|
|
Post by MyNewHobby on Jun 8, 2009 13:49:38 GMT -5
This is a question that I have been mulling around with.
I see that there are many different ways people use the borax. I got a box of borax the other day.
Should borax be used with the rock when going between 120/220 & pre polish? Same question as it pertaines to going between pre polish and polish.
I suppose my main question is, is it okay to use the boarx with the rocks?
As always
Julie
|
|
coasthunterjay
starting to spend too much on rocks
Carefull ive got a gun....and a closet full of rocks
Member since May 2009
Posts: 155
|
Post by coasthunterjay on Jun 8, 2009 16:40:55 GMT -5
well i have hear of some people talking about using it for a basic cleaner....between grit stages or if you have some really nasty grimmey rocks you can clean them up with water and borax.....
also put in with some polish before polish stage kind of as a pre polish...makes a really nice luster........
but putting borax in any of your steps probably wouldnt hurt anything....its a detergant so if anything it will just help clean your rocks more.
AND YES....BORAX IS SAFE WITH ROCKS.....ALL KINDS.
|
|
ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69 
|
Post by ksk on Jun 8, 2009 17:30:23 GMT -5
For me, I don't use borax and get great results. I run: 150/220 SC, 500F SC, 800 AO, and #61 Rapid Polish. Each load\reload I use a pump or two of soft soap, it helps grit\polish stick to the rocks, and also smells good.
I also use ceramic media with each load. Usually around 50%. It cuts down on the yield, but for me, it's worth it.
|
|
carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
|
Post by carloscinco on Jun 8, 2009 19:01:11 GMT -5
Do you use ceramic media with the polish step?
|
|
|
|
Post by Bikerrandy on Jun 8, 2009 19:48:09 GMT -5
I use borax before the polish stage and after. Also, I don't use any pellets at all in my vibe. Keep in mind that she's using a vibe too.
|
|
ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69
|
Post by ksk on Jun 8, 2009 19:59:32 GMT -5
Yes, the ceramic media is used all the way through. I rinse the load before every reload, and do an extra good rinse\clean before the polish. I use the 3/8" x 5/8" and the 5/32" x 5/16" sizes. If you had enough small stones in this size range you wouldn't really need to use the ceramic. The size of the rocks in purchased tumbling mix\stone tends to be larger than the ceramic, so using the ceramic helps the grit and polish get into the smaller areas of the stone.
I should also mention I am using a Lot-O-Tumbler vibe.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jun 8, 2009 20:05:20 GMT -5
I use Borax as a burnish after the last stage, but Jack (Yorkshire) uses it before the polish (and perhaps after). We both use vibes. It does a great job of cleaning off all of the mud.
Just don't pour it out on the lawn or landscaping. It will kill it.
I've also been known to put SoftSoap in the load at all stages. Haven't made up my mind whether it does any good.
Chuck
|
|
