unclem
starting to spend too much on rocks
Me
Member since August 2012
Posts: 119
|
Post by unclem on Aug 7, 2012 10:53:53 GMT -5
I have been looking at you all's stuff and decided to run a batch my self and see if I could even get close to your level of expertise. So here goes! I will be adding pics as this progress's. here is my barrel. Lortone QT12 this is my rough.. an eclectic mix of brecciated~ stuff, Iris agate, Youngite, and some butts/heels or what ever the technical term is for that first cut. :cheesy: bout 4 days I did took a look and cleaned out culls and add fresh 80 grit I use 2 classifier screens, they fit into the top of a five gallon bucket and work really well when I get down to using plastic pellets. Removed culls going back in.. fresh mix and bout 7/8 lbs
|
|
riverrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2010
Posts: 1,395
|
Post by riverrock on Aug 7, 2012 17:02:58 GMT -5
It looks like you have a good mix of stone. keep up with the posting and remember let them go for a week in all stages. and wash with borex or ivory soap after each stage . And this is the best web site i been too to get info. Everyone here has lots of info are are willing to share it. i have only been here for two years or so. Lots to learning to go. Have fun.
|
|
herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
|
Post by herchenx on Aug 7, 2012 18:13:14 GMT -5
Yeah, let that grit run a little longer, I let mine go at least 10 days. Personally I only use soap at the end of polish but more never hurt!
Keep posting the pics, nice to see the progress.
I just bought 2 classifiers and LOVE them - they seem to be the same as yours (purple w/ steel wire)
|
|
rockingthenorth
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2012
Posts: 1,637
|
Post by rockingthenorth on Aug 7, 2012 18:34:14 GMT -5
I use borax in between grits because if there are holes or any cracks it gets the grit out better than just rinsing with water
|
|
unclem
starting to spend too much on rocks
Me
Member since August 2012
Posts: 119
|
Post by unclem on Aug 7, 2012 18:40:58 GMT -5
Yes them screens make cleanup so much nicer and a lot less mess. I looked like a bomb went off in kitchen before I got these. Now every thing ends up in a five gallon bucket and get tossed out in the weed patch. I have heard some folks say that you must careful that the metal don't scratch in the polish step. I haven't noticed any thing yet.
|
|
|
Post by paulshiroma on Aug 11, 2012 23:15:50 GMT -5
Very cool, Unclem! Looking forward to seeing your tumbles! Paul
|
|
unclem
starting to spend too much on rocks
Me
Member since August 2012
Posts: 119
|
Post by unclem on Aug 15, 2012 22:04:16 GMT -5
First turn ~ I almost wanted to put in a fresh grit and let them do another run. But I am am still learning so I changed out the mix and started stage 2 ? I want to figure this out some day! end of stage 1
|
|
|
Post by susand24224 on Aug 15, 2012 23:15:06 GMT -5
I don't remember your "raw" photos--but unless they were really rounded they would have required more than one run in the first grit. Many require months. But no harm done, if they aren't as rounded as you would like, or there are pits, cracks or other blemishes,you can always go back to 60/90. Also, it is rare that all rocks in a batch are ready to move on to the next stage at the same time.
Caveat: If you want your rocks more "natural" looking, one run through 60/90 may get you there.
|
|
unclem
starting to spend too much on rocks
Me
Member since August 2012
Posts: 119
|
Post by unclem on Aug 16, 2012 10:51:08 GMT -5
Good to know. This is where I am more than likely not getting a good start. I ran this for 10 days with 80 grit. I see this 60/90 a lot, is this mix of 60 to 90 grits or anything between these to abrasives? And raw photo's are above ^ maybe I will run these for several week with the 220 and if not where I want them I may redo the 80 grit for another round? Thanks For the input.
|
|
fwfranklen (Mike)
spending too much on rocks
Rock-ON--Have you kissed your rock today?
Member since August 2012
Posts: 379
|
Post by fwfranklen (Mike) on Aug 16, 2012 11:22:47 GMT -5
60/90 includes grit sizes from 60 to 90. Sized grit of a specific grit is usually a little more costly and was meant for viberating flat laps. the multi sized grit is a little cheaper then the sized grit and is meant for tumblers viberating or rotating. You are ok with 80 grit I used it when I gave up my viberating flat lap.
Mike
|
|
|
Post by Toad on Aug 17, 2012 15:31:12 GMT -5
Definitely needs another run or three in 80 grit (or 60/90). Plus a few larger pieces will help the tumbling action. When they are all close to the same size the tend to lock together like a puzzle and slow the tumbling action. Very cool looking mix.
|
|