janstar17
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2011
Posts: 4
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Post by janstar17 on Sept 28, 2011 14:05:44 GMT -5
A friend of mine and I are tip-toeing into the tumbling world. We both love rocks, collect them like crazy and often wire wrap pieces for pendants, etc. We would like to "smooth-out" some rough lapis lazuli we have and aren't sure how to go about that. We are looking to take the rough edges off 1/2 - 3/4" pieces, not polish them smooth.
Would a vibration or rotary tumbler best serve that purpose? Or is it more about time and grit than about the type of tumbler.
Any guidance/recommendations we can get will be greatly appreciated!!
...j
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Sept 28, 2011 16:26:28 GMT -5
Hi Welcome to RTH Arotary would do the smothing best as the rocks rotate around the barrel, vibes shuffle the stone around and dont smooth the edges to well But some people prefer the rough natural look on say Pet wood Check out the RTH polishing guide www.rocktumblinghobby.com/cycle/cycle.htmlThis is a good guide and of course people here will also give their views Hope this helps you both a bit Jack Yorkshire uk
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Sept 29, 2011 2:30:49 GMT -5
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janstar17
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2011
Posts: 4
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Post by janstar17 on Sept 29, 2011 11:08:34 GMT -5
Jack...thanks for the references and info! Any and all guidance is very much welcome. We do like a 'natural' look to our stones so I'm sort of leaning towards a vibratory tumbler even though they cost a bit more and I understand there is a noise issue.
I can see I have much to learn about the process!!
...janice
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janstar17
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2011
Posts: 4
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Post by janstar17 on Sept 30, 2011 11:23:36 GMT -5
Geoff...thanks for the information. I'm pretty sure we are going to start our rock tumbing adventure with a vibratory tumbler and will heed your insight on noise reduction!
Do you recommend a Lot-O for a beginner?
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Post by jakesrocks on Sept 30, 2011 11:36:02 GMT -5
I use a piece of carpet scrap to deaden the noise. Pile side down, with the tumbler sitting on the backing side. My tumblers sit right on the floor with very little noise. Works for vibes and rotary. Don
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Oct 1, 2011 7:49:46 GMT -5
Hi Janstar. I have a Lot"O" and its fantastic it produces a batch in around 10 days from stage 2 that would ave taken the rotary 6 weeks or so Here is a link to where I got mine from www.therockshed.com/tumbler1.htmlShawn will give you good advice I use the Conrock method of mounting like Geoff above my lot"O" is mounted on 1/2 a kerb stone and works a treat As long as the Vibe is solidly mounted it will work well and not make much noise at all, the mounting on a pillar is very helpfull when your a bit elderly as you dont have to bend down to add grit and check the load Note Lot"O" need a bit more attention especialy in 220 as they are VERY agressive and make a lot of mud which needs a few sprays of water to keep the rocks mobile you will soon get the hang of it. Jack Yorkshire uk
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janstar17
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2011
Posts: 4
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Post by janstar17 on Oct 4, 2011 12:05:47 GMT -5
Geoff/Jack...thank you both for sharing your experience/process. I'm going to be ordering a vibe tumbler next week from The Rock Shed.
I'll let you know how I do with this new 'hobby' of mine. LOL
Janice
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