rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Jun 20, 2023 7:15:44 GMT -5
Well, despite Dirtsifter's awesome success with the lot-o's movement, mine was short-lived. This weekend, after starting success with what I hoped would be an amazing batch, my lot-o failed me once again in the polish stage. Movement stopped - rocks just jiggled against one another, slowly making movement around the barrel, but never fully recovering - even after a rinse-out and re-start. That was my final straw. Done with the Lot-o. Will be selling it and moving onto the Mini-sonic. Who has time to constantly tweak processes and cross fingers that things will finally turn out this time...Mini Sonic has been purchased already and just awaiting arrival. I was super excited for some of these rocks, only to find some of them shattered and polish-infused when they dried. I'll be putting some of these back through because they are gorgeous rocks that deserve a better chance at shining . Anyways. that's where I'm at . Hope all the Dad's had a wonderful weekend!
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ashley
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2023
Posts: 927
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Post by ashley on Jun 20, 2023 8:40:30 GMT -5
What is your recipe that you are using? (How much grit in each stage?)
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Post by Starguy on Jun 20, 2023 9:28:01 GMT -5
Well, despite Dirtsifter's awesome success with the lot-o's movement, mine was short-lived. This weekend, after starting success with what I hoped would be an amazing batch, my lot-o failed me once again in the polish stage. Movement stopped - rocks just jiggled against one another, slowly making movement around the barrel, but never fully recovering - even after a rinse-out and re-start. That was my final straw. Done with the Lot-o. Will be selling it and moving onto the Mini-sonic. Who has time to constantly tweak processes and cross fingers that things will finally turn out this time...Mini Sonic has been purchased already and just awaiting arrival. I was super excited for some of these rocks, only to find some of them shattered and polish-infused when they dried. I'll be putting some of these back through because they are gorgeous rocks that deserve a better chance at shining . Anyways. that's where I'm at . Hope all the Dad's had a wonderful weekend! Darn. That sounds frustrating, especially if the rocks are getting close to being finished. I’ve never used a vibe so no advice here. Let us know how you like the Mini Sonic.
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Jun 20, 2023 9:45:33 GMT -5
What is your recipe that you are using? (How much grit in each stage?) Admittedly I've tried so many but lately I've been doing about 1/2 - 1 tsp of each grit (2-4). With polish I use 1/2 tsp. I've never really seen a big difference adding in borax, but I put maybe 1/2 tbls of borax in these stages too. This last time it was really rolling good - great movement, circulating, etc. Beautiful slurry - not too thick/thin, but once I got to polish, once again everything slows way down and barely moves. Honestly, I'm tired of fiddling with it. I've considered just sticking with rotaries, but I really love the polish the vibe gives - if I can get past the learning curve. I love this hobby - very much, but am finding myself getting frustrated which I don't want to happen .
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Jun 20, 2023 9:46:45 GMT -5
Well, despite Dirtsifter's awesome success with the lot-o's movement, mine was short-lived. This weekend, after starting success with what I hoped would be an amazing batch, my lot-o failed me once again in the polish stage. Movement stopped - rocks just jiggled against one another, slowly making movement around the barrel, but never fully recovering - even after a rinse-out and re-start. That was my final straw. Done with the Lot-o. Will be selling it and moving onto the Mini-sonic. Who has time to constantly tweak processes and cross fingers that things will finally turn out this time...Mini Sonic has been purchased already and just awaiting arrival. I was super excited for some of these rocks, only to find some of them shattered and polish-infused when they dried. I'll be putting some of these back through because they are gorgeous rocks that deserve a better chance at shining . Anyways. that's where I'm at . Hope all the Dad's had a wonderful weekend! Darn. That sounds frustrating, especially if the rocks are getting close to being finished. I’ve never used a vibe so no advice here. Let us know how you like the Mini Sonic. I will - thanks, Starguy. I've seen more good comments about the mini sonic than I have the lot-o lately - hopefully not trading one headache for another, but we'll see.
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mgroothuis
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2022
Posts: 166
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Post by mgroothuis on Jun 20, 2023 9:54:51 GMT -5
Best of luck! I'm not quite there yet. I still use it, since I finally seemed to have figured it out. Less Borax was the fix for me in the polish stage. It finally moves like it should. I look forward to reading about your adventures with the Mini Sonic.
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Jun 20, 2023 9:57:40 GMT -5
Best of luck! I'm not quite there yet. I still use it, since I finally seemed to have figured it out. Less Borax was the fix for me in the polish stage. It finally moves like it should. I look forward to reading about your adventures with the Mini Sonic. Thanks, mgroothuis! I hope your successes continue!!
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Post by orrum on Jun 20, 2023 9:59:44 GMT -5
Broken spring where you can't see it.
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hoolligan1938
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2022
Posts: 253
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Post by hoolligan1938 on Jun 20, 2023 10:22:05 GMT -5
I too, look forward to your review of the mini-sonic that your getting. I have a Lot-O and love the finish it gives me but I cross my fingers every time I use it for fear of something breaking or quitting. Certainly is annoying to have to worry if the equipment will work.
Jim
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Jun 20, 2023 11:12:47 GMT -5
Broken spring where you can't see it. I've looked all over this thing and i can't see anything broken. Both sides look the same. I'll look again, but I think it's user/dumb machine error lol.
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Jun 20, 2023 11:14:11 GMT -5
I too, look forward to your review of the mini-sonic that your getting. I have a Lot-O and love the finish it gives me but I cross my fingers every time I use it for fear of something breaking or quitting. Certainly is annoying to have to worry if the equipment will work. Jim Yes - it's very frustrating. I've even woken up at 3:30am and run down there because I think I hear something 'off'. I look forward to comparing the two and hopefully providing my personal insight.
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Post by chris1956 on Jun 20, 2023 11:20:35 GMT -5
Sorry that you couldn't make the Lot-O work. I also have a mini sonic which so far seems very reliable and produces a great polish. You will find little quirks with it also but I have been able to figure out how to deal with them so far. Hope it works for you.
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Jun 20, 2023 12:14:51 GMT -5
Sorry that you couldn't make the Lot-O work. I also have a mini sonic which so far seems very reliable and produces a great polish. You will find little quirks with it also but I have been able to figure out how to deal with them so far. Hope it works for you. Thank you!! I plan on looking through all of the posts here for the mini to try and catch the issues folks have had with it. So far seems much less than the lot-o...
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Jun 20, 2023 15:56:23 GMT -5
Oooh...i never considered that the mini sonic 'vibed' differently. I'm not really sure on that. I don't really see a lot of undercutting, unless there are soft areas in the rock - but I think that would happen regardless? I should have posted here first - I already ordered the mini (that's the impatient part of me)....I've only ever seen the mini in action through videos here - always seems to move really well. Will definitely give my 2 cents on it when I've had a chance to use it. Maybe for me it's all user error...I hope not, but wouldn't be the first time lol.
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dillonf
fully equipped rock polisher
Hounding and tumbling
Member since February 2022
Posts: 1,622
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Post by dillonf on Jun 20, 2023 19:18:41 GMT -5
Sorry to hear it man, but I feel your pain!
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ashley
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2023
Posts: 927
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Post by ashley on Jun 20, 2023 23:03:49 GMT -5
Try this recipe
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 21, 2023 0:59:35 GMT -5
Here's another recipe you could try: *Sorry...couldn't help myself! I wish I could offer some actual help...but I don't have a Lot-O...I have a UV18...which is rarely used...but seems to work when I do use it...
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Post by Peruano on Jun 21, 2023 5:58:45 GMT -5
I have used the Raytech vibe 5; the small Gyrocs; and an older minisonic. There are times when a certain combo of stones have refused to shake or move efficiently in both the Vibe 5 and the Gyroc, but to date I've never had a batch refuse to move to my satisfaction in the minisonic. Its all a balancing act between stones, water, and grit/polish, but the movement of the mini's is completely different. Everything moves in one direction in the bowl as opposed to the Waring Blender rotation of traditional vibes. You will like the minisonic but you may occasionally go back to the other one. To paraphrase a guy on the bike forum in a tumbler context.
"If someone tells you that you have too many tumblers, avoid that person; you don't need that kind of negativity in your life." Stay the course.
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Jun 21, 2023 7:04:11 GMT -5
Sorry to hear it man, but I feel your pain! Seems to be a common theme! Thank you...lessons learned, I think. Try this recipe I can try it - but I have yours that you shared earlier printed out and have used it also. It really doesn't seem to matter the amount of grit I use (unless its too much and then the slurry is just like glue)...I don't usually use that much borax so maybe I could try more to see if somehow that makes a difference?? Here's another recipe you could try: *Sorry...couldn't help myself! I wish I could offer some actual help...but I don't have a Lot-O...I have a UV18...which is rarely used...but seems to work when I do use it... hahaha!! We can always count on you to add humor into any situation and I'm grateful! I have used the Raytech vibe 5; the small Gyrocs; and an older minisonic. There are times when a certain combo of stones have refused to shake or move efficiently in both the Vibe 5 and the Gyroc, but to date I've never had a batch refuse to move to my satisfaction in the minisonic. Its all a balancing act between stones, water, and grit/polish, but the movement of the mini's is completely different. Everything moves in one direction in the bowl as opposed to the Waring Blender rotation of traditional vibes. You will like the minisonic but you may occasionally go back to the other one. To paraphrase a guy on the bike forum in a tumbler context. "If someone tells you that you have too many tumblers, avoid that person; you don't need that kind of negativity in your life." Stay the course. Glad to hear about the mini - really hoping it meets my expectations. I love the guy on the bike forum's way of thinking!! There's no such thing as too many of anything you love! lol...
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Post by Rockoonz on Jun 21, 2023 8:05:32 GMT -5
Maybe it was already mentioned, but what's your polish? The AO that is formulated for the Lot-o is the only thing that ever worked for us, and the AO pellet filler also really helps the action if there's a lot of flat surfaces in your batch.
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