Post by andyiii on Jun 18, 2024 11:24:51 GMT -5
Hey folks,
I've just started my first stage 1 run in a Rebel 17 tumbler and have a few questions that I have not found answers to yet:
1) this is a 17 lb. barrel and it rotates at exactly 20 rpm. Is that too slow? I feel like I've seen folks talking about tumbling at 40 rpm. I realize that slower = gentler, but it has to be fast enough to be effective; need that happy medium.
2) I used 16 tablespoons of 60/90 SiC to get things going. I just learned that 16 tablespoons = 1 cup. That seemed like an excessive amount of grit as I poured it in. With larger barrels do you still use roughly 1 tbsp per pound of rock?
3) Just as with the 3 lb. barrels, I used only rocks (various sizes) for stage 1, no media. Is this correct or do I need cushioning media since the rocks are falling further as they turn?
4) Since this barrel is so much bigger and the rocks are also, should I consider starting with a grit coarser than 60/90 SiC?
Thanks,
Andy III
I've just started my first stage 1 run in a Rebel 17 tumbler and have a few questions that I have not found answers to yet:
1) this is a 17 lb. barrel and it rotates at exactly 20 rpm. Is that too slow? I feel like I've seen folks talking about tumbling at 40 rpm. I realize that slower = gentler, but it has to be fast enough to be effective; need that happy medium.
2) I used 16 tablespoons of 60/90 SiC to get things going. I just learned that 16 tablespoons = 1 cup. That seemed like an excessive amount of grit as I poured it in. With larger barrels do you still use roughly 1 tbsp per pound of rock?
3) Just as with the 3 lb. barrels, I used only rocks (various sizes) for stage 1, no media. Is this correct or do I need cushioning media since the rocks are falling further as they turn?
4) Since this barrel is so much bigger and the rocks are also, should I consider starting with a grit coarser than 60/90 SiC?
Thanks,
Andy III
