As you say Duke, folks are talking about many different routines they have for tumbling.
I'll not go into vibe tumbling as I don't use one. Start a new thread for any Lot-O how tos that you can't find in previous threads when you get to that point.
But for rotary tumbling, I'm not sure there is a wrong way. It is all about individual preference(s) and desired results.
I, and many here, have been doing this for years and years and years. Over time we learn what works for us and what we are willing to do to get our rocks from rough to polished.
There may not be a wrong way to tumble rocks (within reason) but there is a right way.
Right being/meaning most efficient.
This would be to do clean outs and/or grit recharges as the grit is losing it's ability to do what it is supposed to be doing. Obviously, grit breaks down as it is run in a barrel of rocks.
If you are doing the coarse grind (shaping) step using your coarse grit, the grit will break down to a point where it is no longer effectively grinding/shaping your rough stones.
To run the load beyond this point is (maybe not senseless, but) not your most efficient use of time and electricity.
If the grit has broken down past the point that it is being effective, do a clean out and change it or simply add more grit. Just adding more grit is called recharging and allows you to keep the developed slurry. Recharges are also a LOT easier & faster than a clean out. You can pull a few rocks out to check their progress, but no need to do a full clean out if they aren't ready to move to the next step.
You can also dump some of the existing slurry if it is getting too thick and just add some new grit and water.
You will learn these and many more time saving / corner cutting tricks as you get into this tumbling thing.
I do not tumble that way. (the most efficient way) And, sounds like many others don't as well.
I've become rather lackadaisical in my rock tumbling. Which is a main reason I don't use vibe tumblers.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still a perfectionist when it comes to creating "perfect" rocks when it's all said and done.
Just after so many years, I don't care how long it takes the rocks to get there.
If I let a barrel run for a month between checking the rocks or recharges or clean outs ... I don't care.
I say this ALL the time, and it probably sounds like poor rock tumbling practices to many. Especially people new to the hobby and excited about what is going on in the barrel and how the rocks are doing.
It is. My methods are NOT efficient, but read above - I don't care.
AND, the rocks don't care either.
I KNOW (with 90+ percent certainty) what is going on in the barrel. I'll get to them when I get to them.
If I'm tumbling rocks that require frequent checking on (like soft rocks) I'll do what needs doing.
But other than "special" rocks, I'm not going to plan my days around when I can do a clean out or play with the tumblers.
Nothing of that nature makes it on my schedule or on my calendar.
Maybe it is just that I'm kinda bored with rock tumbling. dunno ... don't care
I do still care about making "perfect" tumbled rocks. I still do that. Just don't do it in a quickness anymore.
You, being new to this and all, should have an enthusiastic approach and get 'er done attitude.
Check your rocks weekly, do clean outs when a recharge will suffice, go get em!
Kinda like when you get a new car... first 6 months, you wash it every week. After a year you may wash it once a month. 5 years later, you wash it when you think about it or if it's REALLY dirty. After 10 years, you figure it will rain eventually.
As you get into this hobby, post LOTS of pictures - we all enjoy seeing rocks!
Make 'em GOOD rocks. I'm sick and tired of biting my tongue when some newbie posts pictures of CRAP tumbled rocks!
Drives me up the wall when folks ooh and aah over sh*t rocks. That is not doing the beginner tumbler any favors. Say "nice try, but..." and tell 'em why their rocks are for crap. I sometimes do
if I think it's worth the effort. Usually it is not.
Don't worry, I'll tell ya if need be. You don't seem the sort that needs a participation trophy and a pat on the head.
I'm helpful that way!
And yes, the first sentence in your OP is me. I have a rock (singular) that has been in polish since June 15th.
don't care