xpansan
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2008
Posts: 4
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Post by xpansan on Jul 18, 2008 0:11:08 GMT -5
I am new to this and could sure use some help. While floating the Green River in Wyoming a few weeks ago we stopped for a break and there were river rocks of every color imaginable and decided to load my pockets with them and try my luck at polishing. They vary in size from 2" to maybe 4" in length. I purchased a Thumbler 15lb Model B with all the different grits but I have no idea how much grit to add to each batch and what other rocks I should use to fill the tumbler. Any help in getting started would be appreciated. Thanks!
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Post by deb193redux on Jul 18, 2008 0:40:26 GMT -5
Start with these instructions for the loading and grit. www.therockshed.com/instructions1.html#Rotary... but try a bit of testing to see if any rocks are soft. Get something you know is quartz, even if you have to buy a crystal point at a store, then try to make scratches. Expect anything that does not scratch to polish |
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xpansan
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2008
Posts: 4
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Post by xpansan on Jul 18, 2008 11:05:53 GMT -5
Thank you for responding. I will test them, but your instructions for loading and grit didn't show up.
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Post by Condor on Jul 18, 2008 13:35:00 GMT -5
With a 15lb tumbler I would go with 3/4 to 1 cup of grit during the first two stages. Third and fourth stage I'd use a little less than 3/4 cup. The grits I'd use are 60/90, 120/220 followed by 400f and then the polish (aluminum oxide works great.) I imagine that those river rocks being from Wyoming will be quite hard so chances are that you'll be okay by adding other rocks to the tumbler. Can you go back to that area or another area similar to where you were? Pick up smaller rocks to fill the tumbler. Chances are they have the same hardness and will help those larger rocks. Could you post pics of those rocks? I'd be interested in seeing what they look like. Especially after you get done with them.
Condor
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xpansan
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2008
Posts: 4
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Post by xpansan on Jul 18, 2008 15:33:58 GMT -5
Thank you for the advice and I will post pictures when done providing I can figure out how to do that. (I'm sure it's not hard, just the learning curve...)
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Post by deb193redux on Jul 18, 2008 18:30:43 GMT -5
oops. link is there now
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