graphite12
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2023
Posts: 5
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Post by graphite12 on Nov 10, 2023 15:50:35 GMT -5
I just started rock tumbling at my first batch of rocks didn't shine that well. how do i know if I'm add the right amount of polish. the first batch cane with polished in packets, this time I'm using the plastic containers. it comes with a plastic scoop. But no instructions of how much to use. per tumbler sizes. for rocks 1/2 full to tumbler3/4 full.
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stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Nov 10, 2023 16:01:40 GMT -5
You will get all types of answers. I personally use 1/2 a teaspoon per pound of rock. My guess here is that the polish you have is not true polish. A lot of those "complete kits" use a 1200 grit Aluminium Oxide, which is not a great polish, but more like a pre polish. You want a real polish (like 10000 grit). I use both Rock Shed and Kingsley North aluminium Oxide polish. Cheap and great results. Also length of time matters. I run my polish cycle for 3 weeks, and I use plastic pellets to cushion the load.
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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 Nov 10, 2023 17:47:47 GMT -5
In a rotary tumbler I use 1 tablespoon of polish per pound rating of the barrel - 3lb barrel = 3 tblspns of polish. I use 1/2 a teaspoon in the vibratory tumbler though. I agree with stefan - make sure you have quality polish. I let my polish go in the rotary for 2 weeks, but stefan's suggestion of 3 weeks is probably better (I'll probably try this next time). I make sure my barrel is ~80% full for the polish stage (mix of rocks and ceramic or plastic). I also add approximately 1 tablespoon of borax. |
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Post by velodromed on Nov 10, 2023 19:11:55 GMT -5
I just started rock tumbling at my first batch of rocks didn't shine that well. how do i know if I'm add the right amount of polish. the first batch cane with polished in packets, this time I'm using the plastic containers. it comes with a plastic scoop. But no instructions of how much to use. per tumbler sizes. for rocks 1/2 full to tumbler3/4 full. What tumbler set up do you have? What brand polish are you using this time around? |
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,172
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Post by rockbrain on Nov 11, 2023 9:51:39 GMT -5
The rocks you are tumbling can also make a difference. Some rocks just don't polish well. A batch of rocks of mixed hardness often doesn't polish well. The steps previous to polish have to be done properly and long enough to get a good polish. Also, be careful that you are getting everything completely clean during cleanouts. A little bit of grit from the previous steps can cause lots of issues.
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graphite12
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2023
Posts: 5
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Post by graphite12 on Dec 1, 2023 17:02:23 GMT -5
You will get all types of answers. I personally use 1/2 a teaspoon per pound of rock. My guess here is that the polish you have is not true polish. A lot of those "complete kits" use a 1200 grit Aluminium Oxide, which is not a great polish, but more like a pre polish. You want a real polish (like 10000 grit). I use both Rock Shed and Kingsley North aluminium Oxide polish. Cheap and great results. Also length of time matters. I run my polish cycle for 3 weeks, and I use plastic pellets to cushion the load. |
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graphite12
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2023
Posts: 5
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Post by graphite12 on Dec 1, 2023 17:22:19 GMT -5
hi right know I'm have a National geographic platinum series rock tumbler. And I been using there tumbling grit. And I also have Polly plastics. Grit which has 60/90 silicon Carbide for step one. 180/220 for step 2. 500 grit for seep 3 for pre polish. final polish 1200 Aluminum Oxide. Are either one of these grits any good. How do you dispose of your grit after you finished using it. thanks for all your help so far.
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,368
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Post by rocknewb101 on Dec 4, 2023 12:56:42 GMT -5
I think the grits are fine (I've used polly plastic grits), but the polishes, as others have mentioned, aren't true polishes. You'll need to find a finer mesh polish than 1200 to get a good shine - in my experience anyways. In the summer I take my barrels outside and wash them out - the slurry returns to the earth. But I don't use borax or similar in my runs which isnt good to put in the earth. Do not ever put it down your drains - I'm sure you know this already. Over winter I use a bucket in my basement to clean out - but I'm working my way towards no tumbling in the winter as I just don't like dragging full buckets of slurry outside to deal with..
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graphite12
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2023
Posts: 5
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Post by graphite12 on Dec 8, 2023 21:29:34 GMT -5
thanks for you help and advice..
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