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 14, 2009 4:20:15 GMT -5
Following on from the umm...this is weird thread and the discussion about water displacement.
Saskrock asks the following question:
So now I gotta know. How much water does everyone else use.
Perhaps the outcome of this poll will help all of us attain a better grind/polish state from our tumblers.
This is not a scientific evaluation, and no reference or inference is implied. Merely a poll based on everyones experiences.
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DeanW
has rocks in the head
Member since December 2007
Posts: 721
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Post by DeanW on Jan 14, 2009 9:22:31 GMT -5
Uuhhmmm, since I kinda only skimmed the other thread, perhaps a little clarification for this poll? Vib or rotary? Nevermind it is sort of obvious once I think about it, duh.
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Saskrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2007
Posts: 1,852
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Post by Saskrock on Jan 14, 2009 23:26:07 GMT -5
Good post Rogue Trader, inquiring minds want to know. I get a nice shine submerged, but have to admit I have seen better on here. The difficulty in taking pictures makes it hard to know for sure though. It would be typical for me to be the odd man out and be the only one who submerges them  . Off doing my own thing again. ;D |
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Post by LCARS on Jan 15, 2009 5:08:44 GMT -5
I voted on the assumption that the water level to be determined is at the start of a rough batch.
I always make sure there is some rock sticking up from the water to start so they will eventually be completly submerged by the end of the rough grind phase. From that point on, I tumble each stage completely submerged on the principal that the viscosity of the slurry will act as a cushion against damaging impacts. In the polish stage I fill the barrel between 2/3-3/4 full using plastic pellet fill and bring the water level up to just over 3/4.
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Post by connrock on Jan 15, 2009 8:56:34 GMT -5
The water level is something that I don't think can just be voted on without an explanation of "why" that particular water level.
There are MANY views on this and also MANY recipes that will and won't work with a given water level.
I never rough with my water any where near the recommended level. I only have about 1-1/2" in a 15lb barrel.
If this was all the info I gave it would be very puzzling to say the least.
I better explain or I'll get the boot!!! LOL
I use 45/70 grit and rough tumble at twice the normal speed for a couple or 3 days.Then I go to a normal speed for about the same time.
I have to add water after the 1st 24 hours but only enough to stop the clanking noise and free up the load a bit.
This works for me but many have had problems with the more coarse grits.I have used #36 grit as well but it takes a log time to break down and never seems to break down fully.
My 2 cents worth.
connrock
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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 15, 2009 13:48:30 GMT -5
Do you use the same water level in every stage? My tendency is to use a bit less during the coarse stage and a bit more during polish. No reason.
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Post by sparkles on Jan 15, 2009 17:05:38 GMT -5
Me too EJS, I like the extra buffer and the slightly slower rate at the end of the process. I also tend to use a little more water on softer stones to ensure that if my tumble is too efficient, the slurry doesn't get "gloopy" and cause other problems in the barrel.
Great Threat Mr Rogue, very interesting to see the results! ;D
Cheers,
Sparkles.
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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 18, 2009 16:05:19 GMT -5
Just bouncing it up.
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Jan 20, 2009 16:37:48 GMT -5
I add water until it comes to just below the top layer of rock. Then I run it for at least an hour and recheck. I add more rocks or water until the water is just below the top layer of rocks and the barrel is 2/3 to 3/4 full. After a week or so the slurry is covering the rocks. I use rotaries just for the rough grind and finish in the vibratory. YMMV
Rick
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Saskrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2007
Posts: 1,852
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Post by Saskrock on Jan 21, 2009 8:51:55 GMT -5
Well its official its just me who submerges them. Next batch I going to try "Water Level Below Top Layer of Rocks/Stones" and see what kind of difference it makes. I get a pretty good shine now, but if everyone else is doing it different it can't hurt to try.
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. Off doing my own thing again. ;D
