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Post by blacktoothpottery on Apr 30, 2023 13:04:42 GMT -5
I'm looking for advice on something specific that I've been working on. I'm not tumbling rocks but rather ceramic stones I've made. I fired them in the kiln and they're pretty smooth already. I've tumbled them in a rotary tumbler at stages 1, 2, and 4 for about 36 hours each and they're buttery smooth after (see my profile pic for examples of the final product) Given that they're not rough and jagged like a lot of rocks, I'd like to find a more efficient system than I'm working with. I'd love less time, less water, etc. I'm looking for advice on dry tumbling, vibratory tumblers, or anything else you might think of.
Thank you so much for your time and help!
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Post by manofglass on Apr 30, 2023 14:01:28 GMT -5
You don't have a profile picture
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Apr 30, 2023 15:34:48 GMT -5
Dry polish in a vibe is pretty easy, but I found it to be slower. I used crushed walnut shell and regular AO polish for my softer stones. I normally wet polish in about 5 days in the vibe. The dry polish took 7 days. I gotta laugh at your wanting less time, less water, etc. Yea we all would like that! Patience is key for great results.
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Post by blacktoothpottery on Apr 30, 2023 16:11:28 GMT -5
You don't have a profile picture sorry! i uploaded it but didnt add it!
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Post by 1dave on May 1, 2023 13:46:38 GMT -5
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,154
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Post by jamesp on May 2, 2023 10:10:37 GMT -5
Depending on the type of ceramic it can be very hard. China ceramic for instance is often harder than Mohs 7 quartz rock due to it's high aluminum oxide content.
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Post by Mel on May 24, 2023 14:43:04 GMT -5
I think the first thing you'll want is a vibratory tumbler; as I've never dry polished, I'd follow stefan's suggestions about media.
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Post by rmf on May 24, 2023 19:02:09 GMT -5
It is ceramic probably start at 220 not step 1. Then go to 600. I am assuming no polish you just want them smooth to touch.
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