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Post by tims on Dec 3, 2016 16:07:54 GMT -5
tims, I see a big issue. I have run the big 50lb unit for a few years and I predict you may have a problem. These things generate heat when running, and the rock load warms up. When you shut it off, the grit that has found its way into the cracks and holes in the rocks dries and turns to cement from the residual heat in the unit. The only remedy (short of possible using a high-pressure dry cleaning spot sprayer like a Babbs) is to start back at rough grind. I learned this the hard way. It's the bad part of vibratory units, the amount of babysitting they need. If you let the load dry out, you may as well plan on starting over. You can't shut the unit off and think "I'll rinse these off tomorrow". I'm OCD about babysitting, generally pop the top every 3-4 hours except if it runs overnight. Haven't run in summer yet so the load gets warm but never hot so far. jamesp i wish i knew more about motors, the $ difference between those motors is pretty huge for just the duty rating but maybe it's important enough to be worth the extra dough. Got my QT-12 and it's rolling with the same load plus a handful of new rough to fill it up. I hope the 20 Tbsp of grit (46/70) in the manual isn't total overkill like the Viking. I'll run one batch by the book and maybe start getting more creative from there, very interested in the clay etc. to try to speed things up.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,182
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Post by jamesp on Dec 3, 2016 18:03:20 GMT -5
Acquiring the vibe put a rotary in your hands, you won't need to babysit the rotary. They are passive compared to the vibe since they do't dry out. Makes tumbling easy and cheaper. Takes a long time and a lot of clean outs to use a vibe. Congratulations and happy rolling.
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39don
starting to spend too much on rocks
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DonsLapidaryArts
Member since February 2012
Posts: 225
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Post by 39don on Mar 3, 2017 1:19:26 GMT -5
39don used to do the same with coarse SiC and go straight to polish. Sugar rate may depend on settings too Jimi. Glad you got it dialed in. Hi Guys, I'm still doing the Sic 90 for 7 to 10 days then final polish, 2 teaspoons tin oxide, for 2 to 3 days. As a matter of fact I have a load of tiger eye going now,my first ever. I readjusted the off sets to .8, no crazing as yet but close. When running it this slow you can run it wetter with good rotation and good sic dispertion with only 1/2 cup sugar. [/quote] Hi Don. Hope all is well. Had to send for another motor for Viking @ a little $301. Dry bearing and apparently a bad starting winding. Still doing a 2 step eh ? Wonder if .8 will do obsidian ? I had success with obsidian a couple of times at about that setting. Had failures too. Had to go thru the grits to get a polish though. Never escaped a few bruises though.[/quote] I never let you guys know what happened with the Tigereye, having health issues again.........@ .8 adjustment tigereye came out very nice on some pieces, 1 face, but pitted/crazed up on other side. Retumbled after readjustment to .5 results no crazing but polish not close but not close enough. pulled off because those issues, gone through surgery in healing mode now. don
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,182
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Post by jamesp on Mar 3, 2017 5:33:12 GMT -5
Please get well Mr. Don. You are a great impetus. Especially at broad ranging coarse grit.
I had similar issues with the Vibrasonic dialed down to low settings, .8 was the lowest I tried. OK with finishing small soft rocks, but when mixed with 2 inch rocks they continually segregated to one side and frost crazed. Had to settle with 1.2 to get good mixing. That machine seems best for agates wood and other hard rocks. I think it is just a bit on the aggressive side for soft rocks, but spits out hard ones in a jiffy.
Again, please get well soon.
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Post by tims on Mar 3, 2017 5:41:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the updated Don. Good to hear you're on the mend and get well soon.
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