ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69 
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Post by ksk on Jan 5, 2009 13:27:47 GMT -5
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1rockhound
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 286
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Post by 1rockhound on Jan 5, 2009 13:31:01 GMT -5
Um all I see is [image], but they have one heck of a nice shine. LOL
Jason
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Rogue Trader
freely admits to licking rocks
"Don't cry because you are leaving, smile because you were there."
Member since December 2008
Posts: 839
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Post by Rogue Trader on Jan 5, 2009 13:33:50 GMT -5
Use the img code for links and not the direct link as you have done  |
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Rogue Trader
freely admits to licking rocks
"Don't cry because you are leaving, smile because you were there."
Member since December 2008
Posts: 839
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Post by Rogue Trader on Jan 5, 2009 13:35:52 GMT -5
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ejs
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 478
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Post by ejs on Jan 5, 2009 14:44:21 GMT -5
Nice batch! I like the variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
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Post by frane on Jan 5, 2009 18:29:43 GMT -5
It looks like your leopard skin did the best rounding of shape and some of the quartzite too. The rest just softened their natural shape and shined pretty good! I am surprised that the amazonite stayed together with that mixed batch so you really did a good job!
Fran
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ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69
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Post by ksk on Jan 5, 2009 18:49:19 GMT -5
The amazonite was pre-tumbled\rounded stones I purchased at a rock show. Most of the real rounded stones are lake pebbles. The leopard skin was purchased crushed. Also some other purchased tumbling rough.
I used about 50% mixed size ceramic.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Jan 5, 2009 21:31:17 GMT -5
You had great rough to start out with and got some great results. Very nice, awesome variety!!  |
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earthdog
Cave Dweller 
Don't eat yellow snow
Member since June 2006
Posts: 2,731
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Post by earthdog on Jan 5, 2009 21:37:51 GMT -5
I guess smooth all around wasn't the look you were after.
Nice fist batch (in Lot-O)
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Post by NatureNut on Jan 5, 2009 22:11:27 GMT -5
Me like the variety and the nice shine! I like the green/pink one (fluorite?) and the black and white one which reminds me of an leopard appaloosa. LOL. Great job! Thanks for showing!
Jo
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ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69
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Post by ksk on Jan 6, 2009 8:38:09 GMT -5
Yeah, chose the Lot-O because I prefer to retain the natural shape. As mentioned, some problems here with concave areas. Guess I'll have to add a rotary at some point to get the best of both world.
Not sure which pink\green you a referring to? Which photo\location?
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morticiamonroe
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 147
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Post by morticiamonroe on Jan 8, 2009 19:10:04 GMT -5
I love them, and have a question for you.
Yes, I see that not all of your stones are perfectly rounded, and I much prefer mine exactly the same way. I like the character it gives them. But my first batch a few months back ended up with the polish kind of settle in some of the cracks and grooves, turning a chalky white. How did you keep this from happening?
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ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69
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Post by ksk on Jan 9, 2009 8:10:26 GMT -5
A few of mine also have a little white left on them, but I don't find it objectionable.
I do six 12 hour cycles of rough grind (150\220 SC, 2 tsp). Rinse well between each.
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coasthunterjay
starting to spend too much on rocks
Carefull ive got a gun....and a closet full of rocks
Member since May 2009
Posts: 155
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Post by coasthunterjay on Jun 11, 2009 17:11:53 GMT -5
i have the same tumbler....do you use heaping scopes or leveled?
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Jun 17, 2009 2:40:15 GMT -5
Hi
A great shine on them , Fab in fact you should be very proud of that lot
Jack
Yorkshire uk
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Post by connrock on Jun 17, 2009 6:35:48 GMT -5
That is one heck of a load for your first attempt!
You can only get better now!!!
connrock
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Post by connrock on Jun 17, 2009 6:48:27 GMT -5
mort,roe,
The best way to avoid polish in cracks is to not polish rocks with cracks!!!
OK,,,,,,I know you didn't like that answer so I'll try again!!! lol
It's difficult to not have the polish stay in the cracks if they are very predominant to begin with.
When you finish your pre-polish stage inspect the cracks with a jewelers loup.A 10x is the best for this.
If you see dark gray in the cracks that slurry/grit for other stages.
If you proceed to the polish stage this will cause problems such as cross contamination leading to dull looking rocks and or polish stuck in the cracks.
You now have 2 options.
One is to trash the rock.
Two is to put it back 2 stages and try again.
Another reason for polish in cracks is the use of too much polish.
In the LO you need ONLY 1/2 TEASPOON/load.NO MORE!!!
When the load is ready to come out of polish add 1/8-1/4 cup of HOT water with powdered Laundry Soap mixed into the hot water.
Let this run for "about" 5 minutes or longer then rinse the rocks off in warm water.
Another way to "remove" the polish in the cracks is to use a small high pressure wash gun but this will force out tiny pieces of the rock as well and I think it looks terrible.
Also don't forget to wash the rocks again in the vibe.
connrock
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Good Vibrations
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Overanalysis leads to Paralysis
Member since May 2009
Posts: 91
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Post by Good Vibrations on Jun 17, 2009 17:54:04 GMT -5
NICE!! I'm impressed and inspired - I am close to finishing my own first batch. Thanks for posting! Erica
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Post by MyNewHobby on Jun 17, 2009 20:46:39 GMT -5
That shine is amazing!!!!!!!!
I wanna see more!!! Please!!
As always
Julie
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