taurus
off to a rocking start
Member since June 2019
Posts: 1
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Post by taurus on Jun 25, 2019 14:49:18 GMT -5
Hello all!
I recently started tumbling rocks. I did my first batch through all the stages. After the final stage of polishing, the rocks came out very dry and very bland. They are not polished at all! I'm scared if I keep tumbling them I will ruin them even further. Is there anything to fix this or is this a lost cause? If this is a lost cause then what would you suggest I do with the stones because I feel it would be a waste to just throw them out. Also, what are some tips you would give me for future batches?
Thank you!
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hnhstngs
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2018
Posts: 93
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Post by hnhstngs on Jun 25, 2019 15:35:31 GMT -5
Hello and welcome to the forum!
First a couple questions so we have some idea of where you are in the tumbling process and can give you better feedback.
What kind of tumbler do you have (rotary or vibratory)? What kind of rock did you tumble? What "stages" did you go through in tumbling (grits used, length of time at each grit)
Rocks are almost never a lost cause unless they just get too small to tumble. Heck, I just re-ran most of a batch because I didn't like the way they came out. Tumbling is a game of patience. Took a looooong time to make the rock and it will take a little time to change 'em to look the way we want. Don't lose heart and don't give up. You've found the best place for support and information.
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Post by captbob on Jun 25, 2019 15:42:56 GMT -5
Dry and bland as in a matte finish? Some rocks won't (ever!) take a shine. Type of rocks you were tumbling would be my main question. Then did you tumble them long enough. Did they change shape and become rounded? Some instruction guides may say to run them a week in each stage. That is simply not enough. As hnhstngs said: What "stages" did you go through in tumbling (grits used, length of time at each grit) Give us some more details and we'll figure this out!
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victor1941
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2011
Posts: 1,975
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Post by victor1941 on Jun 25, 2019 16:30:27 GMT -5
Taurus, did you use different sized rocks and media to promote tumbling? Once you identify what you did members of this forum will direct you toward success.
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MommaGem
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2019
Posts: 312
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Post by MommaGem on Jun 25, 2019 16:38:03 GMT -5
Don't stress - it's okay! The polishing part is kind of an "art" and takes some practice, but unless you tumbled stones that won't take a polish - batches can be saved, for sure.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Jun 25, 2019 16:42:45 GMT -5
Looks like you've got some our best jumping in to help you out. Take a minute to answer their questions, and they will set you on the path to success! I just have a question... Is taurus your astrological sign, what you drive, or what you shoot? I am forever curious, lol. Welcome to the forum from So Cal. You will have fun and get much great information here.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 25, 2019 16:44:16 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum! I don't think I can help, but as has been said, some rocks won't polish. Also, DON"T THROW THEM OUT. You can always start them over.
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gatorflash1
spending too much on rocks
Active in Delaware Mineralogical Society, Cabchon Grinding and Polishing, 2 Thumlers B's and a UV-18
Member since October 2018
Posts: 375
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Post by gatorflash1 on Jun 25, 2019 18:02:55 GMT -5
Please advise as to your tumbling technique and if possible post some pictures of the rocks after the polish stage. I experienced similar difficulties when I first starting to learn how to tumble rocks. The biggest error I made was believing the instructions stating one week for each stage. It was too simplified for most of the rocks I like to tumble, agates, jasper, etc.
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Post by Pat on Jun 25, 2019 19:12:00 GMT -5
You have my sympathy. When my first batch wasn’t done by nightfall, I knew tumbling was not for me.
However, many true experts are here on the forum.
Welcome from California!
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