ticomique
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2024
Posts: 3
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Post by ticomique on Sept 22, 2024 10:50:39 GMT -5
Hi ! I'm a newcomer at tumbling. Started some agates going , followed instructions and all; using coarse grit. After a week, surprise ! Yes, they have half the crust removed, but where is the grit ? All that's left is an extremely fine powder the color of the grit. Double checked, I DID use COARSE ( No 1 ). Is this normal ? Thanks for your time and greetings from Northeastern, chilly Québec !
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Post by chris1956 on Sept 22, 2024 11:55:23 GMT -5
Sounds completely normal. Agates are very hard. Even with less hard material, I almost always don't have any grit left after a week. Keep repeating the coarse grit until you get the agates the way you want them. Did I mention agates are really hard? If you look through the threads you will see comments from people that have tumbled quartz and agates for months before they pass them on to the next stage. I am not that patient. I usually pass it along or reject it after 3 or 4 weeks unless it is something I think will turn out really nice with more polishing.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,167
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Post by rockbrain on Sept 22, 2024 12:53:19 GMT -5
As Chris said this sounds completely normal. If you're continuing on stage 1 there's really no need to do a cleanout. Add more grit and keep rolling.
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ticomique
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2024
Posts: 3
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Post by ticomique on Sept 22, 2024 22:56:36 GMT -5
Thank you Rockbrain and Chris 1956. Will let her roll another week. I want to keep some of the crust to show the difference. Not cleaning when using same grit is an appreciated short cut. Starting FALL on the right foot. MERCI MERCI !
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Post by Pat on Sept 22, 2024 23:07:33 GMT -5
Not a tumbler, but welcome from California.
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RockyBeach
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2023
Posts: 342
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Post by RockyBeach on Sept 29, 2024 10:23:53 GMT -5
Thank you Rockbrain and Chris 1956. Will let her roll another week. I want to keep some of the crust to show the difference. Not cleaning when using same grit is an appreciated short cut. Starting FALL on the right foot. MERCI MERCI ! I like to keep out a sample rock from each of the stages to see the changes. I mostly have everyday type beach and river rocks to "play with"!  to the hobby and the board! |
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Post by Starguy on Sept 29, 2024 11:46:56 GMT -5
In a 12 lb rotary running a well graded mix of agate, nothing resembles coarse grit after four days. Silicon carbide is an amazing abrasive because it breaks down into sharp pieces instead of rounding so it still cuts after breakdown. I like your idea of leaving some of the crust. Welcome to the forum ticomique. It’s great to have you here. Looking forward to photos. |
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Post by vegasjames on Sept 29, 2024 14:02:07 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum.
The grit does break down in to finer and and finer particles in the tumbling process.
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hplcman
spending too much on rocks
Looking forward to my Friday Night Barrel Clean out!
Member since August 2022
Posts: 492
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Post by hplcman on Oct 7, 2024 11:52:20 GMT -5
Welcome from California!
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whalecottagedesigns
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2024
Posts: 366
Member is Online
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Post by whalecottagedesigns on Oct 7, 2024 19:49:36 GMT -5
Welcome from Dubai!
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Post by pauls on Oct 7, 2024 20:45:35 GMT -5
Yes it just keeps breaking down, you can leave it rolling for months and get polished rocks with absolutely no input. It's not for me I am very hands on.
Welcome from Australia.
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nolasean
having dreams about rocks
Member since March 2024
Posts: 58
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Post by nolasean on Oct 7, 2024 22:45:32 GMT -5
Welcome from Lousy-ana!
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to the hobby and the board! 
