timloco
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2012
Posts: 545
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Post by timloco on Feb 9, 2013 11:46:53 GMT -5
OK, now for part 2. How do you clean your slabs up? I've tried Simple Green, BioGreenClean, plain dish washing detergent... That Biogreenclean works pretty good. Anyone have a favorite process or degreaser?
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sheltie
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2012
Posts: 982
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Post by sheltie on Feb 9, 2013 14:02:15 GMT -5
Great question and I bet you get many different answers.
I put my slabs into a degreaser solution that I buy at WalMart and leave them in there for at least two days. Following that, I place them in a dishwasher rack outside for another day and then bring them into the house to clean them with soap and water. Generally, they are almost oil free by that time, but occassionally they need more time to divest themselves of residual oil.
I tried oil litter (like kitty llitter) but didn't like what it did to the surface of the slab. I'm sure it makes no difference at all but to me it was just unappealing as it turned the surface a dull "color".
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RockIt2Me
has rocks in the head
Sometimes I have to tell myself, "It's not worth the jail time."
Member since December 2009
Posts: 668
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Post by RockIt2Me on Feb 9, 2013 14:17:04 GMT -5
I throw mine into a bucket of warm water and degreaser or Dawn. I then take them to the deep sink and clean with a toothbrush loaded with Dawn and hot water. I sometimes have to clean them twice. The kitty litter route is too messy and takes too long for me....I need immediate gratification.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,178
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Post by jamesp on Feb 9, 2013 17:25:01 GMT -5
I rub them down with pure Dawn then leave them on black rubber pond liner in full sun and weather exposure for months..
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Post by Peruano on Feb 9, 2013 18:02:29 GMT -5
I let them drain to recover a few drops of oil and then after wiping them with the rag of the day, I slide them into the kitty litter. Lapidary is one of a few hobbies that can make poking through kitty litter have positive rewards. Its always a surprise the next day to find out what you put in there the day before. Then a quick rinse in soapy water and rinse and into storage compartments. The kitty litter is doing 90% of the work and the dust is easy to rinse off. I find it nice to have around for the occasional oil drip on the floor as well. Oh and that oily rag or two that is generated every day, that is the fire starter for the wood stove on the morrow. Did I mention my hands stay soft as well. Tom
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Post by phil on Feb 9, 2013 18:37:12 GMT -5
We just use hot water and dawn dish detergent.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Feb 9, 2013 18:39:51 GMT -5
I use same as Nancie and Phil - hot water, Dawn detergent, and a brush. Never tried the kitty litter, but can see where that would be a mess. Jean
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Post by kap on Feb 9, 2013 22:25:37 GMT -5
What kind of oil are you using? I use mineral oil and after the cut I put it in soapy water let them set until the next day and put them in the kitty litter. Pull them out no more oil. To get rid of the powder left on them from the litter just put them in a bucket of water and it comes off.
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Post by bobby1 on Feb 9, 2013 23:25:55 GMT -5
I wipe the excess oil off with a rag, slide them into kitty litter for a day, pull them out, wipe the "dust" off and wash the litter off in soapy water. I never have a dull color on them. I do have to keep an eye on my cats. Sometimes they confuse which one is theirs. What a surprise! Bob
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The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
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Post by The Dad_Ohs on Feb 10, 2013 0:21:49 GMT -5
I use 1 cup simple green and water in a 5 gallon bucket in my shed, filled no more than 1/3... no hot water there, but that's ok, let them soak for a day or two, take them over by the hose and place them on upside down garbage can and scrub with brush, rinse and let dry in the sun.. in an hour they go right into my storage boxes and are ready go to!!
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