racoon
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2008
Posts: 16
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Post by racoon on Apr 10, 2008 14:51:21 GMT -5
Hi-I'm new here so Hi. My Questions: 1. What is the best level to fill the barrel? 2. Is it a good idea to put in small pebbles as filler? 3. Using already rounded beach rock, is a full 7 day tumble important for the coarse step - would 3, 4, or 5 days be ok?
My first load is from Rialto Beach on the Washington coast. Some reds (jasper?), Some whites, some granites, some mixed up things and some blacks (basalt). After 3 days they are looking pretty clean. I worry that I got greedy and over-stuffed the barrel: about 3/4s+.
Finally, how does one know if the grit is still effective - would it be good to add fresh grit after a couple of days.
Thanks for any tips, Rocky Racoon
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Post by krazydiamond on Apr 10, 2008 18:33:57 GMT -5
i'm assuming you are working with a rotary tumbler? about 1/2-3/4 barrel full is about right. you need to charge your barrel with a proportion of different sizes for a good tumble, and that depends on the size of your barrel.
the coarse step is the most important step and you run that as long as it takes to get your approved shape. if you are starting with already rounded stones it will take less, your call on what you want to go forward with.
i run my coarse grinds anywhere from 7 to 14 days before recharging or moving ahead to the next step. again, you are the one that has to decide when they are ready.
just a note, Racoon, we have a long standing member with the nickname of rockyraccoon, just so you know.
KD
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chassroc
Cave Dweller 
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on Apr 11, 2008 11:40:25 GMT -5
Racoon,
You asked, "Finally, how does one know if the grit is still effective - would it be good to add fresh grit after a couple of days. "
Answer: With coarse and medium grit, the answer is obvious. If there is grit at the bottom of the barrel, you do not need to recharge. If the grit has been totally suspended in the slurry and the slurry does not feel gritty, you can recharge.
With fine, extrafine, and polish, you should give each stage a week and experiment if the results disappoint.
csroc
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racoon
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2008
Posts: 16
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Post by racoon on Apr 11, 2008 13:25:06 GMT -5
Chassroc and KrazyD.,
Thanks for the answers. I added another bunch of coarse grit. The rocks are looking very handsome. My only gripe: why didn't I pick up a tumbler last year when I began living by the sea?
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