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Post by rocking&earthing on Jun 2, 2014 0:07:07 GMT -5
Has anyone used or had luck with 46/70 extra course grit to polish agates/jasper in a 3lb rotary tumbler? I have ran 60/90 for the last 3 months and just now have enough to run a prepolish, But it has taken sooooooo long to get here. I just want to complete a batch. I'm collecting rocks faster that I can process/polish. I'm hoping that one run with 46/70 grit will reduce 60/90 grit to once or twice to smooth the edges/pits.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2014 6:15:30 GMT -5
One of the major issues with using such a course grit is that you may experience premature barrel failure. Dave
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Post by rocking&earthing on Jun 2, 2014 7:31:58 GMT -5
Thank you- I never even thought of that.
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,546
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Post by tkvancil on Jun 2, 2014 10:11:26 GMT -5
Three or four months is a normal rough grind time for me when tumbling agates in 60/90. I rushed my first couple batches, and although I liked them, I have had much better results by being patient. I understand the desire to get the first batch finished but your on the right track by taking the time to rough everything well. In the future, when budget allows, consider a larger tumbler. I feel like my 6# tumblers are faster and more aggressive than my 3# tumblers. And you can of course put more rock in and get more out. I'm totally addicted. Got two 6# and four 3# barrels running now and I want more.
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Post by pghram on Jun 2, 2014 10:44:05 GMT -5
I have used 46/70 in both 3lb & 6 lb lorton barrels. I did not notice any difference in the 3 lb barrel, maybe a little difference in the 6 lb. I doubt it will make much difference in the length of time of the course grind. You did well to keep it going for 3 months, you will be rewarded in the final result.
Rich
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Mattatya
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2012
Posts: 452
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Post by Mattatya on Jun 2, 2014 15:49:17 GMT -5
I use 46/70 on my 12# barrels and haven't noticed to much wear on them but they are old and worn out already lol. I get great results from 46/70 but I also move them to 60/90 after one or two rounds in 47/70. I haven't tried it on barrels under 12# but have heard it wears out a bit faster.
I feel I get faster results using 6# & 12# barrels when roughing with 60/90.
I found though that using grits steps from the same vendor helps out greatly to with my end polish results.
Looking forward to seeing your polishes.
Matt
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,456
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Post by Sabre52 on Jun 2, 2014 19:41:08 GMT -5
I've got an experiment going right now in my 12 pound rotary barrels. For some reason it seems to me the 60/90 was not cutting as well as it used to and was taking forever to round hard agate and pet wood. In addition it seems to me the 60/90 breaks down faster than it used to. Don't know if the composition has changed or what is going on. So I got me some bags of 46/70 and mixed it in half and half to see if I can speed the grind a bit. I know straight 46/70 when I tried it in the past, was tough on barrels and tended to not stick to the stones as well and kind of sink in the barrel. Guess I'll see how it works out in a few weeks.....Mel
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Post by 150FromFundy on Jun 2, 2014 20:19:12 GMT -5
I only use 47/60 in my Model B. I've been doing this for years and haven't worn out a barrel, or lid yet. In all likelihood, the 47/60 breaks down to 60/90 after a day, or two of tumbling anyways.
Before I got my Model B, I used 46/70 in my 3-pound barrels as well. I didn't notice any excessive barrel wear, but I did manage to wear through the plastic lids fairly regularly.
If you are using Thumler 3-pound barrels, put a decal or tape over the center of the plastic lid on the outside. The plastic lid will wear through at the center from the inside to the outside. The decal or tape will reduce a catastrophic slurry spill into a slow muddy leak. Learned it the hard way. This works!
Good luck.
Darryl.
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Post by rocking&earthing on Jun 3, 2014 5:38:15 GMT -5
Three or four months is a normal rough grind time for me when tumbling agates in 60/90. I rushed my first couple batches, and although I liked them, I have had much better results by being patient. I understand the desire to get the first batch finished but your on the right track by taking the time to rough everything well. In the future, when budget allows, consider a larger tumbler. I feel like my 6# tumblers are faster and more aggressive than my 3# tumblers. And you can of course put more rock in and get more out. I'm totally addicted. Got two 6# and four 3# barrels running now and I want more. I think that is what my husband is most afraid of me becoming totally addicted, LOL, Thank you for the support. I was starting to feel like I am getting no where.
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Post by rocking&earthing on Jun 3, 2014 5:43:36 GMT -5
I've got an experiment going right now in my 12 pound rotary barrels. For some reason it seems to me the 60/90 was not cutting as well as it used to and was taking forever to round hard agate and pet wood. In addition it seems to me the 60/90 breaks down faster than it used to. Don't know if the composition has changed or what is going on. So I got me some bags of 46/70 and mixed it in half and half to see if I can speed the grind a bit. I know straight 46/70 when I tried it in the past, was tough on barrels and tended to not stick to the stones as well and kind of sink in the barrel. Guess I'll see how it works out in a few weeks.....Mel Please keep me posted on the end result of your experiment and thank you for your input.
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