Mar 2, 2005 9:56:36 GMT -5
Now I love getting those pellets all over the place (NOT) But I was thinking about ceramic noodles (these are sold for filter media in fish filters) They are fairly porous and would hold the grit or polish very well- Anyone try these?
|
|
|
Post by mrbrett on Mar 2, 2005 13:46:09 GMT -5
I have used the ceramic media and they wear out quicker than the plastic devils from hell.
|
|
madgg
starting to shine!
Member since February 2005
Posts: 39
|
Post by madgg on Mar 2, 2005 18:23:19 GMT -5
I use plastic cones they use at my job to tumble metal. They are about 3/8inch on the bottom, and a little over 1/2 inch tall. They don't float, but they also don't stick! So far pretty good luck with them.
|
|
deepsouth
fully equipped rock polisher
He who rocks last rocks best
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,256
|
Post by deepsouth on Mar 2, 2005 19:21:22 GMT -5
The plastic pellets I have used , are halfrounds and the flat surface sticks badly to the lid and barrel sides. Yes they are a pain and at the moment i run all stages without them. Yes I do get a few more chips , so what , they must have been bad rocks after all....on the other hand , it would be nice to save ALL the rocks haha.
I was told by my supplier to use walnut shell. I am thinking of ordering a bagfull just to use in polish cycle.
Jack
|
|
|
Post by connrock on Mar 2, 2005 20:01:55 GMT -5
I solved the "checking the rocks" problem by stealing a big spoon with holes in it from my wife!!Shhhhhhh!! The spoon has a nice long handle and it made of metal so it doesn't bend or break. I just scoop down and get rocks and pellets.I take out some rocks,inspect,put the rocks back in and bang the spoon on the side of the barrel. If you're going to use wood make sure it cut small enough or you're defeating your purpose and dn't forget about it sticking to everything!! LOL I would be hesitant on using walnut sheels.I used them a long time ago and if you think the pellets are nasty wait till you have an encounter with the "nuts"!! By the way gang,,,,,,Is there any part of this process that's NOT messy??? LOL Good luck to all and to all a good night! Tom
|
|
|
Post by Cher on Mar 2, 2005 20:17:30 GMT -5
;D ;D Good point Tom, it is kind of messy. I think maybe it allows us to do something we weren't supposed to as kids ... like "play in the mud".
Cher
|
|
|
Post by mrbrett on Mar 3, 2005 8:34:04 GMT -5
Tom there is a part of tumbling rocks that is not messy. Watching the barrels roll is pretty clean. Har,Har
|
|
|
Post by Tweetiepy on Mar 3, 2005 9:29:05 GMT -5
I solved the "checking the rocks" problem by stealing a big spoon with holes in it from my wife!!Shhhhhhh!! The spoon has a nice long handle and it made of metal so it doesn't bend or break.Tom Tom I read in my Lortone book to be careful with metal spoons as they mark up the rocks - I used a steel wool on a rock to clean it up and it came out shiny & silver!! I have seen metal scratch up rocks
|
|
chassroc
Cave Dweller
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
|
Post by chassroc on Mar 3, 2005 9:36:09 GMT -5
Tom...why do you bang the barrel? csroc
|
|
stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
|
Post by stefan on Mar 3, 2005 11:06:38 GMT -5
NO NO NO Metal will not scratch Harder Rocks (mohs 5.5 vs 7) I use a metal strainer without any problems! Also I tried the Walnut shell a while ago MESSY MESSY MESSY (what cartoon was that from?) Hey probably the simplest filler/ thickner is SUGAR!
|
|
|
Post by Tweetiepy on Mar 3, 2005 13:57:04 GMT -5
What about cornstarch? That thickens no?
|
|
stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
|
Post by stefan on Mar 3, 2005 14:15:14 GMT -5
YES- but I think it costs more than Sugar!
|
|