huffstuff
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2007
Posts: 1,222
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Post by huffstuff on Sept 25, 2007 17:04:03 GMT -5
OK, everyone, I KNOW I didn't tumble in stage 1 for anywhere near enough time. I only had one charge of grit that came with my tumbler, and my extended family (who bought me the tumbler) was breathing down my neck to see how the process works... So even though the shapes are less than optional, and I didn't have enough rocks or enough small rocks, here is my first ever tumbled batch: ;D I got some nice shine on some, but the quartzes were a bit chippy. The photo doesn't show it, but some of my best results were the blue-gray/brown rocks in the front center (next to the 1 piece of sodalite which also shined up well). I knew you'd like to see, no matter the results. I certainly learned a lot, so I'm not disappointed. Amy
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Post by akansan on Sept 25, 2007 17:06:36 GMT -5
*whistle* You got a shine on your first batch! Congratulations! I got the shapes on my first batch, but somehow missed the shine. They look great. ;D
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Post by texaswoodie on Sept 25, 2007 17:09:15 GMT -5
Hey, that's a great first batch! Keep on rollin'.
Curt
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Post by kap on Sept 25, 2007 17:14:04 GMT -5
LOOKING GOOD!! Looking forward to seeing stage 2. Keith
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Post by sandsman1 on Sept 25, 2007 17:15:32 GMT -5
looks good to me -- and everybody has a first batch if you dont think its the greatest dont worry they just keep gettin better haha
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Post by LCARS on Sept 25, 2007 19:09:06 GMT -5
Could have been worse. Seriously though, considering the circumstances i'd say you pulled off a pretty sweet first batch, WTG Amy! You can feel proud of that batch and if you're not happy with some of them they can always go back into the next batch. Partially shaped stones are perfect to add as filler partway through coarse grind stage, when the break-down of the rough rocks causes extra slack space in the barrel. If you time it right, it will be like they all came through the process together and you won't have so much volume loss to deal with in the final stages. I think after hanging out here for awhile you are now properly armed to go on to your second batch secure in the knowledge that you will get even better results this time! Keep rolling! Rob
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Post by BuiltonRock on Sept 25, 2007 20:35:51 GMT -5
Looks awfully good to me Amy! WTG john
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,487
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Post by Sabre52 on Sept 25, 2007 20:42:31 GMT -5
Ooh! Nice shine! Unfortunately it does take a huge amount of grit and patience to get nice rounded shapes from sharp angular rocks. I swear, I'm working up some really sharp hand broken hunks of moss agate right now and a load of grit seem to hardly affect them at all. Some have got 21 days in the big Ball Mill Tumbler and are on their fourth grit charge and still have a ways to go. I guess I'm gonna have to hit the old Rockshed up for another order of grit pretty soon. This new rig goes through it really fast.....Mel
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181lizard
Cave Dweller
Still lurking :)
Member since December 2005
Posts: 2,171
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Post by 181lizard on Sept 25, 2007 21:04:09 GMT -5
I like em' ALL! Round ones, Short ones, Fat ones, Brown ones! OPPS! I think that's a song...
anywho...that's an awesome 1st batch girlfriend!
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emyhro4048
spending too much on rocks
Member since March 2007
Posts: 396
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Post by emyhro4048 on Sept 25, 2007 21:10:41 GMT -5
Amy-That look's really nice to me-Sweet. Ya did a good job on those. Isn't it exciting to get that first batch? Keep up the good work,
Ed M.
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SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Sept 25, 2007 21:32:21 GMT -5
Amy, Your shine is awesome and the shapes are looking good as well. It only gets better from here on out. It does take patience, lots of rocks and grit. I just ordered 10 pounds of each stage of grit, including the polish and paid almost 150.00 with shipping included. I got it from RockShed and very prompt service. I figured this should last me for a little while. I recommend buying bulk as it is cheaper. Nice 1st Batch...Woo-Hoo! Steve
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luv2hound
freely admits to licking rocks
I try & I try, but dang it! Those rocks just keep ending up in my pockets
Member since June 2007
Posts: 890
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Post by luv2hound on Sept 25, 2007 23:02:58 GMT -5
Amy. Congrats on a great first batch. Wonderful shine. Your shapes are pretty ok too. I like that some of the rocks still look kinda natural with a killer shine.
~~Mitzi~~
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Post by parfive on Sept 25, 2007 23:39:23 GMT -5
Let me guess . . . . . you're hooked now, right? Well done, Amy. Next batch should be awesome - plenty of 60/90 on hand and no one breathing down your neck. Rich
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2007 0:01:08 GMT -5
nice first batch, one day hopefully I will be uploading some picures of my first batch! Great rocks Amy with a great shine!
Nathaniel
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Sept 26, 2007 8:48:51 GMT -5
WTG!!! Most importantly is the amount you've learned!!!!
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adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,789
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Post by adrian65 on Sept 26, 2007 9:03:26 GMT -5
That's a great batch, they are pretty shiney and the natural shapes are nice
Adrian
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