Brad
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2006
Posts: 161
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Post by Brad on Apr 3, 2009 13:05:42 GMT -5
What should I do differently to tumble polish a bunch of slabs, as compared to tumbling other pieces?
Do I need to put in some non-slabs with the slabs?
Should I put in more (or less) slabs than I would more-rounded pieces?
More (less) grit?
More (less) time?
Any advice would appreciated!
All of the slabs are some form of cryptocrystalline quartz (agate, jasper, pet. wood, etc.)
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181lizard
Cave Dweller 
Still lurking :)
Member since December 2005
Posts: 2,171
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Post by 181lizard on Apr 3, 2009 13:23:27 GMT -5
Hey Brad...I tumble slabs quite a bit. the best advise I can give is make sure you have assorted sizes AND throw in rough rock. It helps to keep the action going properly. If you don't...the slabs will become stuck together on their flat surfaces & it will be a waste of your time & effort. I don't change ANYTHING concerning grit & water. Good luck!
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Brad
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2006
Posts: 161
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Post by Brad on Apr 3, 2009 14:35:27 GMT -5
Thanks Liz! How much rough rock as compared to the slabs? 50/50? More rough & less slabs? More slabs?
Any other tips from you or others would be appreciated!\
I'm trying to end up w/ some pieces my wife can wire-wrap for necklaces, so most of the slabs are fairly small (but I might try some larger ones now or in the future).
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Post by krazydiamond on Apr 3, 2009 14:43:45 GMT -5
i'd agree with what Liz said. 50-50 sounds about right, and small, sort of pea-sized filler woks, just to keep the tumbling action going and the flat surfaces of the slabs from sticking together. if you don't want too much shaping going on and just want to shine them up, add some plastic pellets in too.
good luck!
KD
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Apr 3, 2009 17:01:39 GMT -5
I agree with the addition of smaller material, and fill the tumbler up to normal or just above normal capacity...in addition to keeping the slabs apart, large rocks may crack or even break a thinner slab...
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Post by Condor on Apr 3, 2009 20:45:34 GMT -5
Pretty much what everyone else is saying. The main thing you want to do is to make sure the slabs do not stick together. That's the purpose of having the small pieces of rough rock. That will prevent it. All else remains the same.
Condor
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Post by LCARS on Apr 4, 2009 1:10:17 GMT -5
I'd like to add that when tumbling slabs, it will take longer for the grits to work on the flat surfaces than on the edges and convex surfaces so you will need to tumble longer in each stage to make sure all your saw marks and fine scratches are removed before polish.
When a good portion of a load is slabbets or preforms with flat surfaces I find I have to run the load 20-25% longer in fine grit, 30-35% longer in prepolish and 35-40%longer in polish than I would with a load of just freeform stone in order to get the same shine on the flat surfaces as the round surfaces.
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Brad
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2006
Posts: 161
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Post by Brad on Apr 5, 2009 22:43:20 GMT -5
Thanks for all of your tips! I've had a bit of a delay, but I'll be starting this load in a day or two.
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BamBam
starting to shine!
Member since October 2006
Posts: 26 
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Post by BamBam on Apr 11, 2009 11:28:07 GMT -5
it often times helps to stop and take a look at htem. Even with filler, they tend to end up sticking to each otheer...no polish
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