walterdim
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2017
Posts: 1
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Post by walterdim on Jul 22, 2017 10:49:21 GMT -5
I'm brand new to this and have started the first step of polishing some beach stones I've collected over the years. My issue is that I'll be starting my second phase right before I go on a week and a half vacation. That means the second phase will be about 10 days. Should I have any worries, or should I just wait on the second phase until I get back?
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Post by captbob on Jul 22, 2017 11:04:50 GMT -5
Hello Walter and welcome to the forum. No worries about the rocks. There really isn't much downside to running rocks in a rotary tumbler longer. The effectiveness of the grit lessens as it breaks down, but the rocks won't care. I usually run step two in a rotary for weeks, recharging with fresh grit if/when I get around to it. Be sure the rocks are ready to move on to the 2nd step. Having 10 days to kill, I'd most likely run them in the coarse grit again - unless they are perfectly shaped, then go ahead and move them along. Make sure that the tumbler is somewhere that should the batch leak it won't cause any damage and that the tumbler is in a safe spot to run unattended. Don't want it up against the curtains or sitting under an old dried out Christmas tree! Enjoy your vacation, the rocks will be fine. Stop back in and visit when you get home. We would like to hear what you are tumbling and where ya went.
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Post by coloradocliff on Jul 22, 2017 12:42:02 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum and a Big Howdy from Colorado Walter
Plus 1 to what Bob said.. Another week in coarse is usually good. Many people run coarse for weeks or even months and especially if the rocks are hard like Montana agates etc. What kind of rocks you rolling? Agates from a beach on the Great Lakes or softer material like carnelian from the beaches of Oregon? Your grit will break down and shouldn't turn the rocks all into mud if they aren't something soft like rhyolite or sodalite. Since they are beach rocks they should be pretty hard. Also do come back from your vacation and tell us how the rocks looked. Lot of good people here that could make your tumbling more enjoyable and more interesting and fun for you, your family and friends. Cliff .
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