Post by James on Jan 16, 2005 5:33:55 GMT -5
I wrote this like a year ago. I've revised it and I'll make further adjustments (if needed) as time goes on. For now, this is it. Tried and true!
The process of rock tumbling is by all means very simple. The problem I find however, is that most people try to complicate the process. There is a old saying called K.I.S.S. which means "keep it simple stupid." I'm not calling anybody stupid but this phrase does have its meaning. The more one tries to complicate the tumbling process, the more one will encounter problems. So, in light of this problem, I've decided to list my easy, staightforward , 4 step approch at tumbling.
First off, elimiate all confusing elements of adding additives to your tumbling medium. That means no sugar, no baking soad, no soaps, no corn meal, ect... There are however, some cases where sugar should be used, like with softer stones like obsidian. But it's usually not necassary. Just good old plain H2O and grit usually does the trick just fine. You should also use plastic pellets as needed. Also, make sure you have a different barrel for pre-polish and polish. The same barrel can be used for coarse and fine grit however.
Step #1 60/90 or 120/220 grit Barrel
Make sure you choose only rocks of the same hardness. I know you've already heard this all before but it's critical to do so. Also, make sure all the rocks you select are of good shapes and quailty. Don't throw in a handful of junk and expect a miracle to happen. Next, fill the barrel 5/8 full of rock. This is important because 30%-50% of your origional material will errode away. This usually however, takes several week to achieve and you'll need to recharge the grit every seven days. You my even at some point find the level of rocks droping faster than you had expected.When this happens, feel free to add in additional new rough, as you go along. I aint gonna hurt nothing. If at any point, the medium falls below 50% add enough new rough or even plastic pellets to bring the medium level back up to a desirable amount (5/8). Never, under and circumstance use the same pellets for subsequent grits.
Once you're satisfied with the shapes of your stone, remove them and thoroughly wash them, as well as the barrel. Place the stones back into the barrel and add hot water with Borax Laundry Boost. Run for 20-30 minutes. Remove and rinse.
Step #2 60/90 or 120-220 grit Barrel
Place stones in barrel and add enough plastic pellets to bring the medium level up to 5/8 full. Run for seven days. Remove and thoroughly wash stones and barrel. Place the stones back into the barrel and add hot water with Borax Laundry Boost. Run for 20-30 minutes. Remove and rinse.
Step #3 Pre-Polish Barrel
Place stones in barrel and add enough plastic pellets to bring the medium level up to 5/8 full. Add either 400, 500, 600 grit or your choice of pre-polish. SISA and Tripoli are both very good. Run for seven days. Remove and thoroughly wash stones and barrel. Place the stones back into the barrel and add hot water with Borax Laundry Boost. Run for 20-30 minutes. Repeat the clean up process twice! Remove and rinse.
IMPORTANT: In most cases I find it necessary to include an addition 1000 grit aluminum oxide step. If you choose to do so, run it for five days. You can also cut the first pre-polish step back to five days as well. This extra step is usually only necessary if you choose to use the 400 or 500 silicon carbide grits but it is essential for polishing obsidian.
Step #4 Polish ONLY Barrel
Place stones in barrel and add enough plastic pellets to bring the medium level up to 5/8 full. Run for seven days. Remove and thoroughly wash stones and barrel. Place the stones back into the barrel and add hot water with Borax Laundry Boost. Run for appoximately 20-30 minutes. Remove and rinse. Use a clean toothbush with hot water to clean out any excess polish from any pits and crevices.
As always, remember that patience is a virture. If you try to rush ANY of these steps, you will find yourself very disappointed and will only spend more time correcting your mistakes.
And there you have it. A basic, highly effective method of achieving flawless gem stones.
Good luck!
The process of rock tumbling is by all means very simple. The problem I find however, is that most people try to complicate the process. There is a old saying called K.I.S.S. which means "keep it simple stupid." I'm not calling anybody stupid but this phrase does have its meaning. The more one tries to complicate the tumbling process, the more one will encounter problems. So, in light of this problem, I've decided to list my easy, staightforward , 4 step approch at tumbling.
First off, elimiate all confusing elements of adding additives to your tumbling medium. That means no sugar, no baking soad, no soaps, no corn meal, ect... There are however, some cases where sugar should be used, like with softer stones like obsidian. But it's usually not necassary. Just good old plain H2O and grit usually does the trick just fine. You should also use plastic pellets as needed. Also, make sure you have a different barrel for pre-polish and polish. The same barrel can be used for coarse and fine grit however.
Step #1 60/90 or 120/220 grit Barrel
Make sure you choose only rocks of the same hardness. I know you've already heard this all before but it's critical to do so. Also, make sure all the rocks you select are of good shapes and quailty. Don't throw in a handful of junk and expect a miracle to happen. Next, fill the barrel 5/8 full of rock. This is important because 30%-50% of your origional material will errode away. This usually however, takes several week to achieve and you'll need to recharge the grit every seven days. You my even at some point find the level of rocks droping faster than you had expected.When this happens, feel free to add in additional new rough, as you go along. I aint gonna hurt nothing. If at any point, the medium falls below 50% add enough new rough or even plastic pellets to bring the medium level back up to a desirable amount (5/8). Never, under and circumstance use the same pellets for subsequent grits.
Once you're satisfied with the shapes of your stone, remove them and thoroughly wash them, as well as the barrel. Place the stones back into the barrel and add hot water with Borax Laundry Boost. Run for 20-30 minutes. Remove and rinse.
Step #2 60/90 or 120-220 grit Barrel
Place stones in barrel and add enough plastic pellets to bring the medium level up to 5/8 full. Run for seven days. Remove and thoroughly wash stones and barrel. Place the stones back into the barrel and add hot water with Borax Laundry Boost. Run for 20-30 minutes. Remove and rinse.
Step #3 Pre-Polish Barrel
Place stones in barrel and add enough plastic pellets to bring the medium level up to 5/8 full. Add either 400, 500, 600 grit or your choice of pre-polish. SISA and Tripoli are both very good. Run for seven days. Remove and thoroughly wash stones and barrel. Place the stones back into the barrel and add hot water with Borax Laundry Boost. Run for 20-30 minutes. Repeat the clean up process twice! Remove and rinse.
IMPORTANT: In most cases I find it necessary to include an addition 1000 grit aluminum oxide step. If you choose to do so, run it for five days. You can also cut the first pre-polish step back to five days as well. This extra step is usually only necessary if you choose to use the 400 or 500 silicon carbide grits but it is essential for polishing obsidian.
Step #4 Polish ONLY Barrel
Place stones in barrel and add enough plastic pellets to bring the medium level up to 5/8 full. Run for seven days. Remove and thoroughly wash stones and barrel. Place the stones back into the barrel and add hot water with Borax Laundry Boost. Run for appoximately 20-30 minutes. Remove and rinse. Use a clean toothbush with hot water to clean out any excess polish from any pits and crevices.
As always, remember that patience is a virture. If you try to rush ANY of these steps, you will find yourself very disappointed and will only spend more time correcting your mistakes.
And there you have it. A basic, highly effective method of achieving flawless gem stones.
Good luck!
