|
Post by Peruano on Feb 6, 2021 11:02:19 GMT -5
I have recently added another important factor to loading my vibratory tumbler when running slabs and processed slabs. If everything is the load is largely flat (slabbed material), and or slabs with fine filler, the load tends to grip along flat surfaces and inhibit the oscillation that is necessary for maximal work efficiency. The rocks are jiggling but not really churning as I want for maximal grit exposure and penetration of concavities. I adjusted my present load by taking out a couple of the biggest stones (these were not necessarily slabs, but rather end cuts off of pet wood specimens). This was thinking the load was too heavy. No improvement in this case. Sometimes reduced movement is because the system is too dry (not so in this case). Loads always move better after a few hours as there are fewer really rough edges to slow movement relative to other stones. So, I went to the outside rock yard and found a bunch of beach pebbles (all mostly rounded, but still hard material). I added about a cup or 1.5 cups to my load that I already thought was adequately heavy and sure enough after a couple of minutes the movement of the barrel changed to a better oscillation and circulation. Mind you I had some granular filler (small ceramics and granular peridote gravel), but perhaps not enough and not big enough to really effectively space the slab=like material. We will see what the movement is in a couple of hours or after an additional overnight run. I sort of knew everything that I've said above but this was an in your face change in the vibe action that seemed to deserve comment for those who load the vibratory tumblers with slabbed or cabbed material with lots of flat areas. FYI and comment.
|
|
Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
|
Post by Fossilman on Feb 6, 2021 11:14:40 GMT -5
Great idea!
|
|
|
Post by miket on Feb 6, 2021 13:17:29 GMT -5
Let us know how this turns out, Tom,if you would. I polish my cabs in the vibe and even though I use ceramics the flat sides stick together sometimes...
|
|
|
Post by HankRocks on Feb 6, 2021 13:45:13 GMT -5
Peruano I tumble Pre-forms and larger slabs. Everything is in the Rotary(Model B) until the Polish Stage, then UV-18 Vibratory. My Coarse stage consists of 60-70% slabs and 30-40% small trim scraps and pebbles. I also add maybe 2 or 3 cups of used slurry." They are there for cushioning and for as an aide for grinding. At cleanout I do notice a few of the slabs "stuck" together and decided it's impossible to prevent and probably does not affect the outcome significantly. My theory is that as long as there is unbroken down grit available, it will be between slabs and will be grinding as the slabs move, even if slightly. In polish and pre-polish stages any grit between the flat surfaces are doing their job. Even "stuck" flat surfaces are moving with all the grit in between doing it's work. One other thing I do that as the load decreases as it progresses from stage to stage, I backfill with previously polished smalls. Henry
|
|