wj
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2024
Posts: 1
|
Post by wj on Sept 20, 2024 19:09:08 GMT -5
I have been watching Michigan Rocks and he suggested this site. The wife and I started rockhounding last year and decided to try tumbling. We bought a, what I would call a knock off Loritone with 2 3lb barrels, in March. We followed Robs direction and had a very successful first batch. We enjoyed it so much we bought 2 more tumblers and collected 200lbs of rocks on an Idaho trip this summer.
Just wanted to say hey and see. if anyone had a video or suggestion on the amount of grit to use in a Rebel 17. I have not used this site so I'm not familiar with where everything is. Actually this is the first forum I've ever joined. A new hobby at 68, life is good
WJ
|
|
|
|
newbe
Sept 20, 2024 19:11:57 GMT -5
Post by vegasjames on Sept 20, 2024 19:11:57 GMT -5
Welcome from Southern Nevada.
|
|
|
|
newbe
Sept 20, 2024 19:20:29 GMT -5
Post by chris1956 on Sept 20, 2024 19:20:29 GMT -5
Welcome from Missouri.
|
|
python
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2024
Posts: 292
|
newbe
Sept 20, 2024 20:17:10 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by python on Sept 20, 2024 20:17:10 GMT -5
Welcome from Maryland!
I believe that the rule of thumb with rotary tumblers is 1 tbsp of grit for every pound of the drum (i.e. 3 tbsp for 3lb drum, 6 tbsp for 6lb drum, and so on).
|
|
|
|
newbe
Sept 20, 2024 20:27:51 GMT -5
Post by whalecottagedesigns on Sept 20, 2024 20:27:51 GMT -5
Welcome from Dubai! :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Sept 20, 2024 20:42:26 GMT -5
Hey WJ! Welcome to the forum from South Dakota!  If you click on the "search" button up towards the top of the page, then put in "recipe" for the search subject, you'll get a ton of different recipes on here for tumblers! |
|
titaniumkid
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2023
Posts: 499
|
newbe
Sept 21, 2024 2:48:52 GMT -5
Post by titaniumkid on Sept 21, 2024 2:48:52 GMT -5
Hi from Australia |
|
|
|
newbe
Sept 21, 2024 6:27:17 GMT -5
Post by liveoak on Sept 21, 2024 6:27:17 GMT -5
Welcome from NW Florida. Check out the rocktumbling sub forum:
You can also use the search box above & search the forum for answers.
Have fun, Patty
|
|
|
|
newbe
Sept 24, 2024 19:45:11 GMT -5
Post by opalpyrexia on Sept 24, 2024 19:45:11 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
|
|
rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
|
newbe
Oct 6, 2024 20:03:11 GMT -5
Post by rocknrob on Oct 6, 2024 20:03:11 GMT -5
Welcome WJ!
|
|
rockbrain
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,167
|
newbe
Oct 7, 2024 8:59:46 GMT -5
Post by rockbrain on Oct 7, 2024 8:59:46 GMT -5
Welcome from Central California!
|
|
OminousLethargy
off to a rocking start
Rocks are hard
Member since October 2024
Posts: 7
|
newbe
Oct 14, 2024 3:29:57 GMT -5
Post by OminousLethargy on Oct 14, 2024 3:29:57 GMT -5
Pretty soon you'll just fill your work space with tumblers. I started tumbling in late August and am finally on the polishing stage. I think the sound polished rocks makes is my favorite part. I wonder if that makes me weird.
I have a rebel 17 and I use 1 cup of grit or 16 tablespoons. I would add the thumler 15lb has the same barrel volume, so the 14-18 tbsp (46/70 or 60/90) range is probably good as long as the rock is hard. I prefer 1 cup because I don't have to transport grit over the barrel lip 15-18 times and risk spilling stray grit sprinkles on the barrel lip.
I started tumbling blue apatite last week knowing it was soft but I was still blown away. I used a half cup of 120/220 instead of my normal 46/70 and tumbled for three days and I went from a 3/4 full barrel to a thick frothy slurry and 1/4 barrel of rocks. So I think rock hardness plays a big impact on grit volume, grit choice, and tumble duration.
|
|
