cbjames
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2008
Posts: 13
|
Post by cbjames on Sept 8, 2008 20:41:27 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Sept 8, 2008 21:32:58 GMT -5
A lot of people hammer break slabs and tumble them to use for wire wrap free forms. The edges round off and they tumble nicely.
|
|
|
|
Post by Condor on Sept 8, 2008 22:05:05 GMT -5
I have tumbled many slabs and do it the same way as when I tumble rough rock. I do add in smaller pieces of rough so that the slabs do not stick together and those small rough pieces carry the slurry all around the slabs. Other than that there is not much difference in how to tumble them. Here are a few pics I've posted before.  This is the first time I post these Brazilian slabs.   Condor |
|
|
|
Post by deb193redux on Sept 8, 2008 22:18:29 GMT -5
Just add in enough small non-flat material. Slabettes that stick together or stick to the side do not shape up very much.
|
|
nansaidh
spending too much on rocks
Jewelry artist, graphic designer, dog lover, car nut (etc.)
Member since August 2008
Posts: 311
|
Post by nansaidh on Sept 9, 2008 12:42:14 GMT -5
Oooou I wanna see these as you tumble - would you consider posting progression pictures as you move thru the grits? Since I am limited to tumbling, this seems like a really good option for me since I really want to bezel-set a lot of the stones. Nancy |
|
cbjames
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2008
Posts: 13
|
Post by cbjames on Sept 11, 2008 5:10:28 GMT -5
I am planning on starting this batch on Sunday 9/14. I will keep a photo log and post progressive results.
|
|
nansaidh
spending too much on rocks
Jewelry artist, graphic designer, dog lover, car nut (etc.)
Member since August 2008
Posts: 311
|
Post by nansaidh on Sept 11, 2008 11:17:43 GMT -5
I am planning on starting this batch on Sunday 9/14. I will keep a photo log and post progressive results. Fantastic! Thank you! I'm looking forward to it.  Nancy |
|
fanatic
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2007
Posts: 233
|
Post by fanatic on Sept 11, 2008 12:13:27 GMT -5
The bulk of what I tumble are forms I cut from slabs. The biggest issue I have run into is getting a good, shiny finish on the flat sides. The larger the piece the more difficult it is. Like deb said, you have to have some small non-flat material. I usually toss in some scraps from my forming work or a bunch of small citrines. Frequently those end up as earrings. Above all, when tumbling flat pieces, be patient!
|
|
|
|
Post by snowdog on Sept 11, 2008 13:10:00 GMT -5
you could pre-shape some of them too --- grind or trim them if the edges are toooooo rough (square them up, or make triangles, etc. ) -- in the end they will look better and be easier to tumble ---------- also if you see any fracture lines in them now then you may want to break them before you start ( they will probably break somewhere thu the grinding cycles anyway and you won't have to start them over again )
|
|
