carolelgin
starting to spend too much on rocks
BlueBelle
Member since October 2005
Posts: 161
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Post by carolelgin on Sept 30, 2005 19:29:43 GMT -5
In all the reading I have been doing, I cannot find a good guide about how to clean between steps. My first batch of Illinois creek rocks came out awful and dull. I read I was not cleaning the rocks enough between runs.
So, this may seem VERY mundane to you experienced ones but I really would like to know exactly what you do between grit steps.
Borax is now on my shopping list!
Thanks a ton of rocks
Carol
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Post by xenaswolf on Sept 30, 2005 19:56:43 GMT -5
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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 Sept 30, 2005 20:16:40 GMT -5
Tumbled clean. DUH! Thank you so much.
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Post by parfive on Sept 30, 2005 22:26:17 GMT -5
Hi Carol, and welcome to the site.
I doubt that your rocks came out lousy because of how well you cleaned between stages. And I think tumbling with borax for hours or a day in between stages is a waste of time.
For instance, after a week in 60/90, the slurry is a helluva lot "smoother" than the new, sharp grit of 120/220. So even if you didn't rinse it off, it wouldn't make any difference.
Granted, the further you get, like pre-polish (or 1000) and polish, the more careful you have to be.
After I dump a barrel and rinse with the hose, the rocks go in hot water with dishwashing liquid. Bigger rocks get a once over with a nailbrush, small ones with my fingers. As you're doing this you can separate the ones that are ready for the next stage from the ones that need more work. Then clean the barrel and lid, and you're ready to roll. The whole thing takes about twenty minutes, a half-hour at most.
Your creek rocks, like a lot of beach rock, might not take a good polish, regardless.
The best tip I've found is the 1000 grit stage before polish.
And if you buy some fancy rock from someone on this site, or The Rock Shed, the shine will be worth it.
Rich
(Rocks are binary too - they either shine or they don't.)
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Post by rockds on Sept 30, 2005 22:47:25 GMT -5
I don't use borax in between 60/90 and 120/220. After 120/220 I tumble w/ borax and use borax between all other stages. Also use borax after polish. You may want to try some AO1000 before the polish stage - this may help your stones - I'm doing this with my beach stones.
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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 1, 2005 17:30:16 GMT -5
My spread sheet just got messed up. LOL Tumble, don't tumble to clean.
Project:
Line base of fireplace (large) with tumbled rocks. Put multi-candle holder on top of rocks. Earthy - pretty.
This is why I am not buying pretty rocks from anyone. But, with any project, I am serious about doing it correctly. I appreciate you rockies taking the time to advise.
What would the translation to the rock world be with this: There are no weeds to a botanist.
I want my weeds to thrive.
Carol
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Post by joe on Oct 2, 2005 0:44:48 GMT -5
Translation, "Always keep a diamond in your mind" - There are no ugly rocks, only diamonds in the rough!
Good luck on your project Carol it sounds real cool!
joe
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