Post by connrock on Mar 22, 2009 5:09:42 GMT -5
mikes,,,
the lot-o is a great machine and it will do a great job with 120/220 grit but it takes a bit of getting used to the water to grit ratio.
once the grit starts to grind the rocks the slurry will form fast and needs frequent attention with a few squirts of water.
it took me almost a full year to learn how to use the unit to it's maximum potential with several set backs.i then did a LOT of experimenting with it and found it to be (in my opinion) the best unit on the market today.
the 120/220 stage is the most difficult to master and most people get frustrated with it and quit using it in that stage but a little TLC and some patience will make you the master and not the slave.
try this,,,,,
fill the barrel with water
put a well mixed assortment of different size rocks in the barrel until it's full
invert the barrel and drain off 99% of the water,,,a tea strainer with it's convex side into the barrel helps to make draining it easier.
put the barrel in the frame and start it turning.
while it turning add about 1/4 teaspoon full of powdered soap by sprinkling it in as the rocks turn.
let that run for about 2-3 minutes or until you can see the soap sort of form a film between the rocks.
sprinkle 1 full tablespoon full of grit into the barrel as it turns.if you cup your left hand at the back of the barrel it will block the breeze from the counter weight/motor fans and the grit won't fly all over the place.
look at the load.is it too dry? to wet?
without adding any water sprinkle another full tablespoon full of grit on the load as it turns.
if all is right the grit should be very dry and sticking to the rocks.
if it's not dry you didn't drain off enough water.
if it is dry squirt water in as the load turns in sequences of threes.
in other words squirt a fine mist of water,wait 1 second,squirt,wait,squirt now stop and let the load turn for a minute or so.
you will probably have to squirt ,wait again,,let run,,,,,,,
sometimes it takes 3 times of "squirt wait" to get the load right but a clue is to see the soap forming that film between the rocks again.
in any case DO NOT add too much water. less is MUCH better and can be fixed a LOT easier then trying to get the water out.
let the load run for an hour or so and check it again.
you will probably have to "squirt wait" at this point but be careful to not add too much water.
before going to bed check the load and adjust as necessary.
i can almost guarantee the load will be thick in the morning.
you will have to "squirt wait" again but DO NOT be in a hurry and let the water do it's job.
when the load starts to turn fast again and you see that soap film you're in clover for mos of the day and some times that will do it for the rest of that load.
i found that the key to a successful operation is to start the load properly.
hope this helps,,,
connrock
the lot-o is a great machine and it will do a great job with 120/220 grit but it takes a bit of getting used to the water to grit ratio.
once the grit starts to grind the rocks the slurry will form fast and needs frequent attention with a few squirts of water.
it took me almost a full year to learn how to use the unit to it's maximum potential with several set backs.i then did a LOT of experimenting with it and found it to be (in my opinion) the best unit on the market today.
the 120/220 stage is the most difficult to master and most people get frustrated with it and quit using it in that stage but a little TLC and some patience will make you the master and not the slave.
try this,,,,,
fill the barrel with water
put a well mixed assortment of different size rocks in the barrel until it's full
invert the barrel and drain off 99% of the water,,,a tea strainer with it's convex side into the barrel helps to make draining it easier.
put the barrel in the frame and start it turning.
while it turning add about 1/4 teaspoon full of powdered soap by sprinkling it in as the rocks turn.
let that run for about 2-3 minutes or until you can see the soap sort of form a film between the rocks.
sprinkle 1 full tablespoon full of grit into the barrel as it turns.if you cup your left hand at the back of the barrel it will block the breeze from the counter weight/motor fans and the grit won't fly all over the place.
look at the load.is it too dry? to wet?
without adding any water sprinkle another full tablespoon full of grit on the load as it turns.
if all is right the grit should be very dry and sticking to the rocks.
if it's not dry you didn't drain off enough water.
if it is dry squirt water in as the load turns in sequences of threes.
in other words squirt a fine mist of water,wait 1 second,squirt,wait,squirt now stop and let the load turn for a minute or so.
you will probably have to squirt ,wait again,,let run,,,,,,,
sometimes it takes 3 times of "squirt wait" to get the load right but a clue is to see the soap forming that film between the rocks again.
in any case DO NOT add too much water. less is MUCH better and can be fixed a LOT easier then trying to get the water out.
let the load run for an hour or so and check it again.
you will probably have to "squirt wait" at this point but be careful to not add too much water.
before going to bed check the load and adjust as necessary.
i can almost guarantee the load will be thick in the morning.
you will have to "squirt wait" again but DO NOT be in a hurry and let the water do it's job.
when the load starts to turn fast again and you see that soap film you're in clover for mos of the day and some times that will do it for the rest of that load.
i found that the key to a successful operation is to start the load properly.
hope this helps,,,
connrock
Next time I need to use 110/220 in the Lot-O, I'll try the soap thing, I've never tried that with a coarse grit, it makes sense, though... 
