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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 3, 2008 19:32:04 GMT -5
I just got a new bowl from the Rockshed. The walls are thicker, and the inside is more rounded at the bottom. I just started breaking it in, polish stage. The rocks look like they are moving more efficiently. Also, the lid gasket is slightly larger than the lid, allowing for a better seal. I'm not sure if it's from a different supplier, but I like it better than the old one. (I wore the bottom clean out of the old one) ;D
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Dec 4, 2008 7:57:05 GMT -5
Thanks for the tip. That sounds like the bowls I have, but I don't have anything to compare to.
I cut back on the water on the 150/220 on my current load, so that it was just barely wet. I had really good action last night, but this morning things were very slow from the build-up of rock snot. I think I'll try a little more water to start next time or I'll have to check it more frequently.
What's your experience?
Chuck
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fisherman510
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2008
Posts: 113
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Post by fisherman510 on Dec 4, 2008 9:13:42 GMT -5
I just finished my first batch of tumbled rocks this week. I ran my 60/90 grit and 120/220 grit in a rotary tumbler. I did my pre-polish and polish in a UV-10. I had my rocks in a bucket of water. I just drained the water and then dumped them in the vibe. After turning it on, I added 4 oz. of media. I checked it about 4 times a day, squirting a little water in each time. I was pretty happy with the results.
Bob
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 4, 2008 11:03:57 GMT -5
Bob has it right. Observe the action at start up damp. Recheck frequently and add spritz of water to regain initial action. Too much water in a vibe results in grit settling to near bottom of hopper and wearing out the hopper while the rocks rotate above the grit. Thumler's changed drum manufacturer last year but specs should be same. Some of the moulds were worn out so conceivably the newer drums may be better. They also make two versions. Industrial is thicker and suitable for rock. The standard thinner drum is used for metal polishing. Drums from Cabellas and so forth will be the light duty. The light duty model UV's also have lighter duty motors.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Dec 4, 2008 12:27:10 GMT -5
Well, I'm not willing to get up in the middle of the night or come home from work at lunch to check it, so I guess I'll just have to do my best. It seems to be a bigger issue with the first grind since more material is being removed.
I haven't used it for a few months and it's amazing how quickly I forget things like quantities. I may have to get more methodical with the water and timing and write it down.
I have the industrial vibe and drums, but no sense in wearing them out any sooner than necessary.
Chuck
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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 4, 2008 18:35:35 GMT -5
My UV-10 came from the Rockshed. The bowl lasted almost 4 years. I have two other bowls as well, but the new one is definately thicker, like much thicker.... I find that starting the tumble in the morning is best, because after the first 10 or 12 hours is when your slurry will get it's thickest. Check the load every 4 hours after start-up until you go to bed, and again first thing after you get up. When you check before bedtime, it doesn't hurt any to spray a couple extra sprays as long as you don't see standing water in the bottom of the bowl.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Dec 5, 2008 7:53:18 GMT -5
Thanks Randy! You gave me an idea: I can load the bowl with rocks and ceramics the night before so all I have to do is add the grit and a little water. Now, if I can just keep from watching the rocks go round and round...
Chuck
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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 5, 2008 10:08:08 GMT -5
Don't stare at them too long, you might get sucked in to the magic vortex.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Dec 5, 2008 13:43:22 GMT -5
I thought I was over the flashbacks...
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lparker
fully equipped rock polisher
Still doing too much for being retired!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 1,202
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Post by lparker on Dec 9, 2008 17:57:34 GMT -5
I don't have a hole in mine yet (9months old), but I'm flushing plastic flakes out of it, especially after the medium grit. I just ordered a new bowl from the rock shed and will use it for pre-polish and polish until the first bowl gives out.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Dec 9, 2008 19:44:55 GMT -5
Do the pre-polish in the 120/220 barrel and save the other for polish and final burnish stages only.
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