sunrisedawn
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 55
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Post by sunrisedawn on Jun 4, 2008 20:25:30 GMT -5
The first three steps went very well. The last step had all the fine polish glued to the stones. If the barrel was damp, would this cause it? Does it have to be totally dry? My tumbler is a one barrel from Harbor Freight and the polish kit is from Harbor Freight too. I am new to the site and new to tumbling.
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Post by parfive on Jun 4, 2008 20:46:20 GMT -5
Welcome to the board.
Some more info would help. You say "If the barrel was damp, would this cause it? Does it have to be totally dry?"
Not sure exactly what you mean. The polish stage uses water just like all the others.
Rich
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sunrisedawn
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 55
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Post by sunrisedawn on Jun 4, 2008 21:31:26 GMT -5
Thank you. I have lost my tumbler instructions so I found an online info site that said this step was just powder. Could you tell me the ratio for all four steps. I got the polisher three years ago and the instructions are MIA. Thanks for responding.
Dawn
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Post by parfive on Jun 4, 2008 22:27:30 GMT -5
Dawn - First off, if the rocks with the polish powder are still in the barrel, just leave 'em in there and give it a shot. Now, all the steps/stages are basically the same. The barrel should be 1/2 to 2/3 full of rocks. Add water just to the top of the rocks, then add the grit or polish, and that's it . . . the simple version, at least. ;D If you have a 3 pound barrel (about 5" across and 5" high) use about 4 tablespoons of coarse grit in the first stage. You can use less in the next stages, maybe 3 tblsp in fine grit and pre-polish, and 2 tblsp in the polish stage. So get some water in that puppy and let us know in a week.  Rich |
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Post by parfive on Jun 4, 2008 22:45:34 GMT -5
After you get that barrel goin' again, and you got nuthin' to do for a week  you can check out the main Rock Tumbling Hobby website: www.rocktumblinghobby.com/Scroll down to the bottom half for lots of good info. |
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Post by deb193redux on Jun 4, 2008 23:22:36 GMT -5
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Jun 5, 2008 0:40:55 GMT -5
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Post by Noosh9057 on Jun 5, 2008 7:05:04 GMT -5
Hi
Well it sounds as you have all the info you need now to get the rocks polished. So I will just say welcome to the board. I think you will find this board the best out on the net.
Roger
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Post by johnjsgems on Jun 5, 2008 23:39:29 GMT -5
I wouldn't expect great results from polish from Harbor Freight but that may be my own bias. After the polish stage you will likely have some polish residue. Run a wet mixture of borax or powdered Tide/water for a day. And if you live in a hard water area use distilled water to mix with the polish.
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sunrisedawn
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 55
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Post by sunrisedawn on Jun 6, 2008 10:21:53 GMT -5
Could you tell me where to get the mediums I need instead of the Harbor Freight. I really do want to do this right.
Dawn
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fanatic
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2007
Posts: 233
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Post by fanatic on Jun 6, 2008 10:51:12 GMT -5
I get all mine from Rock Shed. Good price and excellent service.
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Gem'n I
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2008
Posts: 980
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Post by Gem'n I on Jun 6, 2008 20:07:43 GMT -5
Well welcome Dawn...you also mihgt try John at JS as well since he's given you a response...he's also a great guy to deal with and a favorite here!!
Larry
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you can check out the main Rock Tumbling Hobby website:
