chrisperez
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2009
Posts: 457
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Post by chrisperez on Jan 19, 2009 18:29:14 GMT -5
Hello all, I'll fomally introduce myself in the members forum later.... But for now, this is my first post and my first attempt at rock tumbling..... These were just some rocks I picked up at a job site ( I'm an electrician ), driveway gravel. I didn't have the nerve to try some of the more interesting rocks I've found, and I'm too stubborn to use the rocks that came with the tumbler ( I caved in though, they are in there now ). I just had to show someone, so here it is... This is after 8 days in the first grinding stage....  Then, after 10 days in the second stage.... 18 days total   And the finished product..... after 7 days in polish, 25 days total... not amazing by any means, but not bad ( I think?).    Let me know what you think... these were done using " The Original Rock Tumbler".. I know, I know, " you need a better tumbler... ". Trust me... I want a better tumbler.... I think I've caught the bug  !!!! |
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Post by Bikerrandy on Jan 19, 2009 19:32:23 GMT -5
Those look great for a first attempt, much better than mine did!! I like those white ones the best. Where are you from?
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Post by NatureNut on Jan 19, 2009 19:49:27 GMT -5
That's some nice lookin' driveway gravel. Very cool! Welcome! Jo
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carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
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Post by carloscinco on Jan 19, 2009 20:16:00 GMT -5
I'd say you are well on your way. Don't be shy around here. These are some of the most supportive folks you'll find in any type forum.
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Post by frane on Jan 19, 2009 20:37:57 GMT -5
Well, for finds and a first try, you have done pretty good! I like the black almost striped one and the purplish ones on the left of the plate.
They look like they were a little on the soft side, at least some of them are. Even so, I think I would have went a few days longer in the first grit. May have smoothed them just a little more and helped them take an even shinier polish than you have now.
Welcome to the board and I sure am looking forward to seeing your next load and yes, it sounds like you have the bug now!
Fran
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NDK
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Jan 19, 2009 22:42:51 GMT -5
Not bad at all! My 1st batch was similar. Mine were all from my landscape stone around the house. But a pretty rock is a pretty rock, no matter where you get it! Nate |
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chrisperez
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2009
Posts: 457
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Post by chrisperez on Jan 19, 2009 22:46:58 GMT -5
Hey thanks for all the support everyone...  !!! My girlfriend got me the tumbler for Christmas and it was the perfect gift.... the type of thing I have wanted since I was a kid just never had bought for myself ( isn't she great !?!?! ). Anyone know if I could slice and tumble horn coral fossils?... just curious.... Bikerrandy... The white ones... really? they are just so... white I like the ones in the last pic, there's just so much going on in those little rocks! The rough rock at the top is a chunk broken off of the same rock... Oh.. and I'm in Dayton, OH... Naturenut..... Isn't it though? This was from an amazing house 1/4 mile into the woods, and just before they poured the concrete, they put down a layer of this gravel... looked incredible on a rainy day... until they poured the concrete that is. frane... Yes, the black striped one is very soft.... I can wipe the shine off with my thumb ( and buff it back on my pants ). Yes I do have the bug, I want to buy a ( some ) new tumblers, but then again, I keep looking at a couple of 10" PVC pipes on my back porch, and think," why buy what I can build better"..... |
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huffstuff
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2007
Posts: 1,222
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Post by huffstuff on Jan 19, 2009 23:34:13 GMT -5
Those look good. I agree with getting a better tumbler when you can. A larger barrel size (such as the 3-lb size) will provide more action for the rocks, too, resulting in better shaping.
Another idea that might help a lot is to buy some "real" grit. I think the packs they include with the hobby tumblers just aren't as good as the ones we get from our lapidary suppliers. One supplier that many of us use is the Rock Shed. I think it may improve your shine.
Welcome!
Amy
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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 21, 2009 12:13:36 GMT -5
Good job for a first time, especially considering the mixed hardness I'm sure is in there.
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!!!!
!!! My girlfriend got me the tumbler for Christmas and it was the perfect gift.... the type of thing I have wanted since I was a kid just never had bought for myself ( isn't she great !?!?! ). Anyone know if I could slice and tumble horn coral fossils?... just curious....
