knapper42
starting to shine!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 36
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Post by knapper42 on Jul 25, 2008 15:53:07 GMT -5
Here are a couple of pictures of my first ever batch. Flints, Jasper & wood from the Texas Panhandle. The old Marine must have come out in me because it was a full charge then read the battle plans. It took me over a month to get this little batch out because I made so many mistakes but I understood better the instruction I read later.(grin) I'm preping another batch and this time I'm grinding the cracks and seams out before the course run. I only have a single barrel but I think I probably did a fair job of cleaning between runs. The pictures aren't great but I will appreaciate any helpful advice and suggestions. Knapper   |
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Post by Bikerrandy on Jul 25, 2008 16:20:18 GMT -5
Those turned out great bud, especially for the first batch. Did you do a burnish stage? This is done by running them in borax and water for a couple of hours, it makes a big difference in my batches.
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knapper42
starting to shine!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 36
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Post by knapper42 on Jul 25, 2008 16:41:06 GMT -5
Yes I did, actually ran them for about 24 hrs in the borax.
I forgot to ask a question about shrinkagae. I started with about 15 lbs and ended up with about 9 lbs. I know now I should have stones at different stages to add as I go along. But still curious if the 15 to 9 was typical.
Knapper
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on Jul 25, 2008 19:09:27 GMT -5
I do not see 9# finished a "little batch" ;D. I am unsure why you lost 40% volume when you finished them in "over a month" I have lost that much volume on batches of stuff that hardness but it was in 60/90 for 12 to 16 weeks to shape up.  By the way, that is a very nice batch especially for your first one! |
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lparker
fully equipped rock polisher
Still doing too much for being retired!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 1,202
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Post by lparker on Jul 25, 2008 19:16:09 GMT -5
Nothing wrong with that tumble. I've got one barrel running mostly fresh coarse, a second barrel running stuff thats been rolling for a week or two, BUT I always top the barrels off every 5-6 days when I recharge them. Now let me muddy this up.
I top off the second barrel with rock that is almost where I want it shape-wise from the first barrel (some is ready for medium - I set that aside).
I take rock out of the second barrel that is ready for medium grit.
I refill the first barrel with fresh rock.
I add cabs and slabs to the rock ready for medium grit and toss them in my vibe.
Oh ya, It's probably typical if you don't remove rock that is where you want it shape-wise.
Lee
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on Jul 25, 2008 20:26:57 GMT -5
Ok. I'm confused. How long- start to finnish- did it take to lose 40% volume?
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knapper42
starting to shine!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 36
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Post by knapper42 on Jul 25, 2008 22:17:41 GMT -5
I don't recall the exact starting date but I believe it has been probably 35 days. I ran the course run for 10 days without a recharge. Is this unusual?
knapper
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on Jul 25, 2008 22:33:15 GMT -5
I understand getting that nice shine that fast using a vibe but with 10 only days in course I do not understand that loss in volume for Flint, Jasper and Wood. My opinon is it is quite unusual to lose that much. Maybe some others can help.
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knapper42
starting to shine!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 36
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Post by knapper42 on Jul 26, 2008 7:47:21 GMT -5
I woke up in the middle of the night and realized I weighed the batch in the barrel and then weighed it afterwards without the barrell. Told you I made a bunch of mistakes.
This tumbling must be real addictive, now I'm thinking about it in my sleep.
Well at least that mistake is easy to fix.
Sorry for the confusion.
knapper
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Post by creativeminded on Jul 26, 2008 22:55:30 GMT -5
Nice batch. As for the shrinkage, I have opened my barrel after the 60/90 and 120/220 it looks like I have lost almost have my barrel level, so it does happen. I run my stone 6 to 8 weeks depending on the hardness of the stone.
Tami
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