spurgemastur
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2011
Posts: 3
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Post by spurgemastur on Sept 11, 2011 11:37:28 GMT -5
I've got exactly two weeks of tumbling experience.
First batch was a mix of agates and star garnets in a rotary tumbler with about 2tbsp of grit, and after a week the rocks looked clean. Not smooth, clean. This was a three-pound container that was a little less than half full.
I reloaded that batch and added more garnets to make it 2/3 full, and used about 3tbsp of coarse grit. I loaded a second container about 2/3 full with garnets, agates some jade scraps as filler. Again, 3tbsp of coarse grit. A week later, my rocks are really really clean, and maybe a little bit smooth, but not very.
What am I missing?
Thanks in advance.
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Post by jakesrocks on Sept 11, 2011 11:55:44 GMT -5
Patience. If your rocks are rough to begin with, it can take a month or longer in coarse grit. I run a 15lb. tumbler a little over 2/3 full, with a full measuring cup of 60/90 grit and water to just below the top of the rocks. I cap it up, turn it on and forget about it for 6 weeks. Then the same amount of 220 grit for 4 weeks. Lesser times for 600 grit and final polish.
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Post by susand24224 on Sept 11, 2011 12:33:11 GMT -5
I agree 100% with Jakesrocks, but also remember many years ago getting confused because the rocks didn't do what the tumbler instructions said they should. If you are looking at instructions that came with your tumbler, ignore them. The instructions cannot see your rocks, but you can--and they are saying more 60/90, please!
Susan
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blessed
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by blessed on Sept 11, 2011 14:56:23 GMT -5
First , welcome to RTH. We each have our own way of tumbling. In time you will develop your own way of doing things. This is my way. 3 lb tumbler, 2/3 full, 4 tbsp 60/90 grit , and water to bottom of top layer of rocks. Check after two days for gass build up and to see how the rocks are doing. Repeat this every seven days untis you have the smoothness you want. Then go to step two. Agates and garnets are hard. May take six to eight runs or more. Like I said, this is not the right way or the wrong way,it is my way.
Happy tumbling.------James
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spurgemastur
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2011
Posts: 3
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Post by spurgemastur on Sept 11, 2011 19:34:47 GMT -5
Ahhh, just hours to a totally plausible answer! Wonder why the tumbler instructions call for a week? Marketing trickery? No matter, I have the info I needed.
You guys rock ('cause i know you've never heard that pun before).
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,456
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Post by Sabre52 on Sept 11, 2011 19:50:57 GMT -5
In my experience, agates and garnets do not make a good tumble mix. Though similar in hardness, the garnet is often a bit on the mohs 7 1/2 end while the agates are often mohs 7 at their hardest. It would seem this would be OK but every time I've mixed them the garnet chews up the agate and the garnet takes freaking forever to grind smooth too. Took a minimum of six weeks or so with weekly recharges, to round off the fairly angular garnet I was running......Mel
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Sept 12, 2011 1:17:00 GMT -5
Ask again in a months tme
It takes a long time to get the Agates smooth , But your on the way if they are a bit smooth after 2 weeks only another 3 or 4 to go ! ! !
Jack Yorkshire uk
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Post by susand24224 on Sept 12, 2011 23:56:50 GMT -5
Spurgmastur, some rocks will be finished with rough grind in a week--but not agates or garnets. I think Thumlers' instructions warn you that it might take several weeks (if I remember correctly) but Lortone didn't even go that far. I guess they just try to make it as simple as possible, but who knows. It sure is misleading!
I've often had agates in coarse for months, rather than weeks.
Susan
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
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Post by peachfront on Sept 13, 2011 8:54:34 GMT -5
I don't know why the instructions say a week. I've even seen online instructions saying a week so it isn't just one manufacturer, it's a repeated spread of mis-information that has traveled the world. In my rotary, I'd say it takes a couple of months if I don't do some "cheating" and hit the stones here or there to help them along. That's assuming you want them really really smooth and rounded, which I do.
I don't have any experience mixing Agate and Garnet, but I'd listen to Mel and be very hesitant to do that.
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spurgemastur
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2011
Posts: 3
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Post by spurgemastur on Sept 13, 2011 11:00:38 GMT -5
I appreciate all the help. I've separated the agates and garnets and chucked the lot into the basement. I'll check if they want recharge in a couple weeks and plan to be more patient.
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mp166
starting to shine!
Member since March 2011
Posts: 30
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Post by mp166 on Sept 20, 2011 7:46:52 GMT -5
Just so you dont feel bad, i've had batch in tumbler since late june, some have been removed, but some being stubbon, gives you something to look forward too each week seeing if they ready lol.
MP
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JUDY
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2011
Posts: 431
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Post by JUDY on Sept 20, 2011 10:44:58 GMT -5
patience.... I think this is why we opted for vibrating tumblers we're impatient LOL
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 20, 2011 12:51:04 GMT -5
Pay attention to the references to 2/3 full. Some even usde 3/4 full. Less than half and you won't get good tumbling action. Picture the barrel rotating and half full causes rocks to reach top and fall. You need a good mixture of sizes (or use a filler) and about one table spoon of grit per pound capacity.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Oct 3, 2011 20:33:44 GMT -5
You should have 3/4 of the barrel full and probably about 3 tablespoons of 60/90 grit and when you say smoothing, the first stage is the "shaping" stage and this is very tough grit this step should not make a significant change in smoothness
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