Roch
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2005
Posts: 2
|
Post by Roch on Jan 10, 2005 21:16:48 GMT -5
Hello.
I am getting my daughter going with her new tumbler. She is seven, so its pretty much up to me to have everything available and ready for her to be able to enjoy it.
As far as grit and polish is concerned, what should I stock up on? I would like a general supply to get us going for a few batches of rocks. I recieved a few packets with the tumbler. Enough for two batches, but we are done with that.
What is a good all around inventory for beginners?
Roch
|
|
|
Post by sandsman1 on Jan 10, 2005 21:21:59 GMT -5
hi roch welcome i would take a look at this site these guys are very helpfull and friendly shipping is low and there fast i have bought alot of dif stuff from them and have never been disapointed if you want kits or by the lb they can help and if you call im sure shawn or gene can help with any questions www.therockshed.com/grit.html
|
|
|
Post by cookie3rocks on Jan 10, 2005 21:31:39 GMT -5
Hello Roch, and welcome! If you are using a rotary tumbler (rolls rather than vibrates) your basics would be: 60/90 grit or 80 grit- 120/220 grit or 200 grit- 500 or 600 grit- I would advise at this point (though not a neccessity) Tripoli or any 1000 grit- Polish I use cerium oxide as a polish because that's what came with my first kit, but different stones do better in different polishes. here's a guide to stones and polishes www.utahrockhounds.com/tooelegem/tips/stonepolish.htmlGood luck! cookie
|
|
JKowalski33
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2004
Posts: 451
|
Post by JKowalski33 on Jan 10, 2005 22:45:33 GMT -5
also i would get some plastic pellets if from wherever you end up buying from. i use them in the tripoli and polish stage, even thoughi hate dealing from them. therockshed is great site, i recommend it as well
|
|
|
Post by creativeminded on Jan 11, 2005 13:29:50 GMT -5
Everyone here has their method of getting their best results. I have a 3# rotary tumbler and I only use 2 Tablespoons of grit and polish to get my results. You can view my results at this site. andy321.proboards16.com/index.cgi?board=Pictures&action=display&thread=1104173628This isn't all of the rocks I have tumbled some of them have already become jewelry, and sold. My method is 60/90 2 weeks 1 hour borax 120/220 1 week 1 hour borax 500 1 week 1 hour borax Tripoli 1 week 1 hour borax 1000 1 week 1 hour borax polish, usually cerium oxide and occasionally aluminum oxide (I think) 3 - 7 days For equipment I use swan ice cream buckets, large wire mesh strainer to drain and rinse the rocks, small wire mesh strainer to scoop up the plastic pellets, and a tablespoon measure. Tami
|
|
|
Post by connrock on Jan 11, 2005 19:27:00 GMT -5
Hi Roch and welcome, I'm glad you are getting your hand in with helping your daughter enter this great hobby but,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Look out !! It's VERY addictive and before you know it you'll have rocks coming out of every available space in your house!! An inventory for tumbling not only includes all the goodies that go into the tumbler.It also includes all sorts of "tools" of the trade. A colander (spelling) is a must for draining your slurry without loosing any of the rocks into a 2lb coffee can. DO NOT pour the slurry down your drain.It WILL become concrete and plug the drain. Pour your slurry in a container which can be just about anything you want.Coffee cans,milk containers,buckets with plastic bags in them,etc. Let the slurry settle and when all you have left is dirty water pour the water into another container and let that sit.Pour the water into a final container and it "should" be OK to pour it down the drain.If you can dump it out side that's even better. When you have a container full of slurry just throw it in with your trash. A tea strainer comes in handy for scooping out the plastic pellets.With your rocks in the colander,put the whole thing in a 5 gal bucket of water.Stir up the whole thing to loosen any pellets in the "mess".The pellets will float to the top and you can scoop them out leaving you with a colander full of rocks. A spray bottle of water is real handy around your tumbling area. Paper towels should be used instead of rags.Rags will only collect unwanted grit and slurry which will lead to contamination. Surgical gloves help to keep your hands clean and also keep your hands from drying out after "playing" in the mess!! Borax and or powdered laundry soap and a bottle of Simple Green are other handy items to have. Rather then picking up the rocks from the tumbler with your hands a large serving spoon,(the type with holes in it) will come in handy. Another handy item is a set of kitchen canisters to store you grit and polish in.The clear ones are better letting you see when you're getting low and need to order. I found these on Cooking.com but you can find them a Wallmart and other retailers. I can't think of anything else off the top of my head but i'm sure others will fill the "void",,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,in my head !! LOL Good luck,,,,,,, Tom
|
|
Roch
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2005
Posts: 2
|
Post by Roch on Jan 12, 2005 2:57:41 GMT -5
Thanks for all of the tips. As you know, it can be confusing sifting through all of the info on the net, and deciding what is best and most practical.
You are right about the addiction. We are just beginning and I have lots planned for future batches, and other possibilities I am learning about almost daily.
Roch
|
|
Exotica
starting to shine!
Member since January 2005
Posts: 39
|
Post by Exotica on Jan 12, 2005 12:37:08 GMT -5
I also bought a set of measuring spoons to keep with my set up. Didn't want to use the kitchen ones. I also have a package of vinyl disposable gloves, since the slurry seems to be hard on my hands - even washing it off right away. Other than the other stuff mentioned, I keep a log and pen handy to write down what I did and the time I did it. If I don't write it down right away, it has a tendancy to slip my mind.
|
|