notfragile
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2021
Posts: 19
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Post by notfragile on Apr 7, 2022 18:34:18 GMT -5
When I started this hobby, it was with a simple Lortone 3A. At first, things were good and I made some shinies.
But then I realized that while the 3A is a good tumbler, it's very small, and it takes a very long time to get only a few shinies.
So then I bought a QT-12, and things were good...for a while. But then I realized that batch tumbling wasn't very efficient, used a LOT of grit and I wasn't completely happy with the finish I was getting. It was good, mind you, but not great.
And then I did some research into vibes, bought a Mini-Sonic and switched my QT-12 to continuous coarse grinding only. I am very happy with the Mini-Sonic, it works quickly with a minimum of grit. It works so well that I quickly finished all the stockpiled rocks ready to advance to the next stage...in fact, my QT-12 is not keeping up with the Mini, mainly because I'm a perfectionist and my rocks tend to spend a very long time in coarse. My Mini has sat idle for the last 10 days waiting on enough material to make up a load. I can't be having with that nonsense!
So today another QT-12 showed up on my doorstep (thanks Shawn!) and is busily rumbling away...you know where this is going, right?
Here's a semi-crappy picture of some Bots, just because.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Apr 7, 2022 18:37:23 GMT -5
Pretty bots! Your next stage of addiction is to get a grinder so you can grind imperfections off your rocks before you put them in coarse.
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Post by MsAli on Apr 7, 2022 18:45:40 GMT -5
Or a trim saw so you can cut larger rocks into smaller rocks and then you'll need a larger saw to cut even bigger rocks
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notfragile
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2021
Posts: 19
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Post by notfragile on Apr 8, 2022 1:04:21 GMT -5
A flat lap is probably next...already have a 10" saw and I use it to knock off the worst bits, but of course I want a bigger one.
So down the rabbit hole I go, trailing the smell of smoldering credit card plastic...feeling sorta like Major Kong riding the H-bomb down in Dr. Strangelove.
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Benathema
has rocks in the head
God chased me down and made sure I knew He was real June 20, 2022. I've been on a Divine Mission.
Member since November 2019
Posts: 703
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Post by Benathema on Apr 8, 2022 3:50:23 GMT -5
I'm getting deja Vu, but like, I don't own a vibe yet.
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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 8, 2022 8:03:05 GMT -5
A flat lap is probably next...already have a 10" saw and I use it to knock off the worst bits, but of course I want a bigger one. So down the rabbit hole I go, trailing the smell of smoldering credit card plastic...feeling sorta like Major Kong riding the H-bomb down in Dr. Strangelove.Ummm...this needs to be a contender for post of the year! LOL Congrats on the new toy equipment! The Bots look amazing!
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nursetumbler
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2022
Posts: 952
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Post by nursetumbler on Apr 8, 2022 11:23:26 GMT -5
I only wish I had a garage, basement or she shed that I could set everything up. Alas I only have a 4x8 enclosed tag trailer to set up in. ☹️ Someday!!!!
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Post by perkins17 on Apr 8, 2022 11:40:04 GMT -5
Sounds similar to how I started! That's awesome for you. Enjoy your step up in capacity!
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Prov
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2020
Posts: 116
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Post by Prov on Apr 11, 2022 18:42:59 GMT -5
Don't call me out like that!
I think I'm going to get an ultrasonic cleaner next to relieve me of my cleaning duties. But I do want a saw... or maybe a flat lap...
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