oghoagie
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2011
Posts: 17
|
Post by oghoagie on Dec 31, 2011 11:38:14 GMT -5
Did the 5 Day check and NOTHING happend. The grit seemed to be much less then I remember but the rocks did not really change at all. I took some of the rocks out added grit added some bigger rocks. I felt there were too many small stones. and started her back up again. I had no idea of what the sound was I was listening for as the rocks tumbled. But I think I now hear it. Also after the 5 days I had a big amount of dark gray foam that seemed to be holding much of the grit. The water was still very clear.
Ideas.
|
|
WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
|
Post by WarrenA on Dec 31, 2011 11:49:23 GMT -5
Is this coarse tumble? sometimes I will add some "used" grit from the last coarse tumble I did in order to get the new grit going. sort of a "jump start" . let it roll. I have rolled superior agate for several months.
|
|
|
Post by pghram on Dec 31, 2011 11:52:47 GMT -5
Oahoagie,
The most likely problems are too many large & not enough small stones (not the other way around) too much water, (just to the top of the bottom layer of rocks), having the barrel too full or not full enough, (2/3 to 3/4 full is correct), or not enough grit.
Peace…Rich
|
|
oghoagie
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2011
Posts: 17
|
Post by oghoagie on Dec 31, 2011 12:03:02 GMT -5
Rich you may be right on all counts! this is a beginners rough that came with the tumbler so I really dont even know what the rocks are. But I will be rolling for another week and see how we do.
PS I saw you should open after 5 days is that enouph I feel I should have taken a look a few days ago to see It was not working. At least untill I get an idea of what I am doing.
|
|
|
Post by Toad on Dec 31, 2011 12:48:38 GMT -5
Most likely too much water. Water must be correct - too little and it will start grinding faster, but then grinding action will cease and you'll be left with a thick paste. I always go 7 days (or longer on the rough grind, but pnly when I'm too busy to change out) - as long as you hear grinding action something is happening. But diminishing returns beyond 7 days...
|
|
oghoagie
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2011
Posts: 17
|
Post by oghoagie on Dec 31, 2011 13:10:39 GMT -5
can you have too much grit?
|
|
|
Post by Toad on Dec 31, 2011 15:35:46 GMT -5
Sure
|
|
Minnesota Daniel
freely admits to licking rocks
A COUPLE LAKERS
Member since August 2011
Posts: 891
|
Post by Minnesota Daniel on Dec 31, 2011 15:46:51 GMT -5
Yes you can have too much grit. How much are you using? First, grit's not cheap. Too much grit and it's going to start wearing on itself, and I suppose it might even cushion the rocks, which would slow down the grinding.
I check mine just a couple days after I start it just to make sure I got the water and rock volumes correct. After that I give it a quick look every 5 days or so. When I don't feel anymore (coarse) grit, then I know it's time to add more grit or move to the next stage. How long that takes depends on the type of rocks and the diameter of your barrel. Larger barrels grind faster. All the instructions that come with tumblers underestimate the length of time the first stage usually takes.
|
|
stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
|
Post by stefan on Jan 3, 2012 9:53:26 GMT -5
Patience is so key at this point. Checking after a couple days is fine when you first start out- but I always let a batch go for 6 to 7 days before peeking. Minds as well learn patience now!
|
|
|
Post by docone31 on Jan 3, 2012 13:17:15 GMT -5
A little Borax helps. Just a little. The metallic grey does go into the solution in time. As a beginner, I will say to you, Never, Never, use corn meal as filler! It does great for a couple of days, then the mess begins. I had to retexture my walls. Not pretty. The main thing, is to keep tumbling, check and burp once a day. Back in the days of yore, there was mainly one grit and we tumbled it untill it was almost gone. Took about a month of steady grinding. Then the fine stuff.
|
|
jspencer
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2011
Posts: 929
|
Post by jspencer on Jan 3, 2012 17:48:10 GMT -5
In a rotary I pretty much use 1 tablesspoon per pound and add a teaspoon of Borax. In my vibe I use 1 teaspoon per lb. plus Borax. For final polish I use a slight bit more than grinding and go at least 5 days. But when beginning first stage make sure to burp the barrel after the 1st 24 hrs. Then check every couple of days.
|
|