ktg
starting to shine!
Member since March 2009
Posts: 31
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Post by ktg on Jul 18, 2009 12:15:46 GMT -5
I realize that most of you probably already know this information so I write this to those, like myself, who are newbies. I have finished two batches of tumble so far and I plan to start a third very soon. On my second tumble, I discovered burnishing, and decided - upon the advise of more experienced tumblers - to try it as my stones seemed to have a film on them. I was told to use Ivory Soap Flakes - not detergent. I looked everywhere for Ivory Soap Flakes  I finally discovered (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong) that "they" quit manufacturing and selling Ivory Soap flakes in 1993. So, the way to get Ivory Soap flakes was to take a bar of Ivory soap and grate it and use this to burnish stones. I'm sharing this to prevent someone else from looking and looking to buy Ivory Soap Flakes and also to get any other info regarding this from you who are more experienced. |
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SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Jul 18, 2009 12:18:22 GMT -5
I use Borax from the advise from lots of expertise tumblers here...and it helps tremendously. I'm sure the Ivory soap flakes work just as well. I do know that burnishing between loads really helps put a shine on the final outcome.
Steve
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jul 18, 2009 12:28:20 GMT -5
You can also use Dreft or another low suds, no perfume laundry detergent (typically marketed for baby clothes or as "green" alternatives).
Chuck
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catskillrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,270
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Post by catskillrocks on Jul 18, 2009 20:04:54 GMT -5
I was using Borax for my burnishings but have stopped because it will kill vegetation. I have had to stop my tumbling for the time being because I tumble in my basement, & with all the rain that we keep on getting it keeps flooding etc. But when I resume I am going to try using Ivory Snow that I have purchased. Someone here had mentioned that it is a good burnish. Hope so!
Don
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Post by johnjsgems on Jul 18, 2009 21:57:20 GMT -5
Powdered Tide work well also.
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on Jul 19, 2009 7:42:55 GMT -5
I concur with John. Just make sure it is the no bleach kind.
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Post by MyNewHobby on Jul 23, 2009 16:48:46 GMT -5
I use the Borax and I think it works well.
As always
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Post by Bejewelme on Jul 24, 2009 5:22:51 GMT -5
KTG:
I just started a batch in my new Lot O, and Tom told me to get powdered dreft, I couldn't find that but found Ivory powder locally, it was with the baby detergents. Maybe I should buy up all they have, LOL. They only had liquid dreft, LOL. I guess things are placed differently throughout the nation. I also got borax, so we will see how it all turns out, it has been going since Tuesday and I am amazed! I think the soap is still made, or else my local little store wouldn't have them, but maybe you were in the soap aisle? Keeping looking I just got them Monday.
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10thumbs
spending too much on rocks
I want to be reincarnated as a dog.
Member since March 2009
Posts: 480
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Post by 10thumbs on Jul 24, 2009 7:40:10 GMT -5
I dupe my sons into generating my Ivory soap chips. I lay a couple of sheets of newspaper down, get out the Cub Scout pocket knives, and throw a couple of bars of Ivory soap on the table. They practice their whittling, and I get a indefinite supply of soap chips. They usually make boats. Ivory soap floats so regardless of design the boats float. I use ivory in the rotary tumblers with softer stones and Borax the rest of the time.
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chassroc
Cave Dweller 
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on Jul 24, 2009 8:16:45 GMT -5
I purchased Ivory Snow in a box several years ago and I'm still using it...it doesn't take much to burnish a batch...it works great...Maybe it's not the flakes, doesn't seem to matter. I would imagine a drop or two of any dish detergent would work well too.
The last time I was at the Vermont Country Store I bought a box of 20Mule Team Borax. I think I have enough of Ivory, 20 Mule Team(and actual boron from lapidary sales) to last two lifetimes
csroc
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ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69 
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Post by ksk on Jul 25, 2009 8:15:15 GMT -5
My opinion\2 cents (and what has work very well for me in a Lot-O vibe):
I don't think you need a burnish stage(s) at all. Just use about
+\- 50% ceramic media filler and add a pump or two of a soft soap type soap with each grit change, including pre and polish stages.
On the Ivory Soap flake issue, it is my understanding that when power type soaps are manufactured they start out as liquids and are dried into flakes\power. Once mixed with water, they return to liquid. If someone wants the Ivory formulation, I don't think using the liquid would be much or any different. I don't believe there are any abrasives in Ivory or Borax.
Just another point of view...
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I finally discovered (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong) that "they" quit manufacturing and selling Ivory Soap flakes in 1993. So, the way to get Ivory Soap flakes was to take a bar of Ivory soap and grate it and use this to burnish stones.
