James
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 876
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Post by James on Oct 29, 2005 11:33:26 GMT -5
I'm pretty picky about when I move my rocks to the next stage. However, there are some cases where no matter how long you leave a specific rock in coarse, it never really shapes up. Depending on quality, I'll either move it along anyway, or discard it.
The only expectations for subsequent grits is too further smooth the surface of the stone. And to do it without bruising the stone. This is why plastic pellets are so important.
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carolelgin
starting to spend too much on rocks
BlueBelle
Member since October 2005
Posts: 161
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Post by carolelgin on Oct 30, 2005 19:18:42 GMT -5
Thank you, James. Your pictures are something to behold.
I started a new chapter in the 'how to' note book I am keeping on photo taking!
I keep repeating this forum is beyond a wealth of information but you folks have forgotten what I am trying to learn! What you do out of experience and habit is still a mystery to me.
Rock on,
Carol
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rockwizz
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2007
Posts: 971
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Post by rockwizz on Nov 16, 2007 14:06:01 GMT -5
Hi everyone...I'm very interested in these techniques...I'm going to try one of them...just one quick question...what does it mean to burnish?
I'm not familiar with this term...is this just clearning the rocks after the step?
Please let me know.
OZZy
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Nov 18, 2007 9:14:43 GMT -5
Hi Ozzy ,welcome to the forum great for you to have brought this polishing thread up from James He got me going again polishing after a18 months lapse Iwas so disgusted with my polishing.!! BURNISHING Washing / Burnishing between cycles or at the last grit stage (Pre Polish) or after polishing Wash for 24 or 48 Hours in soap flakes and Borax. This realy cleans up the rocks as well as rubbing them together and microscopic smoothing is the only way I can describe it , It works see link below img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/john-edward/March1st011.jpgThis photo is with this system of Polishing and Burnishing Jack Yorkshire UK |
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Post by invisibleuser on Nov 18, 2007 16:19:47 GMT -5
Wow!!! I wasn't aware of this thread.  I'm assuming these procedures are for a rotary tumbler. How would it differ if one were using a vibratory tumbler? Less time tumbling but how much less? Steve |
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Nov 19, 2007 16:27:14 GMT -5
Hi Steve, Iuse rotary on the shaping (80 grit Stage one) as a lot of otther people do time on this varies according to the roughness of the rock eg -- shore rock shaped and prety smooth compared to some hamered broken rock ! ! then 2 weeks in rotary in 220 grit ( 48 Hrs in Vibe) week to 10 days in 400 ( Vibe 24 hours) week in 600, ( Vibe 24 Hrs) week or 10 days in 1200 (vibe 24 hrs) Burnish/Wash48 hrs ( Vibe2 Hrs) Polish 2 weeks (Vibe 24 to 48 Hrs) You also use a lot less Grit in a vibe (1/2 a tea spoon from 400Grit in a 4 1/2 lb Lot "O") as well as less power BUT you have to watch Vibs closley PM Conrock for more details if you fancy a vibe Hope this wets your apptite for a vibe ;D? I think they are Fabelous, BUT some people have different Ideas  Jack Yorkshire UK |
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AGATEGRRRL
spending too much on rocks
AGATEGRRRL
Member since October 2007
Posts: 466
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Post by AGATEGRRRL on Nov 20, 2007 11:54:47 GMT -5
Hi, what do you mean by "burnishing" between grinds?  Thanks! Patti |
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Nov 21, 2007 3:56:17 GMT -5
Hi Patti,
Putting the stones in the rotary tumbler with Borax and soap and washing for 24 or so hours, ( without grit ) In other words a rotary washing
The stones wash as well as rub on each other and produce a dull shine, giving a foundation for a real gloss finish like James has above ,
jack
Yorkshire UK
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AGATEGRRRL
spending too much on rocks
AGATEGRRRL
Member since October 2007
Posts: 466
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Post by AGATEGRRRL on Nov 21, 2007 10:32:20 GMT -5
Thank you Jack. I am still a novice at tumbling & still haven't been able to get a great shine yet. I will try your suggestions & see what I come up with. I use a rotary tumbler for the rough grind, 60/90, for a week, then a vibratory for the rest. I mostly have my pieces cut in small slabs to use for jewelry, but find that the flat surfaces don't polish quite as well as the rounded ones. I'll post some pictures whenever I get a worthwhile batch! Thanks again for all your generousity & expertise!  Patti |
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Nov 22, 2007 3:34:35 GMT -5
Hi Pattie,
You can also Burnish in a Vibe i do just before 1000 grit stage
No Problems always pleased to help as Ive been helped by others.
jack
Yorkshire UK
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I'm assuming these procedures are for a rotary tumbler. How would it differ if one were using a vibratory tumbler? Less time tumbling but how much less?
Patti
