rockcat11
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2017
Posts: 176
|
Post by rockcat11 on Jan 14, 2018 10:56:21 GMT -5
I just placed an order from the gem shop, inc. I am getting a pound of Wildhorse Picture Jasper, a pound of Eden valley petrified wood, and a pound of Noreena Jasper. Only problem is they are in one big chunk and I tumble, so I have to break them down. What's the best way to go about this?
|
|
|
Post by spiceman on Jan 14, 2018 11:05:12 GMT -5
A big hammer and a sock to put the rock in. That way the pieces of the rock don't go everywhere.
|
|
|
Post by rmf on Jan 14, 2018 14:21:38 GMT -5
I just placed an order from the gem shop, inc. I am getting a pound of Wildhorse Picture Jasper, a pound of Eden valley petrified wood, and a pound of Noreena Jasper. Only problem is they are in one big chunk and I tumble, so I have to break them down. What's the best way to go about this? @rockcat11 I like a 3# hammer with a long handle or a 16# sledgehammer (double jack for the miners here). Wear gloves (I prefer leather for rocks) and long sleave shirt and safety glasses. Oh yes one more thing hard toed boots/shows are good protection from yourself if you are using a hammer. I have never used a sock or burlap bag to keep things from flying but they are good ideas. I use 5 gal buckets around the perimeter of where I am cracking, to keep the debris from going too far then use a broom and shovel for cleanup. If you are anywhere close to Chattanooga TN, I have a rock crusher. It is much easier than hand cracking.
|
|
gemcrusty
starting to shine!
Member since January 2018
Posts: 38
|
Post by gemcrusty on Jan 23, 2018 22:54:12 GMT -5
A big hammer and a sock to put the rock in. That way the pieces of the rock don't go everywhere. Wow that is brilliant and so simple, I have to clean up so much rock/dust it takes away from my hunting lol
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Jan 24, 2018 13:30:44 GMT -5
The chips that fly can be dangerous so do cover with something. Old denim or towel works well.
|
|
|
Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Jan 24, 2018 15:01:43 GMT -5
I suppose the sock method or covering with denim will work fine for a few pounds. I usually wait till I have 40-50 pounds before I get around to busting stuff up so its all about getting it done not about finesse. This link will show how I go about it. Like others have said safety first. Long pants, Long shirt good boots and safety glasses. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/80309/time-make-more-tumbling-roughChuck
|
|
|
Post by aDave on Jan 24, 2018 15:16:42 GMT -5
|
|
kevin24018
spending too much on rocks
Member since February 2012
Posts: 284
|
Post by kevin24018 on Jan 24, 2018 16:43:00 GMT -5
I just placed an order from the gem shop, inc. I am getting a pound of Wildhorse Picture Jasper, a pound of Eden valley petrified wood, and a pound of Noreena Jasper. Only problem is they are in one big chunk and I tumble, so I have to break them down. What's the best way to go about this? I use a tile saw and break it down into smallish, thick slabs, basically it's flat on both sides, you can then use a chisel or nail in the center and break it that way, less waste and you have a bit of size control if that's what you are after, otherwise, like everyone else has said cover it and smash.
|
|