Roan
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2008
Posts: 600
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Post by Roan on Nov 17, 2008 16:38:43 GMT -5
I've tried AO and Rapid 61 with soft rocks in the vibe, but neither of them gave me a "OMG" finish. Course it could be the rocks. . . but, regardless, what do you recommend as a final polish for softies in the vibe?
Also -- The Rock Shed says to not use CO in vibes, can anyone tell me WHY you aren't supposed to?
Eileen
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thomtap
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 237
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Post by thomtap on Nov 17, 2008 17:50:54 GMT -5
I've been using CO in my vibe with no problems... Why aren't you supposed to use it?
Thom
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Roan
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2008
Posts: 600
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Post by Roan on Nov 18, 2008 7:36:14 GMT -5
I've been using CO in my vibe with no problems... Why aren't you supposed to use it? Thom If I knew I wouldn't have asked  Interesting. This is what it says: "Cerium oxide has not proved to be a good polish for use in the Lot-O-Tumbler"But it's a quote on their site from the Lot O manual, not something the people at The Rock Shed are saying. So, apparently, it's Lot O I need to ask. Eileen |
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firewalker45
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since August 2006
Posts: 929
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Post by firewalker45 on Nov 18, 2008 9:35:28 GMT -5
Hi Eileen, the CO breaks down too fast in a vibe. Better to use AO or TO in a vibe. Daniel
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Roan
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2008
Posts: 600
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Post by Roan on Nov 18, 2008 19:02:41 GMT -5
Ah, thanks, Daniel.
But. . . how fast is "too fast"? It's still better for soft stones, is it not?
Eileen
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firewalker45
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since August 2006
Posts: 929
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Post by firewalker45 on Nov 18, 2008 22:34:25 GMT -5
Hi Eileen, in a vibe I recommend AO or Tin oxide for soft stones and hard. For soft stones you usually need an extra step between prepolish and polish. Something like 1000 grit SC or Tripoly. If the stone is really soft like hardness of 3 or less you usually need to cushion it in the prepolish stage and beyond. For cushioning, you can use things like hard wood sawdust, fine ground walnut sheels, hard wood pegs, rice hulls, cut up rubber bands, etc. Have the ratio of cushioning agent to stone at least 1 to 1 or even up to 2 to 1. With soft stones if they bang each other it tends to impead a good polish. Softer stones takes longer to polish than hard stones, so the rapid break down of CO in a vibe is worse for soft stones. The rapid vibration is what causes the CO to break down so fast. Hope this helps, Daniel
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Roan
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2008
Posts: 600
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Post by Roan on Nov 19, 2008 0:26:23 GMT -5
Daniel,
Much thanks for the advice! I follow Connrock's recipe and use 1000g and tripoly for all my loads, but the final calls for Rapid 61 and I've not been happy with that for the soft stuff. I'll try my AO and see if it works better.
I've walnut here so I can use that for cushioning.
What about end burnish? I usually burnish with Borax at the end. Should I do that but include the walnut shells for cushioning?
So far the angelite is looking good, but it's the final stages that will tell the tale.
Eileen
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firewalker45
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since August 2006
Posts: 929
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Post by firewalker45 on Nov 19, 2008 7:22:18 GMT -5
Hi Eileen,I also use borax for my burnishing. I have a Lot-o which I love, but also have a Mt-4. I use the Mt-4 for all my burnishing as I can dial it down for a nice gentle burnishing. So I do not have experience burnishing soft stone in the Lot-o. I would probably try using plastic pellets (easier clean up). BTW I love your Gem Trees! Your work is beautiful. Daniel
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Roan
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2008
Posts: 600
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Post by Roan on Nov 19, 2008 10:51:36 GMT -5
Daniel, Thanks for all your help and thanks for the kudos on my gem trees  The stones are in AO with walnut, atm, and I'm going to check in a half hour to make sure there is enough water. I suspect that the walnut will soak some of it up. In with the angelite are some rainbow moonstones and more than a few have wonderful flash. Crossing my fingers! Eileen |
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