My new vibe, first batch

tkrueger3
driving up their electric bill

Liquidating in HOT San Antonio, Texas!

Member since May 2009
Posts: 2,279

My new vibe, first batch Jun 28, 2009 14:37:41 GMT -5

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Post by tkrueger3 on Jun 28, 2009 14:37:41 GMT -5

So I affixed my new Covington "Benny's Blue" vibe, 10.5" bowl, firmly to the work surface of my table saw. The instructions that come with it say to use 4-6 pounds of rocks. I put about 5 pounds of quartz, agate, and amethyst in it, then about a handful each of small, medium, and large ceramic filler, 2 tablespoons of 120/220, and a few squirts of water, and let'r'rip. It was tumbling, but slowly. I had to add about another 1.5 - 2 pounds of rough to it, then another 2 tbsp of grit and several more squirts of water, before it really started moving good. Wow - is it ever a noisemaker! I need to wear my "mickymouse ears" when I go out into the garage! I'll let it go for about 6 hours, then go take a peek at the rocks and see what it's doing.

Wish me luck - I need all the help I can get! I know I have a bit of a variance in hardness in there, but I need to see for myself what happens to them, and then I'll know for sure, right?

Oh, I only put 2 small oval amethyst preforms in, because they aren't that good to begin with, and I want to see what happens.

Tom

Tom

Michael John driving up their electric bill Member since June 2007 Posts: 2,432	My new vibe, first batch Jun 28, 2009 14:40:13 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Michael John on Jun 28, 2009 14:40:13 GMT -5 Did you rough tumble the material before you put it in the vibe?

tkrueger3
driving up their electric bill

Liquidating in HOT San Antonio, Texas!

Member since May 2009
Posts: 2,279

My new vibe, first batch Jun 28, 2009 14:49:35 GMT -5

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Post by tkrueger3 on Jun 28, 2009 14:49:35 GMT -5

Yessir, I did rough tumble it in my rotator, with 60/90 grit, for varying lengths of time depending on how it came out each week. At this rate, It'll take me a year to get together enough coarse-tumbled rough to put together another vibe batch or two!

Tom

Michael John driving up their electric bill Member since June 2007 Posts: 2,432	My new vibe, first batch Jun 28, 2009 18:00:12 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Michael John on Jun 28, 2009 18:00:12 GMT -5 Cut preforms to run in the vibe between batches of "regular" stones!

tkrueger3
driving up their electric bill

Liquidating in HOT San Antonio, Texas!

Member since May 2009
Posts: 2,279

My new vibe, first batch Jun 28, 2009 22:47:54 GMT -5

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Post by tkrueger3 on Jun 28, 2009 22:47:54 GMT -5

OK - I checked the vibe after 8 hours of running, and it became instantly obvious that I used way too much grit and not enough water - the rocks were vibrating but not rotating. Squirted quite a bit more water in, now they're turning happily. I'll check it again first thing in the morning.

Boy, this thing is noisy! I'll have to experiment with setting it on a towel, or even putting a foam sheet between the vibe and the table. But I think most of it is because the bowl is not rubber - it seems to be dense plastic-coated aluminum. Oh, well - in the house I don't hear it, so let it roar! ;D

Tom

tkrueger3
driving up their electric bill

Liquidating in HOT San Antonio, Texas!

Member since May 2009
Posts: 2,279

My new vibe, first batch Jun 28, 2009 22:49:54 GMT -5

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Post by tkrueger3 on Jun 28, 2009 22:49:54 GMT -5

One more observation - the rocks are all migrating up the outside wall of the bowl, and away from the center hump. Is this normal for a bowl-type vibe? They're turning over really well - just curious about how they are climbing the wall.