wizzykin
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2017
Posts: 22
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Post by wizzykin on Apr 2, 2017 15:22:46 GMT -5
OK - I'm editing this a bit. I'm pretty sure the tumbler I have is the same as the national geographic one, but with different graphics. In other words - it would be a 2 lb barrel.
So I've got a bunch of agate rocks from Brazil and I'm ready to have my son start our own load that's not a refill pack. I'm going to fill 2/3 full with rock, water to the bottom level of the top layers of rocks (as suggested to me in another thread), but how much rough? Reading tutorials I'm seeing 2 level table spoons per pound of rock as sort of a guide line for the barrel size.
Is each stage the same amount of grit or do I base the grit amount of the type of grit/stage?
Also - does anyone know why the refill packs for these systems come with 1 lb of rock that's not enough to even fill the container properly? Why would they sell packs that don't properly work with their tumbler? Am I missing something?
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Post by youp50 on Apr 3, 2017 5:28:29 GMT -5
I am far from an expert, but I will try to help.
How much rough? I think you are confusing the term grit with rough. Rough is what the rocks are also called. They may also be called 'tumbling rough'.
The rocks (rough) should be of different sizes. The drum level of rocks you specify should be ok.
I am not sure on the amount of grit to tell you to use. Two tbs should be ok. There seems to be a theory on this site that the companies are that sell the grit are the ones telling you how much to use. Common-sense would indicate too much grit wastes money and too little grit wastes time. I do know you should keep notes on what you do, grit breaks down fast, and you need to form a slurry.
To deal with grit breakdown, I add a tbs of grit mid week. But maybe I should add two. Keeping notes, I am, to see what I like.
To aid in slurry formation, I am using cat litter. I had some from another use. My camp has good red clay. I will be gathering some and substituting that for the litter. I do know you need to keep an eye on slurry thickness. Cat litter is designed to absorb water, you may need to add water at first. For a long time people did nothing to aid in slurry formation. People experimenting and sharing their results can make a difference.
I think too few of rocks in a package is why the canned vegetables are less than 16 ounces, a pound package of bacon is likely no longer a pound. Not sure if it could be called corporate greed, it is driven by the bottom line though.
You may find out agates are not done in a week. A clean out and recharge is probably whats needed.
I wish you the best with your son. If no one has ever told you this, let me be the first. "Blink twice and they are grown and gone" You only get one childhood with them.
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Post by youp50 on Apr 3, 2017 5:32:24 GMT -5
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wizzykin
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2017
Posts: 22
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Post by wizzykin on Apr 3, 2017 14:31:07 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply. We started our first "custom" load today.
Little nervous since it's our first "real" load. Grit seemed like a lot, putting it in - but I stuck with about 2 tbsp per lb.
I'll try to post some pictures of how full I filled the barrel and how much water I put in. I managed to fit in a little under 2 lbs of rock, leaving enough room for rock movement. 2 lbs was definitely too much. I then did 3 1/2 tbsp of course grit and we set it on speed 3 for 7 days. I figure we'll empty it completely, take note of how it looks... Then set aside rocks that look ready, and put rocks that don't back in with new rocks from the same bag.
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Post by wigglinrocks on Apr 3, 2017 14:52:36 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply. We started our first "custom" load today. Little nervous since it's our first "real" load. Grit seemed like a lot, putting it in - but I stuck with about 2 tbsp per lb. I'll try to post some pictures of how full I filled the barrel and how much water I put in. I managed to fit in a little under 2 lbs of rock, leaving enough room for rock movement. 2 lbs was definitely too much. I then did 3 1/2 tbsp of course grit and we set it on speed 3 for 7 days. I figure we'll empty it completely, take note of how it looks... Then set aside rocks that look ready, and put rocks that don't back in with new rocks from the same bag. One tbsp. of coarse grit per lb of rock is usually a good starting point .
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Apr 3, 2017 15:30:57 GMT -5
There is nothing to be nervous about. I've always filled my barrels about 75% full. Added water until it's about 1/2" below the level of rocks. 2 tablespoons of course grit per pound of rock. Run for a week. Check barrel. If there is a bunch of grit left, you can let it run longer next time or use less. Repeat. This isn't rocket science. None of these numbers are "have to be". Play around and see what works best for your size tumbler.
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Post by youp50 on Apr 3, 2017 16:44:54 GMT -5
Be nervous, get your son anticipating the out come. He will learn patience from your ability to see this through. Its really only rocks, what can you do to ruin them?
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rastageezer
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 169
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Post by rastageezer on Apr 3, 2017 17:29:59 GMT -5
Err on the light side with grit and tumble longer........clean out and repeat.
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Post by pauls on Apr 3, 2017 19:19:24 GMT -5
I don't know how many people on this board are tumbling rocks but I bet every single one of them does something different to everyone else. Its not an exact science, have a go and have fun.
Take no notice of the week in each stage instructions, by all means open up after a week and fish out a few to have a look, then put them back. Being tough old Brazil Agate they will be only just starting to show some rounding of the corners, add a bit more grit and get em going again. Repeat. Repeat etc.
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