peggyk
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2011
Posts: 4
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Post by peggyk on Sept 26, 2011 20:16:34 GMT -5
I have read many posts about recharging the barrel after a week or two on a long first tumble. But, I have not been able to find info about exactly what to do. Do I drain and rinse everything or do I just add more grit to the old and keep going? Thanks so much for any help. Peggyk
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 26, 2011 20:33:26 GMT -5
If the grit is completely broken down I would rinse it, check the rocks and reload. Remove any rocks that are finished and add more as needed to keep the level at 2/3-3/4 full. If you see course grit still you can add a little more. If the slurry is really thick you can pour some off and add water too. This isn't worth the trouble on 3 lb tumblers in my opinion.
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Post by gr on Sept 26, 2011 20:41:15 GMT -5
Peggy, a one week run you can just add more grit, seal it up and run another week. 2nd week, I open and take out a handful and see what they're looking like. 2 things at this point, 1 - how is the slurry consistancy? if real thick, clean the whole load real good and grade your stones for going back into the same grit or for moving on to the next stage. Save your slurry mix in a 2 litre bottle and put some of it back in with the stones returning back for more grinding. The thickness of the mixture acts as a cushioning for the stones till more is made. 2 - If the slurry is kind of thin and the stones need more rough grinding, add more grit and roll for 7 - 8 more days. What are you tumbling? And what size barrel?
gary
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peggyk
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2011
Posts: 4
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Post by peggyk on Sept 27, 2011 10:53:09 GMT -5
Gary, I am using a small 3 pound hobby tumbler. This is my first time using a tumbler and some of the instructions that came with the kit was very confusing. I am so glad I found this website to fill in the blanks and answer my questions about tumbling. I will check the slurry and continue on following your advice. The rocks are from a bag of mixed rocks that I got at the local rock store, they are for tumbling. Thank you for your advice............ Peggyk
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Post by gr on Sept 27, 2011 11:51:05 GMT -5
Peggy, keep us informed and ask lots of questions. People here are great and love to help. Don't forget pics of tumbles.
gr
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Sept 28, 2011 2:42:00 GMT -5
Hi Peggy Have a look at this link to the RTH polishing guide gives you a lot of info www.rocktumblinghobby.com/cycle/cycle.htmlJust a line on praticalities I run on a 6 days cycle with a 6lb Lortone barrel by then the grit is broken down and no use so I wash the rocks (put the goop in the trash ) sort what needs to come out replenish with new rock and add Grit and a 1/2 cup of the old Goop (Mud and broken down fine grit) to get the grit sticking to the rocks water to just under the top rock and off we go. hope this is of help Jack Yorkshire uk
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