proudpapa56
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2004
Posts: 6
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Post by proudpapa56 on Dec 17, 2004 5:29:55 GMT -5
The four cycle process on this site recommends using a lot less grit than other sources. That would be great. We are using a Lortone 45c and for a 3 pound batch start with 8 tablespoons of 60-90 grit, etc, etc. Is that in fact overkill? Thanks, Gordon
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llanago
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,714
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Post by llanago on Dec 17, 2004 8:10:05 GMT -5
Hi proudpapa, welcome to our little world of rocks, rocks and more rocks! Glad to have you and you'll find lots of nice folks, tons of great info, and lots of eye candy on the member's photo board.
I use less grit than the Lortone instruction book calls for. In a 3# barrel, I use two tablespoons - not heaping tbls. but a tad more than level. Don't have a 4.5#r, but my 6#r calls for 10 tbls and I use six. I get good results with using less girt and, of course, my grit lasts longer.
I think you just have to experiment and see what works best for you though.
llana
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Post by Cher on Dec 17, 2004 10:21:26 GMT -5
Hi Proudpapa, Welcome to the forum. Grit amounts are something that I think is everyone's preference or whatever works best for you. I've tried several different amounts and have settled on using one level tablespoon each time I load or reload the barrel. I usuall let this run a couple of days then will check the barrel to see how they are doing, clean it and add a new tablespoon of grit. Anytime I've used more I always see lots of grit stuck to the bottom of the barrel so I figured why waste it. I've had good luck with this and great shine on the stones when I've finished. Remember, don't dump the slurry or used grit water down your drain when you clean your barrels. Have a large pail to dump it in then as it settles you can dump off the clear water and dump the heavy sludge outside somewhere.
Another thing to be prepared for is to run the coarse grit longer than a week. Depends on you and how "perfect" you want the stones to be but I've seldom found anything ready in just a weeks time.
Happy Tumbling!!
Cher
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Post by creativeminded on Dec 17, 2004 10:44:26 GMT -5
I have a 3A Lortone tumbler and I have found that if I used a tablespoon for each pound, which is about 3 #, it was too much and I wound up with grit left in the bottom of my barrel even after 2 weeks of tumbling so I dropped the amount to 2 Tablespoons and have not had any grit left over and I get good results. You may have to play around with the amount of grit you use. Start with more and gradually reduce the amount to where you don't have any grit left. Tami
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proudpapa56
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2004
Posts: 6
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Post by proudpapa56 on Dec 17, 2004 20:12:15 GMT -5
Thank you all for the feedback. I've actually been sucked into my ten year olds hobby and using so much less grit will save him (us) a good chunk of change. I'm not all that familiar with using message boards either and apologize for the poor usage. Thanks again. I'll be back.
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Post by cookie3rocks on Dec 17, 2004 20:54:17 GMT -5
Hi proud papa, you are using the message board just fine, and welcome! I might also add to all the great comments that you may find that you need to cut back on water as well. The companies that make the grit want you to use more than needed. But when you cut back on the grit, thus wasting less grit, it makes the slurry thinner if you don't cut the water back as well. Makes the grind take longer. In a rotary tumbler it seems a week is never enough. I use a vibe, which cuts the time almost in half (though it doesn't shape as well) and a week/plus is almost allways required. Good luck to you and your 10 year old! This is a wonderful, informational hobby!
cookie
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