NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Feb 5, 2019 14:13:54 GMT -5
Good day,
I have a new Diamond Pacific MT-4 on the way (to replace my Rotary for Pre-Polish and Polish stages) , and purchased the model over the Lot-O for a couple (likely insignificant) reasons.
1) A bit Larger mouth opening. I will be ending up with larger rocks than 2.5" 2) No requirement to bolt the little guy down to the cement floor (or block)
Q1) Or not? Does anyone with the MT-4 (which has been around for a while now), actually need to bolt it down? Or does it kind of stay put?
Q2) Second question is on the subject of Borax. I am reading a book now from a rock tumbling authority, who states that a bit of Borax should be used in all Vibratory stages (starting with 120/220 and beyond)?
- Maybe I can get this off Amazon? ( Borax 20 Mule Team Detergent Booster, 76 Oz )? - I have read about Tide powder detergent working? I already have lots of that. What do you think? Could that work? - Also read about Ivory soap? I guess I could use a cheese grater on it, to make some powder.
Q3) Third question, tied to the prior here, is about disposal. Will the Borax create a bright white deposit once emptied out, during cleanings?
I am already trying to deal with a designated area in my back yard where I dump each Rotary stage out right now, and it is kind of a growing quagmire of grey gloom. I am not sure I can hide it as easily if it becomes a bright white color?
I apologize if these subjects are covered excessively elsewhere. I appreciate any advice. Thank you.
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Post by pauls on Feb 5, 2019 14:32:12 GMT -5
Don't dump the borax in your Garden, it is seriously poisonous to plants.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Feb 5, 2019 14:50:15 GMT -5
Mini sonic does not move around Borax is not needed in 120/220 but is used in all subsequent stages (one heavy tablespoon has worked good for me) I have been using one hole to dump all of my tumbling waste water and borax into for 7 years. I have nice grass two feet away that has never been affected. No white residue. The gray rock sludge and grit overpowers the white borax. A serious of settling buckets reduces the amount of sludge going into the yard hole. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/86350/36-weekly-clean-out-detailedI should add that after my burnish stage which is double the amount of borax I just do that clean out right in the sink. No need for that to be taken outside. Chuck
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Feb 6, 2019 12:43:00 GMT -5
Pauls: Thank you. I was researching Borax after posting yesterday, and also read this. And it will definitely impact my decision on where to dig the hole now.
Chuck: Wow, you come through again with another great response with much information I can take from it. That is great news that the MT-4 might not move much! I knew I would found out once it arrived, but I am pretty happy to hear this! I have read and bookmarked the other article which you previously posted about multi-stage settling buckets for clean outs. Someone has given me a good possible source for free 5-gallon buckets, and I have the garage space to implement this! Also, did not know that you could safely pour out the burnish stages directly down the drain of the garage sink. Super.
Another member sent me a PM, with pictures of a custom wooden lined pit which he built in his back yard, complete with lid. So, I appreciate the responses here, as the sludge pit is starting to alarm my wife.
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ivan
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2014
Posts: 165
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Post by ivan on Feb 6, 2019 13:07:43 GMT -5
Glad to hear that you're getting a handle on the questions you mentioned. The MT-4 is also great for finishing jewelry castings, an other metal components. It will polish SS, gold nuggets & jewelry up very nicely. But don't recommend doing it with the stones in place.
There are a number of dry medias also that can be used that will do a satisfactory job. You made an excellent choice. What I like is that you don't have to chase the tumbler around the work shop. It stays where you put it without having to anchor it down. Hope this helps? Keep us posted on your progress.
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Feb 6, 2019 13:45:34 GMT -5
Ivan: Thank you for also confirming that my new car, located in the garage with the tumblers, has nothing to fear from the Vibratory Tumbler! Great peace of mind that. Also, my tumbler (not brand new, but looks unused) will come with some dry media. I will not be needing this. Now, the outside of the containers say 14000 and 1700, but my untrained eye says they both look like the same media to me. If you are interested in them (free), please send me a PM with your address information, and I will ship them out to you. -Bill
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mjflinty
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2011
Posts: 356
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Post by mjflinty on Feb 6, 2019 14:00:21 GMT -5
I heart my MT-4. So much, I have 3 of them! Anyway, I want to add that you can find Borax at Walmart for cheaper than online. I like to use Borax in my polish stage and then a borax wash after polish.
Michael
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Post by parfive on Feb 6, 2019 15:03:27 GMT -5
@ NevadaBill Same media, but mixed with different grades of polish or pre-polish. Not unlike using plastic pellets in different stages – they’re the same size whether you put ‘em in with 500 or AO polish.
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ivan
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2014
Posts: 165
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Post by ivan on Feb 6, 2019 15:10:31 GMT -5
Ivan: Thank you for also confirming that my new car, located in the garage with the tumblers, has nothing to fear from the Vibratory Tumbler! Great peace of mind that. Also, my tumbler (not brand new, but looks unused) will come with some dry media. I will not be needing this. Now, the outside of the containers say 14000 and 1700, but my untrained eye says they both look like the same media to me. If you are interested in them (free), please send me a PM with your address information, and I will ship them out to you. -Bill PM Sent
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Feb 6, 2019 15:29:16 GMT -5
Ivan: Thank you for also confirming that my new car, located in the garage with the tumblers, has nothing to fear from the Vibratory Tumbler! Great peace of mind that. Also, my tumbler (not brand new, but looks unused) will come with some dry media. I will not be needing this. Now, the outside of the containers say 14000 and 1700, but my untrained eye says they both look like the same media to me. If you are interested in them (free), please send me a PM with your address information, and I will ship them out to you. -Bill Toss my name in the hat for the dry media if Ivan does not want it. Chuck
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NevadaBill
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,332
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Post by NevadaBill on Feb 10, 2019 12:22:39 GMT -5
Update: The dry polishing compound has been claimed. Thank you to anyone that PM'd me.
Also, thank you for all of the MT-4 advice which I received from those who PM'd me as well. I really appreciate it.
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