anilyn1
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2009
Posts: 9
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Post by anilyn1 on Apr 9, 2009 3:53:35 GMT -5
Hi from Washington state! I'm new here and new to rock tumbling. I have always wanted to do this and just got an ultra-vibe 10 vibrating tumbler. I followed all the instructions that came with it and ended up with some beautiful results except there is no gloss to them. I was really careful with washing them and scrubbing out the bowl between the different grits. The directions said put laundry detergent in after the polish stage but it didn't say how much. Is that liquid or powder detergent, or does it matter? I saw one person recommended borax. I tried it, but no shine! What if I start over with them? Maybe I didn 't leave them for long enough. I love how they came out except for the "matte" look. A couple of them would look really good as jewelry and I'd like to do that, but I have to find a way to give them some gloss first! I would be grateful for any help. Thanks! Anita
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Apr 9, 2009 5:52:07 GMT -5
Hi Anita,
I have a UV-18 and had similar problems when I started. Here are some tips: 1. Be sure to fill the bowl up to the top of the center spindle. 2. Make sure to use at least 1/3 load of small stuff (1/4" or less). Some people use ceramic cylinders and pellets. Only 3-4 rocks 2" or bigger. 3. Go easy on the water. There should be no standing water in the bottom of the bowl. Use just enough for the grit to stick to the stones and add a little whenever the action slows down (2-3 times/day). 4. Add an AO 1000 step before pre-polish. Not absolutely necessary if you run your 500 stage for 48 hrs or longer. 5. Polish for 24 hrs. Longer won't hurt. 6. Burnish with powdered laundry soap or Borax for 4 hrs or more. Just a few tablespoons.
There are a couple of threads on using vibes in the Totally Rock Tumbling thread. Take a look there and let me know if you still have questions.
Hope this helps, Chuck
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anilyn1
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2009
Posts: 9
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Post by anilyn1 on Apr 9, 2009 13:45:01 GMT -5
Thanks Chuck! I can already see that I didn't put in enough rocks because it definitely wasn't filled up to the top of the center spindle. And I'm going to order the 1000 grit. I also think I used too much water and didn't keep it going long enough. So it's not surprising that it didn't turn out well! It's only my first try though, and I really appreciate your response. It was very helpful. Anita
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