mike4bears
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 275
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Post by mike4bears on Feb 18, 2008 12:50:23 GMT -5
best that i have seen. even better than mine. something to shoot for. mike
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Post by connrock on Feb 18, 2008 17:33:51 GMT -5
Flawless Don,,,,
Done to perfection!!!
Did you break up large pieces to make your rough?
I can never seem to break up the large pieces of Brazilian Agate without making all sorts of flaws that take forever to grind out in the rough stage.
Thanks,,,,,Master Polisher!!!!
connrock
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Post by MrP on Feb 18, 2008 20:35:22 GMT -5
That is a Shine...........MrP
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rollingstone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2009
Posts: 236
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Post by rollingstone on Feb 19, 2008 3:06:53 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the very flattering comments! Mitzi - I'm not entirely certain about CPP. I'm pretty sure it's just a brand name for aluminum oxide, but I've never confirmed that. It's the polish I get at my local lapidary store.  Adrian - good spotting on the reflection. Kind of makes me look like a centaur though... ;D Condor - I couldn't find any pics of the rough  . But, yes, all stages done in a 6 lb. Lortone rotary. The coarse grind is done on a unit that turns about 35 rpm, and all the other stages are done on an older machine that turns about 25 rpm. Don't know if that makes any difference, but I like to think it makes for gentler treatment after coarse grind. Ooh, Ed, you might well be right about the limbcast. That sure took some serious coarse-grinding. Results were worth it though. Connrock - yes, this was hammer and chisel cracked rough. Maybe that's why it took 12 weeks in coarse grind, plus lots of Dremelling, to get out many of the rough spots and cracks. ;D Thanks again, -Don |
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Post by connrock on Feb 19, 2008 7:46:13 GMT -5
Brazilian agate was one of my first tumbling experiences long before there was a "web" to ask questions.
After believing the tumbler instructions of only 7-10 days in rough and trying my heart out to get a descent shine on them I almost packed it in!!
It's beautiful material if we can only figure out a way to break it up without it breakig us up!!
connrock
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Post by Titania on Feb 19, 2008 8:05:28 GMT -5
Those are just outstanding! I want to run my fingers through them. |
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grayfingers
Cave Dweller 
Member since November 2007
Posts: 4,575 
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Post by grayfingers on Feb 19, 2008 8:08:04 GMT -5
Wow... I thought I knew what a shine was... I have a ways to go.
Thanks for the beautiful shots of your perfect tumble!
Bill
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181lizard
Cave Dweller
Still lurking :)
Member since December 2005
Posts: 2,171
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Post by 181lizard on Feb 19, 2008 16:18:12 GMT -5
Us old folk and newbies alike, can & should, pay close attention to Don's tumbles. I have yet to get one as spectacular as his but he's taught me to be patient & to take my time...especially in the first tumble.
When I got my very first batch all the way through the 4 stages, I really was tickled. I thought they were a miracle! Then...I found this site & realized just how newbie they were! LOL
Don's batch's show great care and an unwillingness to take shortcuts. Believe me...I love it when a batch from start to finish takes a minute amount time and effort...but if you really want to get a first class tumble...you must FOLLOW THE WAY OF THE DON! (heh-heh!)
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Terry664
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2005
Posts: 1,146
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Post by Terry664 on Feb 21, 2008 20:15:13 GMT -5
So, what else is new, just another great batch and shine from Don. Don do you use Dremel before you start or during rough grind, or both?
Terry
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bouldergal
freely admits to licking rocks
Glacier Meadow
Member since July 2007
Posts: 783
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Post by bouldergal on Feb 21, 2008 20:58:48 GMT -5
Don,
When you say clean and recharge, do you completely rinse the stones and tumbling media, then start fresh with the same amount of grit as for the first time? Or, do you just add more grit to everything in the tumbler and "let er rip" again?
Susan
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. But, yes, all stages done in a 6 lb. Lortone rotary. The coarse grind is done on a unit that turns about 35 rpm, and all the other stages are done on an older machine that turns about 25 rpm. Don't know if that makes any difference, but I like to think it makes for gentler treatment after coarse grind. 
Nov 14, 2024 18:17:57 GMT -5
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Nov 15, 2024 17:44:51 GMT -5
Nov 15, 2024 17:44:51 GMT -5
