ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69 
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Post by ksk on Dec 27, 2008 13:56:52 GMT -5
The Lot-O instructions say to start with about 4 pounds of rock, and keep it full as the tumble progresses. "Full" sounds like a volume reference rather than a weight. Do other Lot-O users keep the load weight at around 4 pounds (by adding filler stone etc.) or do you refill to a certain volume as the tumble progresses?
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ejs
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 478
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Post by ejs on Dec 27, 2008 20:52:01 GMT -5
I'll let others who actually own a Lot-O speak up, but from reading the board, I have learned that barrels are usually filled by volume (2/3 to 3/4) rather than weight.
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Post by connrock on Dec 28, 2008 6:39:08 GMT -5
It's pretty hard to get the full 4lbs of rocks in the LO barrels unless you do a lot of small rocks.
I don't weigh any of my loads.
I fill the barrel with a nice assortment of different size rocks and that's that.
I think the most important thing about weight is not having a light load so that the springs don't break.
If the load is too light you can hear and see a drastic difference in the action of the rocks and the unit itself.
It shakes all over and the rocks jump around inside the barrel instead of rolling and vibrating smoothly.
Don't worry about the weight.Just fill the barrel and go for it.
connrock
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1Mark
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since November 2004
Posts: 91
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Post by 1Mark on Dec 29, 2008 10:41:37 GMT -5
What Connrock said. Never had a problem with the Lot-O being too full. I recently started using 4mm ceramic spheres as filler to dampen the Lot-O's action in the pre-polish and polish stages. I'm fairly certain that the barrel is "overweight" at that point, but it doesn't ruin the machine like overloading a rotary can (especially a cheap rotary).
Mark
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Post by Noosh9057 on Dec 29, 2008 16:58:18 GMT -5
I usually just go by volume.
Roger
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Jan 4, 2009 12:43:29 GMT -5
I have found that mine works well as long as it is at least 1/3 full. What seems to be more important than the actual volume of rock is the amount of water in relation to the rock. Too much water seems to slow the process down, you want just enough water to keep the material wet.
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