Keeping track of everything? How to?

I use a notebook that includes the details of content (with any extra notes about the batch), the date started, what grit used, how many days till it needs to be checked and the date it should be done. Then I have a spare calendar (just for rocks)and I write on there what barrel is due to be changed, how many days tumbled and what grit.

Very low tech, but I try to keep it as simple as possible with 10 tumblers and a vibe going. I like to keep all my notes in the shop and don't really like the idea of having to get on the computer whenever a barrel gets changed, no spread sheets here, I'm swimming in enough paperwork.

Found a real easy way of keeping everything in order.
I only use my 18 lb. Vibro now, so I take the grit off the shelf and set it next to the tumbler while recharging it. After charging I take my measuring cup and wash it out well. When returning grit tub to the shelf I place the measuring cup on the next grit to be used.
The only problem I run into is remembering to shut the door so the wife's cat and the grandkids can't get in there and Queer my act !!!

Here is what I do.

I keep a record of each batch in one of those black and white composition books. I use these headings:

batch #
contains: (list rock type)
Mohs Hardness:
From: (list details of where found,received, purchased)

and then the part of the cycle I'm in (coarse, medium, prepolish, polish, burnish) like this:

coarse (80 Grit) date started to date finished
6 tablespoons grit (I'm mostly using 3 lb tumblers)
Weight: x Lbs X oz

When I move to the next section I just fill in my dates and start the new header. I use the space after each section for any notes I want to keep.

For the barrels I number each one with a Brother label maker with the "batch number" and what it contains, either whats in it or "mixed" if it's a bunch of stuff ('cus the 3 Lb tumbler lids too small to write much on it :-) ).

Between these I can look at my book, see what was started and when, the go find the right barrel by the label.

Since I now have 7 barrels going I'm thinking of picking up a small white board (the memo size) and writing down the next operation required on each barrel in descending date order. That way I can see at a glance what is due based on the date.

I'm not usually such a good recored keeper, but I'm still learning so I figure if I have good scientific record of what happened, maybe I can isolate the things I try that work well (and those that don't) faster.

Hope some of this helps.

Dean

I have had that happen too Jack. What I do now is keep a list. The barrel number, the date and what it's getting changed to (in descending order by date). I still miss the occasional change when I don't have enough time that day, but I'm doing pretty well at keeping up.

I kept track of mine in an Excel file since I started. It was the easiest way for me to know what I had done, what I was supposed to do next and when to do it.

Oh God! I'm sooooo caveman!

I throw in rocks.
Water.
Grit.
Pinch of borax... & let er rip!

Once in a while, I open it...check it...do whatever needs to be done & let er rip again!

When I like what they look like...I clean em... & send em on to the next stage.

Repeat process until they shine.

Crap...now I'm gonna have to get a notebook....

Well i'm very low-tech, i've only got 2 barrels but I guess this would work with however many you get...
Have a card for each batch of rocks. Put the rock type and any other details at the top. Keep it next to the appropriate barrel. Every time you do something to the barrel, write it on the card with the date and any notes e.g. 'nearly done, check in a week'
If the batch has to take some time out of action , just put it away with its data card and when you come back to it you'll know exactly what's happened so far.
When the batch is finished file the card away, maybe with a photo of the finished rocks for reference next time.