ln777
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2012
Posts: 3
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Post by ln777 on Aug 11, 2012 15:10:01 GMT -5
I do not have rock tumbling equipment but I would like to get some rocks smoothed and polished. Does anyone have any recommendations to where to go on Long Island ?
Thanks
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Aug 11, 2012 22:03:12 GMT -5
Um. . . I don't have that much experience, but I think you're probably going to have a hard time with that. I've never heard of any tumbling services per se. Are you looking to have one or two larger rocks polished up, or do you have a bunch of little ones you want shiny?
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Post by paulshiroma on Aug 11, 2012 23:05:37 GMT -5
You might be able to find the local club and work out something with one of the members. They're certain to have the equipment. Also, welcome to the forum!
About where on Long Island are you? I was born in Floral Park but we moved when I was three to California. We used to visit periodically as we had friends there. Eventually, everyone we knew had moved to different parts of the county.
Paul
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ln777
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2012
Posts: 3
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Post by ln777 on Aug 12, 2012 14:05:51 GMT -5
Thanks for the feed back. I have several large rocks, little bit larger than softballs.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Aug 12, 2012 14:38:03 GMT -5
Larger than softballs is a bit larger than 99% of us are equipped to tumble. I can't speak from experience, but I imagine they could be smoothed and polished by hand on a bull wheel or large expando drum but would be time consuming.
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Post by deb193redux on Aug 13, 2012 14:58:42 GMT -5
Yes, I agree with Randy. You could only begin to handle rocks that size in a 40lb or larger vibe, or in a 5 gallon or larger rotary tumbler. You might get one in with lots of small filler in a 12lb of 15lb barrel.
If they are nearly round, you might send them to a sphere maker.
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
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Post by peachfront on Aug 13, 2012 19:37:09 GMT -5
Way more time consuming than the average non rock person would be willing to pay. They would think they were being cheated. I know of an even worse case where the non rock person did not understand that rock loses size (half its size to get really smooth and perfect, as they had requested) and they accused the person who did all the work of cheating them.
For my money, I'm not gonna tumble rocks for other people unless they are themselves rock people who actually understand what's going on -- and most of those people have their own tumblers. Non rock people think you should charge 'em a buck or maybe do it for free. The sphere maker is actually a good idea if people were really to pay what it costs because you could end up with something really special -- but, again, this only works if the person requesting the work has an honest understanding of how much work it is to make a sphere. It's a LOT!
I'm not saying that you won't find somebody to take the job, I'm just explaining why it will be surprisingly hard to find somebody. Might be more practical to do some tumbling yourself and see how you like it, but it's a long term project as you will want to learn on smaller rocks.
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Post by connrock on Aug 14, 2012 7:38:41 GMT -5
Another point is that there are rocks that can be polished and there are rocks that are VERY difficult if not impossible to polish. I myself wouldn't take on a project like this but if I did agree to it,I would first want to know exactly what type of rock(s) you have? Most non-rock people don't have a clue as to what type of rock(s) they have and have no idea of how to identify them.
I know that you're probably not very happy about the replies we've posted but we're only trying to tell you the truth of the matter.
You've got a real challenge there and being that I live in CT,,,if I could do the rocks for you and they were "doable" ,,I would do them free of charge! Good luck with your rocks,,
connrock
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hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Aug 14, 2012 13:49:10 GMT -5
FYI, here's a link to the Eastern Federation Member Society directory page: www.amfed.org/efmls/clubs.htm#New%20YorkBy far the easiest, most economical and fulfilling way to get your rocks polished is to find a mentor/teacher, and learn to do it yourself. You'll do that at a club, and a lot more! Good luck! Kris
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ln777
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2012
Posts: 3
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Post by ln777 on Aug 14, 2012 22:48:16 GMT -5
Thanks again for all the suggestions
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