gzed1500
starting to shine!
Member since February 2009
Posts: 31
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Post by gzed1500 on Feb 25, 2009 11:01:53 GMT -5
I was thinking about getting some Mexican Lace from the Rock Shed. However, I only have 3lb barrels, but I would really like to try some lace. Should I get a 6lb tumbler or can I break the rocks down into smaller pieces with a cold chisel and hammer? I don't have a saw, and I am not going to get one. Any thoughts and/or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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rollingstone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2009
Posts: 236
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Post by rollingstone on Feb 25, 2009 17:37:03 GMT -5
With a cold steel chisel and hammer, you can break them into any size you want. That's the only way I bust up my rocks. I prefer a 2lb crack hammer to hit the chisel -- give it a good solid hit and it should break right where you want it to. If you have massive material (ie no fractures) bigger than a pound or two, it can be tough to get that first break, but smaller material should be no problem even if there aren't any internal planes of weakness.
-Don
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gzed1500
starting to shine!
Member since February 2009
Posts: 31
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Post by gzed1500 on Feb 25, 2009 21:19:09 GMT -5
Excellent! Thank you Don!
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on Feb 25, 2009 22:03:12 GMT -5
Don is right on. I will use the chisel by hand to break off small points after the break to give them a more rounded shape. Throw them in with the tumle as well to help carry the grit.
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Post by rocklicker on Feb 26, 2009 14:08:29 GMT -5
That first break can ususally be done with a towell over the rock and a good whack with a sledge. Then the smaller ones can be easily chiseled. That works for me.
Steve
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