carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
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Post by carloscinco on Sept 9, 2008 21:11:23 GMT -5
I've seen Borax or Ivory flakes recommended over and over for between stage washing and final burnishing but I have not read why they are believed to be superior. Is there a drawback to other type of soaps? Are they so mild as to be seen as harmless the the large variety of rock compositions? Just curious.
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Post by Condor on Sept 9, 2008 21:40:45 GMT -5
From everything I have read and the little that I know, other detergents have added chemicals which can affect the overall polishing of the stones. I've never used anything but Borax of Ivory flakes simply because I'd hate to get to that stage then have to start over to second or third stage.
Condor
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Sept 9, 2008 22:56:56 GMT -5
Also, many other modern detergents are aggressive enough that they can damage the rubber barrels, where ivory and borax are mild enough that there are no worries in that regard.
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ejs
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 478
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Post by ejs on Sept 10, 2008 8:09:09 GMT -5
Some detergents have chemicals that can affect color. Other add perfumes. I like my rocks smell free. ;D <sniff sniff>
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Sept 10, 2008 8:31:31 GMT -5
The other reason I've read is that other soaps create too much gas.
Chuck
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Post by LCARS on Sept 10, 2008 11:41:20 GMT -5
Also, Borax and Ivory flakes don't produce foam when agitated.
You could use "green" (phosphate/dye/perfume free) laundry detergent as well but Borax and Ivory just seem to have a long track record of success.
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