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Post by time2rollsomerock on Sept 22, 2024 15:00:09 GMT -5
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Post by vegasjames on Sept 22, 2024 15:06:26 GMT -5
I would start by chipping off those crusts with a hammer. Especially that caliche crust so when you do go to tumble them that you are down to hard, solid material.
Then, if you are going to tumble them, break them up. Wear protection because they will create sharp, flying shards that can cut. I put a metal plate in one of those produce boxes with a lip around the top, so the box catches most the flying pieces. Then put the rock on the metal plate and smack it with a sledge hammer or rock hammer.
Save the rock chips for tumbler fill.
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Post by time2rollsomerock on Sept 22, 2024 15:29:24 GMT -5
I would start by chipping off those crusts with a hammer. Especially that caliche crust so when you do go to tumble them that you are down to hard, solid material. Then, if you are going to tumble them, break them up. Wear protection because they will create sharp, flying shards that can cut. I put a metal plate in one of those produce boxes with a lip around the top, so the box catches most the flying pieces. Then put the rock on the metal plate and smack it with a sledge hammer or rock hammer. Save the rock chips for tumbler fill. Thanks. That's what I was thinking of doing but thought I better ask. |
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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 22, 2024 19:27:46 GMT -5
Personally, I would not break the rocks, doing so can add fractures that may give you trouble during tumbling.
If it were me, I would toss it in my 11lb rotary with 36 grit for a week, then evaluate them to see of they need some hand cutting or grinding.
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lordsorril
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since April 2020
Posts: 935
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Post by lordsorril on Sept 22, 2024 21:52:43 GMT -5
I would also tumble them in coarse grit for a week and see what they look like.
But, if you are running small tumblers-then I would definitely break them up as recommended above.
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Post by chris1956 on Sept 23, 2024 8:08:31 GMT -5
The larger one looks like it might be a good one to slab with all the veins going through it (assuming you can wait for a saw).
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