dianes
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2022
Posts: 9
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Post by dianes on Dec 27, 2022 11:24:28 GMT -5
Hi there - I'm a newbie to this forum, so if the "answer is out there" already, please provide a link. I have about 50 lb of mixed size/hardness stones ranging in size from a golf ball to a 6" subway sandwich. Some of the stones are beach finds, some are out of a quarry (but smoothed). I have 3x3lb rotary tumblers at the moment. I know SOME of the rocks will work OK in what I have, but the larger ones....well.... not sure what to do about those.
My questions - and this is STRICTLY around the critical "stage 1" 1) for the quarry rocks that will fit in the 3lb barrel, what are people's thoughts about using something other than 60/90 to smooth them out? I've read about pea gravel, blast grit, and other ideas. I'm open to suggestions, I want to experiment (there are a lot more similar rocks that I can get, so if these are trashed, I'm not crying). 2) for larger rocks that WON'T fit in the 3lb barrel, what are some options for tumbling? I'm fine with DIY - I saw some really cool tumblers on this forum, what would be advantage/ disadvantage of DIY vs purchased (disregard the cost issue, I'm aware and am not ready to open a vein to buy unless that's "the bomb"). 3) Breaking up rocks/cutting - since this is for practice - what makes a rock a good "target" for breaking apart vs cutting it down to size? And - if I do break it up, then refer back to question 1 for what I'll be doing with the remnants.
I love learning and researching "how to". Thank you for your time.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Dec 27, 2022 18:33:10 GMT -5
#1 I have tried some "alternative" grit options (sand, pea gravel, blast grit) some works very slowly, some not at all. Softer rocks will respond better than harder rocks. #2 Larger rocks- larger barrel. A DYI tumbler is pretty easy as all you need is a motor, shafts, belt, frame, pulleys. Barrels can be fashioned from pvc. Depending on what you have (motor probably the most expensive part)will depend on which is more cost effective for you. #3 Cutting rocks is a hobby unto itself. A good rock chisel and hammer will be the cheapest method, but lack the control that a saw can give you. With all the cheap chinese made tile saws and blades around now, a saw is a very real possibility (I have 2 tile saws that didn't even crack the $100 mark, vs my slab saw that topped $1600) It really boils down to how much you want to spend.
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vance71975
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since September 2022
Posts: 760
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Post by vance71975 on Dec 28, 2022 0:53:13 GMT -5
Hi there - I'm a newbie to this forum, so if the "answer is out there" already, please provide a link. I have about 50 lb of mixed size/hardness stones ranging in size from a golf ball to a 6" subway sandwich. Some of the stones are beach finds, some are out of a quarry (but smoothed). I have 3x3lb rotary tumblers at the moment. I know SOME of the rocks will work OK in what I have, but the larger ones....well.... not sure what to do about those. My questions - and this is STRICTLY around the critical "stage 1" 1) for the quarry rocks that will fit in the 3lb barrel, what are people's thoughts about using something other than 60/90 to smooth them out? I've read about pea gravel, blast grit, and other ideas. I'm open to suggestions, I want to experiment (there are a lot more similar rocks that I can get, so if these are trashed, I'm not crying). 2) for larger rocks that WON'T fit in the 3lb barrel, what are some options for tumbling? I'm fine with DIY - I saw some really cool tumblers on this forum, what would be advantage/ disadvantage of DIY vs purchased (disregard the cost issue, I'm aware and am not ready to open a vein to buy unless that's "the bomb"). 3) Breaking up rocks/cutting - since this is for practice - what makes a rock a good "target" for breaking apart vs cutting it down to size? And - if I do break it up, then refer back to question 1 for what I'll be doing with the remnants. I love learning and researching "how to". Thank you for your time. 1) Pea Gravel can be used to replace ceramic media but It will not grind or cut the rocks.80 grit Aluminum Oxide sand blasting media will work, but not as well as 60/90 Silcone carbide. Sand does nothing, there are many youtube videos on it. 2) For large rocks you can either break them with a hammer or if you can afford it, get a Slab saw or Larger trim saw. OR you can buy or build a larger barrel tumbler. 3) Breaking is cheaper, Slab saws make it prettier and smoother, but they cost a LOT more. Cheap end on a USED slab saw is 100 per inch of saw blade, so you can look at 1000+ easy on a USED saw, A new slab saw will be even more, some of them are well over 10,000 depending on size. You can get a damn good hammer and chistel for under 50. Only you know what you can afford. If you are buying a slab saw, Buy the biggest one that is within your budget AND that you have the juice to run(most of them require a 220 outlet and wont work on a standard household 110.) A ten inch Trim saw will let you cut some fairly decent sized rocks, up to about 4 inches or a fuzz less. Those are more reasonable but still can end up costing about 1500 depending on the brand but at least they are normally a 110 plug and not 220. Good luck man!
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buroak
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2019
Posts: 9
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Post by buroak on Dec 28, 2022 2:14:58 GMT -5
I have thought about using Sioux Quartzite grit for very rough work. The local quarry of the purest industrial grade deposits supposedly comes in as high as 7.5 - 8 on the MOHS scale. It is commonly used in ball mills and industrial grinding applications. But am afraid the sharp edges would do too much damage to barrel liners. It is commonly sold as "cherry stone" in a #2 chicken grit size or as "traction grit" which is smaller. About $6 per 50 pound bag.
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Post by manofglass on Dec 28, 2022 14:07:33 GMT -5
I use pea gravel with 35/70 grit in the rotary tumbler I do clean out once a month I use a harbor freight 10" saw to cut rocks down to fit I can cut into a 9" rock then hit the rock below the cut to brake the rock
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