Good Vibrations
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Overanalysis leads to Paralysis
Member since May 2009
Posts: 91
|
Post by Good Vibrations on Jun 12, 2009 18:58:58 GMT -5
First off, to all of you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!! Lucky for me, I found this board early on in my rock tumbling endeavors and have been devouring your words of wisdom ever since. Raytech should hire you guys to write their "instruction manual".
I started collecting beach rocks around the same time I learned to walk. Can't beat the exhileration of finding beautiful rocks, glistening in the ocean tide, in all their colorful splendor. You feel like you found gold or something..... until they dry off.
Well, I became so intent on finding a way to retain their 'wet look' that I even tried melting candle wax on them in the microwave. Let's just say I don't recommend it. Rocks do explode.
Apparently the microwave incident convinced my husband I really needed a rock tumbler, and as we speak, I have my first batch back in the 120-220 grit. When my first batch originally came out of the cerium oxide stage with the shine of an unpolished fingernail, I knew something wasn't right. Thanks to you guys, I am starting over with less water, more time, some tile spacers, and will be using the AO polish. I am optimistic. Thanks again and again for sharing on this board. I am totally addicted.
|
|
|
Post by MyNewHobby on Jun 12, 2009 21:18:34 GMT -5
Good Vibrations!!! Welcome!!
I started in January and am loving this hobby and all of the wonderful people here!!
You will not find a better bunch of people!!
As always ... Julie
|
|
|
Post by MyNewHobby on Jun 12, 2009 21:20:53 GMT -5
Sorry .... I am laughing in delayed reaction mode!!!
Rocks in the microwave?? Now I know I can scratch that off my list!!!
But ... I try to make candles every now than and again ... but have never used the microwave ... only double boiler!!
Welcome again ... you sound like you belong here!!!
|
|
|
Post by Bikerrandy on Jun 12, 2009 21:33:46 GMT -5
Glad to have you here, post pics!! No matter how they turn out, we still want to see them. Welcome to the boards!
|
|
|
Post by NatureNut on Jun 12, 2009 21:39:48 GMT -5
Welcome! I know you're going to like it here! Looking forward to seeing lots of shiny beach rocks! Jo
|
|
|
Post by kap on Jun 12, 2009 23:06:41 GMT -5
Welcome. Like Randy said we LOVE pics. Keith
|
|
|
Post by Michael John on Jun 13, 2009 0:25:25 GMT -5
Sounds like you should have been here years ago! Welcome home!
|
|
|
Post by stonesthatrock on Jun 13, 2009 0:36:56 GMT -5
welcome to the board....... you will love it here everyone is so helpful. hmmm never thought of putting rocks in the microwave, but i'm glad i know now not to do it..lol
|
|
stoneviews
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,864
|
Post by stoneviews on Jun 13, 2009 9:27:19 GMT -5
Hi and welcome, love your name, it goes well with your addiction.
|
|
Good Vibrations
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Overanalysis leads to Paralysis
Member since May 2009
Posts: 91
|
Post by Good Vibrations on Jun 13, 2009 11:51:09 GMT -5
Right on! Thanks - I feel welcome, and I feel at home! Not surprised though. I will certainly post photos. In fact, I am going to go take a few right now before they go into the 500 grit. Thanks again for the warm welcome!
|
|
karock
has rocks in the head
Member since November 2007
Posts: 667
|
Post by karock on Jun 21, 2009 10:34:24 GMT -5
Welcome - I feel your "vibe" - I mean - the attraction to all things that relate to pretty rocks.
I too was a bit hasty when it came to changing grits too soon. When I played with ceramic and plastic bead spacers - I started to get better results (sometimes I even use glass marbles from the 99 cent store).
In time you will be able to "listen" to the sound of the tumbler. You can hear if the rocks are sliding (good) or bouncing (bad- it causes chipping). It all depends on the mix of your batch (size distribution, water & grit). Also - using rocks of similar hardness helps to prevent losing too much material from the softer ones.
Looking forward to your pix.
KAROCK
|
|
rockwizz
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2007
Posts: 971
|
Post by rockwizz on Jul 9, 2009 21:17:26 GMT -5
You're in the right place. Welcome to the board.
Hope you have a great experience with everyone.
Ozzy
|
|