bbrooker88
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2022
Posts: 15
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Post by bbrooker88 on Nov 21, 2022 14:47:44 GMT -5
I've been tumbling/polishing a little more than a year now, shaping in rotary and using a vibe for 220-polish. I can achieve what I think are decently polished rocks, but I always wonder--what is the pinnacle of polish? Sometimes while the rock appears very glassy under a light, on close inspection I often see what looks like a dull, greasy film (even after rubbing in a cloth). I do finish with a 30-45min burnish, so I do think the surface it clean as possible.
Given that some rocks won't polish quite like others, and that high polish is subjective, the question is, how do you determine when you've gotten everything out of a rock that you can? I assume the best answer is experience.
Thanks!
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Post by Starguy on Nov 21, 2022 15:43:52 GMT -5
bbrooker88That’s an excellent question. I’m sure there are tests that can be performed but I usually just judge the polish visually. Everything is relative so I end up comparing to other rocks that I’ve finished. From experience, I know that Montana moss agate, and Bruneau Jasper take an excellent polish. If any other rocks polish even close to as good, I’m happy.
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Post by As I in does tries! on Nov 21, 2022 17:56:39 GMT -5
Greetings and Welcome from Bonnybridge, Scotland!
A 30-45min burnish is not long enough, what I would do is have a spare unused rotary barrel and run it for at least over night or a 24 hours if possible!
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bbrooker88
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2022
Posts: 15
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Post by bbrooker88 on Nov 21, 2022 18:34:03 GMT -5
Hmmm... an overnight burnish! I thought I had read somewhere that after a certain amount of time burnishing that you can actually end up ruining the polish. As I have nothing to lose I'll give that a go.
Thank you!
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Post by susand24224 on Nov 22, 2022 2:30:33 GMT -5
Years ago I bought some small popsicle affairs that were covered in leather. Not sure where they are, and not sure where I bought them, but the idea was to (with the assistance of silicon spray) put a small amount of polish on them that could then be rubbed against the rock. If the spot that was being rubbed took on more polish, it meant I could get a better polish if I ran the rocks in polish longer. This is the same sort of idea as using diamond paste on a leather wheel. I'm sure you could make one to try it out. Some other thoughts: (1) I've never had an extended burnish harm rocks, but I run the burnish phase with a fair amount of water and borax powder, so the rocks are sloshing around rather than the usual "tumbling." (2) Prior to installing a water softener, I had a very high content of minerals that adhered to everything, including rocks. This would come off with rubbing, but not if the rocks had dried. (3) a sonic jewelry cleaner will often help as well.
Hope this helps!
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Post by susand24224 on Nov 22, 2022 17:36:52 GMT -5
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