suzieq
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2016
Posts: 1
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Post by suzieq on Aug 15, 2016 22:08:08 GMT -5
I stumbled onto this site looking for tumbler reviews & recommendations. I have to admit I have a problem. I just got back from 3 days on a remote river, and I spent at least 4 hours a day with my feet in that river, and rocks in my hand. Dead to the world outside those rocks. Not the first time. Everyone thinks I'm a little bit crazy. But rock hunting is a perfectly zen activity to me. The incredible variances - each rock is its own galaxy. And... I have way too many rocks. So, I want to do a project, highlighting the natural beauty of the river rocks I love so much. But I know nothing about geology, other than a college class in 1987... This is a beginning hobby. I don't want to smooth them so much, not the beautiful rounded orbs. But rather to keep as much of their shape as I can. These are not gemstones or quartz or anything like that - well, who knows? Just rocks from rivers in WA State primarily. I just want the the colors and veining to look the way they did when I pulled it out of the river. Smooth them up a bit. Starting with the tumbler, and I'm thinking the vibration tumbler as it doesn't smooth it that much, which is cool for me. As stated, I am a true beginner here, so I hope I haven't wasted anyone's time! It's also nice to know I'm not crazy.
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Post by greig on Aug 15, 2016 22:47:43 GMT -5
It is a great hobby. Good luck!
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Post by vegasjames on Aug 16, 2016 0:37:02 GMT -5
I know very little about tumbling, but welcome to the forum.
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Post by Garage Rocker on Aug 16, 2016 7:07:29 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum! Yup, sounds like a vibe tumbler is what you need.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Aug 16, 2016 7:46:23 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum. Ask as many questions as needed. Vibe tumbler is the correct answer for what you are trying to accomplish. The only trick to tumbling rocks without fully smoothing them first is grit contamination. You will need to be extra careful to clean all of the grit from cracks and crevices in between stages to avoid coarse grit being dislodged in a later stage and scratching up the rocks.
Chuck
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Post by rockjunquie on Aug 16, 2016 10:33:58 GMT -5
Welcome from Virginia.
I don't tumble, but I was thinking maybe you could oil or wax your rocks to show off that wet look. I know some people oil agates. I've never done it, but you can find someone here who has done if you are interested.
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Post by accidentalrockhound on Aug 16, 2016 13:38:25 GMT -5
Dead to the world alone in your own universe! Time well spent,the tranquility of the isolation, an the sounds of the cool river, a little bit of heaven! Welcome from Colorado.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on Aug 17, 2016 9:15:18 GMT -5
Howdy and welcome!
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Post by mohs on Aug 17, 2016 17:53:25 GMT -5
Welcome To RTH
I don't have any suggestion on the smoothing part but some baby oil (or similar) rubbed on those stones will bring out certain shine that last quite awhile
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herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Aug 17, 2016 17:56:46 GMT -5
welcome from Colorado!
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