billg22
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 451
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Post by billg22 on Dec 3, 2011 23:24:30 GMT -5
I'm about 4 months into this new pastime and I have a few questions. I have been tumbling mostly (central) California beach rocks. Most of them have been rounded by the ocean. Is it ok to skip any of the steps. My first two bunches came out nice. Today's batch was not so great. I did leave out the pre-polish step. About 20% looked good. Do I have to do all four steps? I'm having a great time and look forward to more collecting and tumbling. Thanks!
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Post by paulshiroma on Dec 3, 2011 23:49:14 GMT -5
I *think* the pre-polish step is pretty important to getting that shine. I've occasionally skipped the coarse stage and gone straight to the fine stage, depending upon the rocks. There are others on the forum with far more experience than I, though. I'm sure they'll weigh in with some better advice.
So, are you going to head out to Yermo?
Paul
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billg22
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 451
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Post by billg22 on Dec 4, 2011 0:10:58 GMT -5
Hi Paul, I'm thinking about a trip out to Yermo a lot. I think I'll have to wait until Feb. because of a medical problem in the family. Today I'm running a pre-polish for the first time. Most of those beach rocks came out of step 2 looking pretty good. I'll see how it goes with step 3. Do you ever go the Gem Fair at the fairgrounds? I had been buying rocks there over the last couple of years. I figure now I'll make my own. The OC Weekly usually has free passes two weeks before the show. I'm planning on attending next weekend.
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Post by susand24224 on Dec 4, 2011 0:51:22 GMT -5
If part of the batch polished and part did not, it sounds like the ones that polished are harder than the others. I rarely use four steps on Mohs 7 rocks. I always use four or five steps on softer ones.
It is normal for different hardnesses of rocks to look good after the first step or two and then for the softer ones to not finish well. I think it's because the grit and slurry in the earlier steps helps to cushion the rocks so they don't get beat up as much.
You can hold on to the ones that didn't polish well until you have enough for a barrel, run them a week in 1000 grit, and then repolish. Sometimes, if they look real bad, you may have to go back to 500 grit.
Susan
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