matt2432
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2014
Posts: 171
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Post by matt2432 on Dec 27, 2014 21:20:54 GMT -5
How long would you run the 80 grit for to skip the 220 stage? That 80 grit is a heck of a lot cheaper, especially if you could skip a stage with it... gonna have to spend some of that Christmas money, lol
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Post by captbob on Dec 28, 2014 1:29:54 GMT -5
Hi Matt, welcome to the forum. Sorry, but there really isn't an answer to your question other than something vague like "until it's ready". Depends on the type of rocks and even the type of tumbler. I have run either 80 or 60/90 cycles and skipped 220 several times, but there's no set date to move on.
You would run your coarse grit through several cycles (probably a few months - depending on the rock) and then when you're happy with the shape of your rock just let the coarse grit keep running. It will break down to a pre-polish (500 or even finer) if you let it run long enough. There are old threads here where folks have gone from the coarse grit straight to polish just by letting the final coarse cycle run - and run, and run.
I've had batches of rock that I know I could have done that with, yet still did a 500 grit run just 'cuz.
Sorry I can't give you a specific time frame.
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hornseeker
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2014
Posts: 268
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Post by hornseeker on Dec 29, 2014 13:16:51 GMT -5
Well... I have finished this batch... Not to say I wont be running a few of them again to modify them a bit, but overall, i am super happy with my first batch of polished rocks ever!
I will say this... I am surprised at how much grit and polish I used... that could end up a spendy venture, but its worth it!! I am actually going to start a new thread about grit and saving some money there...
I will get pics uploaded today and update this thread! Thanks everyone for the help throughout this process!
Ernie
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