amanda1982
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2014
Posts: 1
|
Post by amanda1982 on Aug 26, 2014 14:23:33 GMT -5
Hi there my 7 yo daughter wants to get into rock tumbling and I am clueless as to where to start. Do I buy the rock tumbler that I see for 40-60 dollars at the toy store or will that just break after a few uses? Or do I spend a little more to get a better machine?if so where and what should I buy for a beginner . ( I should also note I'm in canada so some company's don't ship here). I've been looking at the forums but there is a lot of info and It's hard to sift through everything. So sorry if this has been asked before if it has and someone has a link to that I would appreciate it. Aswell as the machine I have seen that I need other grit is it included or is that all separate? Is there a special place that everyone gets rocks I am assuming the ones she finds around town are not great to use thanks in advance for the information I really appreciate it all. the confused mom ?
|
|
|
Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Aug 26, 2014 14:40:28 GMT -5
welcome to the forum. Coming here was the best first step you could make towards successful rock tumbling. Your budget and how much rock you want to tumble at a time will dictate what size tumbler and what quantity of grits to buy. I am not positive if this store ships to Canada but it is probably the best one stop shopping site around for your tumbler, grit and rough rocks. this is the main site www.therockshed.com/this is a link to the rotary tumblers. (The Lortone model 3A is one of the most common beginner tumblers around.) www.therockshed.com/tumbler4.htmlHere's their selection of rough rock to tumble. www.therockshed.com/crushedrock.htmlAs a quick example of grit usage a small 3 pound tumbler will use the following per batch. this example is for hard rough rock. if you start with smooth beach or river rocks the times and grit usage goes down. stage one 60/90 silicone carbide for 6-8 weeks at (3 tablespoons per week will need about 2 pounds total over the 6-8 weeks) stage two 120/220 silicone carbide for 1 week (3 tablespoons) stage three 500 aluminum oxide for 1 week (3 tablespoons) stage 4 aluminum oxide polish for one week (3 tablespoons) I am sure you will have way more questions after you get your tumbler. I guarantee the folks here will not let you down! chuck
|
|
|
Post by braders on Aug 26, 2014 18:45:18 GMT -5
Depending where you are from , your daughter may be able to collect stones that will turn out as beautiful as the area they were collected . Also there may be a member near by or has hounded your area that may give you a little hint of where to look . Finding the stone is half the fun I think and even better when ya got kids involved they are way closer to the ground and have better vision The stones she picks up her self will be very more rewarding ! Happy hunting and welcome aboard
|
|
Tom
fully equipped rock polisher
My dad Tom suddenly passed away yesterday, Just wanted his "rock" family to know.
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,557
|
Post by Tom on Aug 26, 2014 22:20:45 GMT -5
Hi what part of Canada are you from?
Tom
|
|
|
Post by pauls on Aug 27, 2014 2:37:46 GMT -5
Hi I can't help you with the machine or grits sorry, I am on the other side of the world. But I can offer you a bit of advice, to save disappointment remember when you put your rocks into the tumbler that Garbage in = Garbage out. In other words if you put a heap of ordinary pebbles in, you will after a while end up with a heap of polished ordinary pebbles. Go the extra mile for your daughter and get hold of a bit of nice material. The locals on this board can probably point you towards some good collecting areas close to where you are, there's nothing better than going to the river or beach or mountains with your daughter and collecting some great memories as well as beautiful stones.
Paul in Australia
|
|
moogie
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since December 2013
Posts: 77
|
Post by moogie on Aug 27, 2014 10:07:35 GMT -5
The most important thing I've learned is, don't be afraid to fail! They're rocks, not your kids or retirement savings. If your kiddos really want to try to polish a certain rock, let ' em do it! It might work, it might not, but it'll always be interesting. Go with the rotary, and just make sure you really hose down the barrel between grit sizes (not the motor part, I hasten to add). The other thing is that this project will teach your children patience, because it really does take longer than the manufacturers would have you believe...but that's OK!
|
|