Vibratory Tumbler - Timing & Pellets

10thumbs
spending too much on rocks

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Member since March 2009
Posts: 480

Vibratory Tumbler - Timing & Pellets Jul 17, 2009 9:48:14 GMT -5

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Post by 10thumbs on Jul 17, 2009 9:48:14 GMT -5

I've read the vib recipes. I'm at about 36 hours on a batch right now in the 120/220 SiC phase. All the stones were rotary tumbled 1-2 weeks in 60/90 SiC. Two questions:

1) The rocks are still circulating correctly however the action has slowed down as the slurry coating the rock has gotten thicker. When the slurry starts to get thick, regardless of timing, should I rinse and re-grit? If I add any more water than I already have I think it will start to collect in the bottom of the bowl.

2) I added some ceramic pellets to the mix, mostly because I had used them to top out one of the rotary loads and never bothered to separate them back out. I notice that once the slurry/coating starts to form the pellets seem to want to quit circulating and collect on the bottom. Has anybody had any similar issues with pellets in their vibs?
Thanks,
Scott

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johnjsgems
gets rocks for Christmas

Member since August 2007
Posts: 6,959

Vibratory Tumbler - Timing & Pellets Jul 17, 2009 10:38:59 GMT -5

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Post by johnjsgems on Jul 17, 2009 10:38:59 GMT -5

Ceramic media is a better choice in a vibe than plastic. If the action slows as slurry thickens use a spray bottle and spray a suirt at a time until it speeds up again. The grit may need to be replaced by day two anyway.

John at JS Gems

www.jsgemslapidary.com

johnjsgems gets rocks for Christmas Member since August 2007 Posts: 6,959	Vibratory Tumbler - Timing & Pellets Jul 17, 2009 10:42:10 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by johnjsgems on Jul 17, 2009 10:42:10 GMT -5 Sorry, you did say ceramic. When I see pellets I think plastic. If a squirt or two doesn't do it I'd rinse and evaluate the condition.
	John at JS Gems www.jsgemslapidary.com

frane misunderstood rock expert Member since July 2008 Posts: 11,015	Vibratory Tumbler - Timing & Pellets Jul 17, 2009 14:53:57 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by frane on Jul 17, 2009 14:53:57 GMT -5 Yep, what he said. A spray bottle is the way to go with a vibe and generally, a few squirts and you are back in business. Fran

Bikerrandy
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Member since September 2005
Posts: 15,688

Vibratory Tumbler - Timing & Pellets Jul 17, 2009 18:20:12 GMT -5

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Post by Bikerrandy on Jul 17, 2009 18:20:12 GMT -5

Generally, the coarse grit is only good in a vibe for 1-2 days before it's time for a re-charge. I run mine for 2 days if I can get away with it. If you can't get the rocks moving efficiently, take them in the back yard, fill bowl to the top with water, pour it out, re-install the bowl onto the vibe and turn it back on. This will thin out the concentration of the grit in the bowl. Once you re-start it, you can add a little new grit to the batch. The old grit will get the slurry going again. As Fran said, spray bottle!!

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Vibratory Tumbler - Timing & Pellets

Post by 10thumbs on Jul 17, 2009 9:48:14 GMT -5

Post by johnjsgems on Jul 17, 2009 10:38:59 GMT -5

Post by johnjsgems on Jul 17, 2009 10:42:10 GMT -5

Post by frane on Jul 17, 2009 14:53:57 GMT -5

Post by Bikerrandy on Jul 17, 2009 18:20:12 GMT -5

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