mrdee0
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2018
Posts: 2
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Post by mrdee0 on Aug 20, 2018 8:38:43 GMT -5
Hello all.
As a child ive always loved the beach and pebbles and loved seeing crystals and rocks from around the world displayed in museums.
Whenever i had the chance to visit the beach I would bring home some rocks and pebbles.
i then discovered books about rock tumbling at the library as a child and I have always wanted a tumbler. Circumstances meant I never got one until now, around 30 years later!
I got a free pack of rocks with my new tumbler and into the first week of tumbling. on inspection the edges are smoothed somewhat. But the shapes are still square. Wondering if they should be round like pebbles or do they remain square with rounded edges.
also trying to find the best polishing powder. I’m in the UK and cerium is expensisive and alu oxide hard to track down. So many questions. But anyway this is my introduction!
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Post by Pat on Aug 20, 2018 9:12:24 GMT -5
Welcome from California! I'm not a tumbler, but there are many expert tumblers here on the forum.
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Post by MsAli on Aug 20, 2018 9:42:41 GMT -5
Welcome from California
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Post by Jugglerguy on Aug 20, 2018 10:10:14 GMT -5
Welcome from Michigan, USA.
Don't expect the first stage to be done in a week or whatever the instructions that came with the tumbler said. It usually takes a lot longer if you want nicely rounded rocks. Depending on the rough I'm starting with, the first stage can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. I go for perfectly rounded rocks with no flaws whenever possible, so I tend to run them long. Others are happy with less perfect rocks so they run them for less time. I inspect my rocks each week and pull out any rocks that are finished and put the rest back in for more tumbling, with more rough rock added to bring the rock level back up to about three quarters full. I only use my rotary tumblers for the first stage (then I move to a vibratory tumbler), so my first stage just goes on forever. When I have enough set aside to fill a barrel, I run the second stage.
As for polish, aluminum oxide is the best all around choice. It's much cheaper than tin oxide or cerium oxide and does a really nice job. I can't help you with where to get it in the UK, but aluminum oxide is what you should be looking for.
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mrdee0
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2018
Posts: 2
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Post by mrdee0 on Aug 20, 2018 15:38:30 GMT -5
Thanks for that. I will certainly keep it running and take out the ones I am pleased with until I have enough for a second stage. I have plenty of time to hunt for aluminium oxide so should hopefully find a supplier when I actually get to polishing. I also need to find some ceramic media to bring up the levels somewhat.
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Post by vegasjames on Aug 20, 2018 18:18:10 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum.
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Post by drocknut on Aug 20, 2018 19:24:17 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum from central Arizona
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Aug 20, 2018 22:59:01 GMT -5
Welcome from Northern Arizona!
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mgrets
spending too much on rocks
Member since February 2011
Posts: 321
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Post by mgrets on Aug 21, 2018 19:37:07 GMT -5
Welcome from Ohio!
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Post by TheRock on Sept 5, 2018 22:47:09 GMT -5
mrdee0 to RTH Forum from Duke in S/W Michigan
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