raindropsroses
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2024
Posts: 11
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Post by raindropsroses on Aug 31, 2024 17:33:06 GMT -5
I got some #36 sc and I’m not sure what it’s good for.
I have a lortone 3a and a slighter bigger one. I think it’s a 5lb barrel.
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python
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2024
Posts: 292
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Post by python on Aug 31, 2024 18:02:28 GMT -5
36 grit is a very coarse grit.
As I'm a newbie, take this with a grain of salt. But from my understanding, it should only be used in large tumblers with large rocks due to the extreme coarseness. Using it in barrels of 3lbs or less is just going to waste it. I'm not sure if a 5lb barrel is large enough or not.
I'm sure some of the more experienced members will have a definite answer. 👍
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Post by chris1956 on Aug 31, 2024 18:50:28 GMT -5
Some time ago someone referenced a Lapidary Journal article from I think 1967. In it they tested various grit sizes and amounts and if I recall correctly, 80 grit was determined to cause the most wear on rocks. Coarser grit like 36 didn't seem to improve wear. I have used 35 and 35/70 in small barrels (including a 3A) and it seems to be gone after a week (other than recently when I tried using it on small obsidian). I am going back to using 80 grit as I couldn't tell any improvement with the coarser grit.
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chaosdsm
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2024
Posts: 162
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Post by chaosdsm on Sept 1, 2024 0:10:34 GMT -5
36 grit should last longer than 45/70, 60, 60/90, or 80 grit, but might (along with 45/70) be too aggressive for softer rocks. I have 5lbs of it ordered for testing in my 3lb Nat Geo & 11lb Vevor rotary tumblers, for tumbling Jasper & Agate, but will be a while to get results.
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whyofquartz
spending too much on rocks
So, Africa is smaller than I expected...
Member since December 2019
Posts: 318
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Post by whyofquartz on Sept 1, 2024 6:23:25 GMT -5
I have tried to run 36 in a lortone 3a, it did very little. It is for like 12lb and bigger as I understand
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raindropsroses
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2024
Posts: 11
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Post by raindropsroses on Sept 1, 2024 9:47:57 GMT -5
Thanks, that is very helpful!
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mdjunkie
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2023
Posts: 81 
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Post by mdjunkie on Sept 1, 2024 13:19:58 GMT -5
I use #36 grit in my 12lb Lortone. With Montana agates the grit is gone in 4 days. If I tumble softer rock like I get from Lake Michigan, it lasts quite a bit longer, usually 6-7 days.
I save it for the harder rocks. I did try some in a 3lb barrel and it doesn't seem to use it all up in a week, especially with the softer rocks.
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