ctxtumblebug
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2023
Posts: 56
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Post by ctxtumblebug on Oct 25, 2023 23:34:04 GMT -5
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Post by aDave on Oct 26, 2023 0:07:20 GMT -5
Okay, I'll bite. What was your process and what did you start with? I'm assuming a vibe is involved somewhere.
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pebblesky
fully equipped rock polisher
Purchased another UV mini bowl for tumbling
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,442
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Post by pebblesky on Oct 26, 2023 0:33:38 GMT -5
That's truly fast!
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ctxtumblebug
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2023
Posts: 56
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Post by ctxtumblebug on Oct 26, 2023 9:54:24 GMT -5
Okay, I'll bite. What was your process and what did you start with? I'm assuming a vibe is involved somewhere. The tumble went so fast because I cut, shape and smooth the rocks out before I put them in the tumblers. I use a 7 inch tile saw, an angle grinder with a 40 or 80 grit hard resin wheel and a Dremel with a diamond tip to get the rocks shaped up, generally smooth and free of defects such as pitting or deep holes. By doing so, this saves an insanely wild amount of time spent on the step one tumble because the rocks are generally smooth and free of major defects when they go in the tumbler. This benchwork before tumbling makes my typical tumble times work like this: Step One: 60/90 SiCa for three days (Sometimes only two days for a National Geographic or the Rebel 17 40rpm tumbler) Step Two: 120/220 SiCa for three days (Sometimes only two days for a National Geographic or the Rebel 17 40rpm tumbler) Step Three: 500 Pre-Polish for three days Step Four: 500 AO Polish for three days and sometimes a couple more days if I'm not satisfied It really works as you can see in these images and it is all done with rotary tumblers. The quality of my product is nearabouts right on par with the highly polished tumbled rocks seen for sale at rock shops, gem & mineral shows and tourist attractions.
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