kawakami
starting to shine!
Member since September 2008
Posts: 30
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Post by kawakami on Oct 13, 2008 14:33:16 GMT -5
I'm using a 3lb rubber barrel and I've noticed a thick gray ring developing near the lid. I've also noticed "grit powder" at the bottom of the tumbler where I believe it has leaked and the heat from the tumbler has evaparated the water. So I was wondering how tight should I tighten it, also, which way does the nut at the end go?
Inside I've got Bloodstone and Green moss. I've noticed some slight chips on the bloodstone, is the green moss too hard for it, or is it nothing I should be conserned with?
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Post by akansan on Oct 13, 2008 14:46:25 GMT -5
What kind of tumbler did you get again? I ask because the answer will probably be different depending on the tumbler...
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kawakami
starting to shine!
Member since September 2008
Posts: 30
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Post by kawakami on Oct 13, 2008 14:54:48 GMT -5
Lortone 3A.
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KG1960
has rocks in the head
Member since August 2008
Posts: 512
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Post by KG1960 on Oct 13, 2008 20:53:42 GMT -5
Make sure the rim where the lid fits in is clean and make sure the rubber lid is clean. I use an old toothbrush to clean out any matter. It's OK if it's wet, probably better if wet. Also make sure the metal lid is all the way down and even all around. The knurled end of the nut goes out - it's easier to grip with your fingers that way. Just tighten it firmly with your fingers, don't use any tools. I have used the same barrel as you and haven't had any leakage problems. I think cleanliness is the important factor.
I don't know about your question about bloodstone/green moss, although I do know some rocks chip easily. 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 Oct 13, 2008 21:24:26 GMT -5
Blood Stone and Green Moss do fine together unless you mean Green Tree Moss. The Calcite in the Tree Moss will gice you problems.
As far as the Lortone 3A barrel leaking I have never had that problem. Tighten the nut (grove at the top) by hand until there is a slight concave in the metal lid. The lid screw does not need to go all the way through the nut. If it was clean you should not have any leaks.
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kawakami
starting to shine!
Member since September 2008
Posts: 30
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Post by kawakami on Oct 14, 2008 3:53:27 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice guys.
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kawakami
starting to shine!
Member since September 2008
Posts: 30
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Post by kawakami on Oct 14, 2008 5:27:28 GMT -5
I've washed off the rocks and noticed most of them have got cracks or chips, both Bloodstone and Green Moss. Should I put them though 60/90 again or should I move on to the next stage?
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chassroc
Cave Dweller 
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on Oct 14, 2008 7:19:20 GMT -5
I would put them through 60/90 again. Many materials have internal cracks. If you have cracked the rock with a hammer it will have more chips and cracks to start out. As the material smooths the cracks are less distracting. If your material is going to chip it is best to have it chip in the 60/90 stage. Buy some plastic pellets and add to your rocks in subsequent stages to cushion the rock. Use different pellets for each stage and save for the next batch(in seperate containers).
csroc
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on Oct 14, 2008 19:51:37 GMT -5
I would run them again and a third time as well. Maybe more but that is a matter of taste as to how much shape/character you want. Be patient and get exactly what you want. Blood Stone and Green Moss are pretty hard stuff.
I use plastic pellets as well.
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rollingstone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2009
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Post by rollingstone on Oct 15, 2008 4:47:06 GMT -5
Yes, cleanliness is key to getting a good seal. But I would dry both the lid and the barrel lip well, before putting things together again -- the plastic barrels/lids are designed to be self-sealing, as long as both start out dry.
Tighten the knurled nut just until it snugs up lightly. If you over-tighten it, that will push down on the centre of the lid, causing the outside of the lid to buckle outwards, which will mean a leaky barrel. Just screw the nut on until you feel solid resistance, i.e. barely snug, not tight, then leave it alone.
If you've got chipping in the barrel, either add plastic pellets, or next time use less water so the slurry forms faster and thicker, giving more protection against chips.
Don
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kawakami
starting to shine!
Member since September 2008
Posts: 30
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Post by kawakami on Oct 15, 2008 14:53:00 GMT -5
I've added some plastic pellets to it, hopefully it'd go well this time.
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on Oct 15, 2008 19:15:11 GMT -5
Plastic pellets will impede the grinding/shaping of the 60/90 but will cushion.
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