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Post by MyNewHobby on Mar 24, 2009 18:50:06 GMT -5
What is the best way to approach this batch?
I know that these are more soft and may not take as long.
However ... I started a batch 6 days ago and pulled the barrel to take a look see.
I found lots and lots of fragments and small pieces. I feel like to really did something wrong. There are some good sized pieces as well.
I will post the before and after pics later this evening.
As always
Julie
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Post by Bikerrandy on Mar 24, 2009 18:57:32 GMT -5
Rotary tumbler? Did you use plastic pellets for cushion?
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181lizard
Cave Dweller 
Still lurking :)
Member since December 2005
Posts: 2,171
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Post by 181lizard on Mar 24, 2009 20:31:38 GMT -5
if I can put in .02...what Randy means is moonstone is a little soft/fragile & could be problematic. Adventurine seems to tumble well for me with my mixed batches but the moonstone may be a bugger!
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Post by NatureNut on Mar 24, 2009 20:33:18 GMT -5
They wear down alot in that cycle. Could have been medium sized pieces that are now small pieces. I've ran it in the coarse cycle okay. But, cushion is a good idea. Jo
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Post by NatureNut on Mar 24, 2009 20:58:43 GMT -5
Yep, the thing is that there is varying hardness in those rocks, the oligoclase (white stuff), the smoky quartz, the microline, can all be different hardness. Julie, keep the harder stuff that is tumbling well and discard what is softer and use cushion, that's my best suggestion. Don't fret. Jo
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Post by MyNewHobby on Mar 24, 2009 21:52:53 GMT -5
Okay .... now I feel better ....
I will thin out the batch to the good sized pieces, will toss scrap, and will add plastic pellets.
I am setting aside this batch as I did not want to waste time. I started another rough batch with citrine last night. ;D ... see I am patient ...
Thanks as always guys!
Julie
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Post by NatureNut on Mar 25, 2009 7:57:07 GMT -5
Julie, actually, now that I think of it... I use the softer of this stuff as cushion. Use it when I run this stuff and when I run quartz. Here's some pics of the first batch I did. Started the tumbles in my rotary and then added some preshapes and finished them in my vibe. Just thought it may help you feel better to see pics. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/index.cgi?board=trtphoto&action=display&thread=27015Keep up all the good work! Jo |
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Post by MyNewHobby on Apr 8, 2009 19:43:22 GMT -5
Yippeeeeee!!! I got the new grit I was waiting for.
I am now going to restart this batch.
I will be using equal, if not more pellets to grit.
I am so excited and at the same time ... I will have a few more days to work on putting together new batches for rough and maybe I will try to buy a vibe (probably Chicago as it is not too expensive for the time being).
I am still learning and do not want mess things up with a great vibe.
As always ... thanks guys!!!
Julie
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Post by NatureNut on Apr 9, 2009 19:44:08 GMT -5
Better watch now, Julie that you get one that is for wet, not just dry polishing. Made that mistake myself. Jo
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Post by MyNewHobby on Apr 9, 2009 20:16:20 GMT -5
Nature .... I know ...
The only grinding unit that I will get is the one that I saw at the lap lab with the club.
It is a small unit, but it has six wheels, ranging from 60/90 belts to (I think) between 500-1000. Very cool!!!! Took no time at all (about 15 minutes) to grind down and smooth out a small slab out of a bucket.
It has these really cool little tiny sprinklers under each wheel that squirts water. Too much fun!!!!!
As always .... my humble thanks and patience.
Julie
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Apr 10, 2009 20:44:50 GMT -5
Julie-
Beware Chicago electric tumblers. We have posted tons of stuff abo0ut these units and none of ity is good. That applies to the rotaries, which are OK except for the belts and motor, which rapidly fail and need replacement with Lrotone partts. I would be really scared fo the CE vibes, too. A little Raytech costs only about $100 or so and with an extra bowl, another $25 or less. You will find that when using a rotary for rough grind and the vibe for steps 2-4, the vibe can certainly keep up. Another problem with a larger vibe is that it needs to be run almost full to work efficiently. Ditto the cautions about making sure it is a wet tumbler and not a dry media tumbler, wh9ch run at different speeds and might have more or less aggressive action.
Mark H.
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