|
Post by spiceman on Jan 31, 2017 22:11:22 GMT -5
Help for a inexperienced tumbler. Trying to deside the best way to reduce the size of a rock so it can be tumbled.
When you have a large rock and a 3 lb tumbler the rock needs to be cut up or broke up.
There are good polnts and bad points for each one. which one works best for you and why?
|
|
|
Post by jakesrocks on Jan 31, 2017 22:44:33 GMT -5
Cutting produces far less fractured material.
|
|
|
Post by spiceman on Jan 31, 2017 22:53:16 GMT -5
Yes it does but the natural look is gone.
|
|
|
Post by captbob on Feb 1, 2017 0:29:10 GMT -5
Guess it depends on what you are after then.
|
|
|
Post by wigglinrocks on Feb 1, 2017 0:38:10 GMT -5
If you want to keep the natural look , a bigger tumbler is what yo need . Cut a rock , not natural . Bust it up with hammer and chisel , not natural .
|
|
ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
|
Post by ChicagoDave on Feb 1, 2017 8:09:33 GMT -5
I like breaking up my rocks with a hammer. The ones I cut on my tile saw looked a little "square". But, of course, you get less waste. I still prefer the hammer method. Plus it gives me a bunch of little pieces to use as filler. And it's a great thing to do after a stressful day.
|
|
|
Post by captbob on Feb 1, 2017 9:14:42 GMT -5
I think a combination of both is the way to go. jamesp has posted a bunch about cutting thick (like one inch thick) slabs then busting them up to make tumbles. It's all up there ^^ somewhere.
|
|
ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
|
Post by ChicagoDave on Feb 1, 2017 9:39:35 GMT -5
|
|
jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,158
|
Post by jamesp on Feb 1, 2017 10:03:02 GMT -5
Yes, unfortunately the large saw is required for that trick. However: Some rocks like bloodstone or flint ridge and other vein rocks come in large flat 'chips' that lend themselves to chipping from a slab like chunk. When ordering some agates, ask for flatter pieces. That can help a lot. Many times a supplier will sell the flat stuff cheaper. Less desirable for slabbing in many cases. Or- ask if supplier will sell 1 inch thick slabs.
|
|
Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
|
Post by Fossilman on Feb 1, 2017 12:40:32 GMT -5
I do them both,cutting more so......I also shape some of the busted material,if I see a certain pattern,I want to go with....
|
|
|
Post by spiceman on Feb 1, 2017 13:08:11 GMT -5
Thanks for all the input.
With very little to no hand eye coordination my fingers are getting flat. :) I started using a neumatic nailer, Palm nailer, no nails, the chisel is put in place of where the nail goes The air piston hits the chisel and works good. Still get fractured pieces like always. I still do both but the hammer Can ruin rocks and cutting doesn't. It sounds like 50/50 on how to break apart. Thanks
|
|
|
Post by wigglinrocks on Feb 1, 2017 13:14:47 GMT -5
How long have you been using the air nailer ? Great idea ! Curious to see how long it holds up , keep us updated .
|
|
tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,546
|
Post by tkvancil on Feb 1, 2017 23:54:12 GMT -5
I have been using a vise to break mine up. Tape a triangle shaped file to the jaw closest to the handle. Put rock in and snug it up. Wrap a rag around rock to contain any shrapnel. Tighten as much as possible by hand. If you line the file up with a fracture it will often break by hand tightening. If not hit the face of the jaw with an 8 oz. hammer. Do not put fingers between jaws. If rock don't break retighten and strike again. Warning, the vise will eventually be ruined. The benefit is far less new fractures and small chips.
|
|
|
Post by spiceman on Feb 2, 2017 19:31:44 GMT -5
That's a good idea...I will give that a try. Thanks Dale
|
|
|
Post by captbob on Feb 2, 2017 20:27:28 GMT -5
Howdy Dale, That box you just won in auction has some rocks in there that are pretty darn high value for busting up in a haphazard way to do anything less than an excellent tumble on. You may want to sit on that booty for awhile instead of just turning it into tumbler fodder. That was a good deal on some really quality rocks. sit on that booty - get it? I crack myself up ... arrrg!
|
|
|
Post by spiceman on Feb 2, 2017 20:46:19 GMT -5
Howdy Dale, That box you just won in auction has some rocks in there that are pretty darn high value for busting up in a haphazard way to do anything less than an excellent tumble on. You may want to sit on that booty for awhile instead of just turning it into tumbler fodder. That was a good deal on some really quality rocks. sit on that booty - get it? I crack myself up ... ::) arrrg! I agree with you, Capt.BoB but it took your post to make me realize that(I will sit tight). Thank you very much I still have a lot to learn. Have a good day Dale
|
|