Post by daisyd681 on Jan 24, 2011 11:00:50 GMT -5
I am REALLY new to tumbling, but have been somewhat obsessed with rocks for as long as I can remember. I asked for a tumbler for Christmas and my very well meaning husband bought me the tumbler that Michael's carries. It's this one www.amazon.com/Elenco-Electronics-Discovery-Planet-Tumbler/dp/B00027P8E4
I've already done one batch with the rough that came with it. They turned out alright. I'll admit to rushing it a bit. But seeing as the tiger eye glued solid to a ring for my 8 yo son without any roughing up, I think they could do better.
I have another batch on the second stage now composed of a refill (from the same company) and a few of my own findings. I have vowed not to rush this round. I have been poking around this site and have a few questions.
I see that people use borax instead of the dishsoap reccommended by the instructions for my machine. Two quesions on that. Should I put some in with the grit as well, or just for the clean out between stages? Also, how much? The grit comes in premeasured packets, so I don't know how much (or even WHAT exactly) is going in. It has an 8 oz. capacity.
Once I'm done with all the refill packs my husband bought to go with it, I want to just buy bulk grit. My problem is knowing if I can do that with this tumbler. The packets don't say what they are, just which step they are. I am aware that this would be easier with a better tumbler, but for now I want to make this one work. For one thing I can have it set up on my washing machine because it is really very tidy.
If anyone has any experience with these smaller tumblers and can help me make the most of it, I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.
TIA
Meira
I've already done one batch with the rough that came with it. They turned out alright. I'll admit to rushing it a bit. But seeing as the tiger eye glued solid to a ring for my 8 yo son without any roughing up, I think they could do better.
I have another batch on the second stage now composed of a refill (from the same company) and a few of my own findings. I have vowed not to rush this round. I have been poking around this site and have a few questions.
I see that people use borax instead of the dishsoap reccommended by the instructions for my machine. Two quesions on that. Should I put some in with the grit as well, or just for the clean out between stages? Also, how much? The grit comes in premeasured packets, so I don't know how much (or even WHAT exactly) is going in. It has an 8 oz. capacity.
Once I'm done with all the refill packs my husband bought to go with it, I want to just buy bulk grit. My problem is knowing if I can do that with this tumbler. The packets don't say what they are, just which step they are. I am aware that this would be easier with a better tumbler, but for now I want to make this one work. For one thing I can have it set up on my washing machine because it is really very tidy.
If anyone has any experience with these smaller tumblers and can help me make the most of it, I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.
TIA
Meira