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Post by gaetzchamp on Jan 5, 2005 12:12:54 GMT -5
I've got some tumbling questions for all you experts out there.
I'm into my first batch of stones (citrine, amethyst and quartz) and think I'm really close to moving to the next phase w/ 500 grit. I started w/ 120/200 because I didn't have 60/90 shipped w/ unit.
I've been tumbling my load in a 4lb Lot-O vibe. Last night, after a week of tumbling and frequent recharges, I pulled everything out and cleaned and inspected everything. Most, if not all, of my larger chunks (especially the amethyst) have some cracks, pits and divots, but the rest really look nice and ready for the next phase. I would estimate 85% of the load is ready for the 2nd phase.
My question is, do you pull out the "bad" ones, add the 85% and some fill and continue w/ the 2nd phase, or do you put all back in and continue on, causing more, and unnecessary, erosion on the ones that are ready to move on?
I could really see where a Dremel could come in handy. I've got some really nice, big quartz that are perfect, except for one little pit here or there. Should I hold them back just because of one little blemish?
I really appreciate all your help, Thanks in advance.
Gaetz
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Post by krazydiamond on Jan 5, 2005 12:21:47 GMT -5
i often pull out the ones that need more work in 60/90 and move the ones ready up to the next stage. sometimes that slows the overall process, depending on the number of tumblers you have and rocks "in process". i've also cleaned up the not-so-hot ones (so they don't harbor grit) and carried on with the whole load (especially if it's a light load) and then take the bad ones and do them over as filler in another load.
there are some rocks that will never be perfect, it all depends on your end use and what you want to do with them after they are tumble polished.
KD
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MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
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Post by MichiganRocks on Jan 5, 2005 17:35:24 GMT -5
When I am operating in a normal mode, I keep one 15 pound tumbler running 60/90 grit all the time. I only pass on rocks that are truly ready for the 240 phase. Once I built up enough float from the rough grind, it was easy to keep full loads going up the line.
Ron
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Post by Toad on Jan 5, 2005 22:03:07 GMT -5
I agree, pull out any that may hold grit due to cracks or pits. These can be re-run in your next batch. Don't jeapordize the good 85%.
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Post by puppie96 on Jan 6, 2005 2:09:12 GMT -5
After over a year of almost continuous use of a vibe, I believe that the cleanup between grits isn't critical. Since you've got at least one additional -- usually more -- wash/recharge in each grit, if there's any lurking from before it will break down. Consequently, you can pretty much move ahead with the bad ones to make a full load and redo them if you want later on.
Going to polish, though, you should have them as clean as you can get them (run them through a couple soap/water washes in the unit) and use a dedicated polish barrel.
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