lablover2484
starting to shine!
Member since September 2008
Posts: 39
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Post by lablover2484 on Sept 30, 2008 17:00:58 GMT -5
I am fairly new at tumbling, I have been tumbling rough assor. materials for about 3 years, but I was wondering what information or experience anyone can give me about buying slabs of rock. Do I bust it myself to workable pieces?Can that even be done? Any help on this topic would be most appreciated.
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Post by Condor on Sept 30, 2008 17:33:55 GMT -5
How big of slabs are you thinking of tumbling? I've tumbled many ranging in sizes from a couple of inches to five or six. I've cut them myself and others I buy at rock shops or shows. I've even cut tumbling size that I've busted and used those. Much easier to cut too.
Condor
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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 30, 2008 21:07:03 GMT -5
Welcome lablover! The best source for assorted slabs that I've found is "The Buy Sell and Swap Shop for Members" board here on this site. I got a great flat rate box of slabs for very little money recently. Keep an eye on that forum, as boxes pop up frequently. Good luck!
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on Sept 30, 2008 21:15:17 GMT -5
I have busted slabs I cut into pieces for tumble. They make great fridge magnets especially moss stuff or you can cut shapes and tumble them. Like Condor I have tumbled 1 1/2- 2" in a three pounder and a few fives in my 12#. They usually only take one cycle in rough to shape.
What size you got?
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Post by akansan on Sept 30, 2008 22:35:29 GMT -5
As for busting it, do you mean slabbing it or busting purchased slabs?
A lot of us here have tile saws from Home Depot ($89!) that allow us to cut mini-slabbettes from stones ~3" or shorter (depending on skill level), and that also allows us to cut slabs into various shapes. I've also thrown slabs on concrete that I wanted tumbled (and sometimes cabbed, but don't tell!) to bust them into more irregular shapes. Other's have used tile nippers and glass scorers to cut shapes.
Anything is possible!
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Post by stonesthatrock on Sept 30, 2008 23:38:22 GMT -5
welcome lablover, i hope you enjoy tumbling, i know you will enjoy the board. everyone here is very frendly and helpful. If you look in my flickr, i have all kinds of slabs and some very nice az. pet wood. If i can help you just let me know. i also offer my heels from all the rocks i cut for sale. Like ejs said, keep an eye out in the Buy, Sale and Swap. you will find some great deals there.
ralph and mary ann
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Post by deb193redux on Sept 30, 2008 23:40:24 GMT -5
saws are best, but at 1st I used a tile nibbler. over time I wanted better edges.
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lablover2484
starting to shine!
Member since September 2008
Posts: 39
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Post by lablover2484 on Oct 1, 2008 0:23:03 GMT -5
I'm not sure what size it is, I see alot of slabs for sale that I would like to get but I am not sure what to do with it. I only have little 3lb tumblers so the pieces have to range pretty small I would say. I would have to bust it myself, I just didnt know if it was the best way to go or not.
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Post by Michael John on Oct 1, 2008 2:05:30 GMT -5
I'd strongly suggest that you buy a WorkForce tile saw from Home Depot for $88. Over 100 board members have bought them, including me, and they're fantastic. It'll allow you to cut slabs from small rocks and cut preforms from slabs. Much better than busting slabs and praying for good shapes and sizes.
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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 Oct 1, 2008 6:34:01 GMT -5
I use only 3 lb tumblers. I've cut dozens of slabs on my WF saw and tumbled them with great results.
As far as where to purchase, I've done very well buying from folks on this board. My second choice is buying from rock shops or during rock shows. My last resort is ebay. I've had both good and bad purchases on ebay. Several sellers either aren't aware of what they are actually selling or they are intentionally mis-representing what they sell. Its also difficult to see some of the cracks and flaws in ebay pictures.
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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 Oct 1, 2008 6:35:00 GMT -5
OH yeah - the size question. I've tumbled several ovals that are 58mm x 34mm and had good results in my 3 lb'ers
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Post by sitnwrap on Oct 1, 2008 6:48:09 GMT -5
Hi lablover, the advise that members give is excellent and the tumbles that they produce, outstanding so don't hesitate to take their advice. The tumbles that are created from slabs cut up are wonderful and if you don't have or can't get the tile saw, breaking them up will produce some beautifully interesting stones.
Go for it cause we will be cheering you on!
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stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Oct 1, 2008 9:18:00 GMT -5
Slabs are fun to tumble- I perfer to cut mine on the Tile saw (hahah I got my Workforce saw for only $77- almost 4 years ago?) but you can just smack em with a hammer (or if your real brave Drop them on the concrete floor!!!) I have tumbled slabs UP to 3 inches by 1.5 inches in a 3 lber- but this was the extremem limit for my barrels-
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lynskyn1970
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since August 2008
Posts: 93
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Post by lynskyn1970 on Oct 1, 2008 9:22:50 GMT -5
i have tumbled all sorts of shapes and sizes in my 3 pounder. including small slabs, chunks, and pre form cabs. like stefan i have no special way of breaking up my rock for tumbling. i just whack em with a hammer and also i do throw my rock on the concrete to break it up. got to be careful when doing both cause pieces of rock can fly everywhere. fun stuff!!!!!
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