|
|
Post by connrock on Jul 28, 2009 11:49:47 GMT -5
The rocks have been in the vibe with 220 graded grit for 48 hrs.  ( i mis-labeled the following photo)  I guess I wasn't explaining how I am doing this load.I have been using white quartz as a filler. I had mentioned the size of the filler rocks being the size of a grape down to 1/2 the size of an eraser. I was WRONG with the size as you can see in the following photo. I always put in a couple of big rocks as the smaller ones seem to want to stay at the bottom after the load runs.The bigger rocks act as a "plow" when the rotate too the bottom of the barrel they plow up all the smaller rocks which helps to keep the load evenly balanced. (i don't know why but this photo won't post so just click on the link) photos.imageevent.com/tcknkk/rocksnstuff/comp%20rocks%20and%20filler%20rocks%2011%20th%20rough%203rd%20in%20vibe.jpgI think you will see that the bad areas in some rocks like this one will only get bigger.It would be fruitless to grind a rock with problem areas like this.  connrock |
|
|
|
Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jul 28, 2009 12:24:18 GMT -5
Thanks for the update! Most of them look like they're well shaped and getting smooth. You're right about that last one. There's just nothing you can do with that one unless you need filler. I'm with you in spirit! But I must say that you have more patience than I do!  Chuck |
|
NorthShore-Rocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,004
|
Post by NorthShore-Rocks on Jul 28, 2009 12:33:53 GMT -5
This is a great series of threads & very educational for me! Thanks for taking the time to post your entire process and giving us an inside look in to the competition connrock!
You can only play with the cards your're dealt, and your are doing a great job. I'm pulling for ya big time!
You have a great looking batch going. What's your guess? Is this material from all over, or localized?
|
|
|
|
Post by MyNewHobby on Jul 28, 2009 12:57:32 GMT -5
Conrock .... I am hearing from others outside of RTH that they are having the same issues.
But .... I think that your patience ad perseverance will pay off!!!
Keep us posted as usual!
|
|
|
|
Post by connrock on Jul 29, 2009 5:54:36 GMT -5
HRC, Thanks, I have to laugh when folks like you admire my patience!!! I REALLY do not have any!I am a "git-er-done" person if there ever was one! I have a VERY tough time with tumbling rocks but have other interests away from that stinkin tumbler so I kinda fool myself into thinking it's not taking all that long for the entire process! Polish (the nationality) Psychology?  You CAN NOT imagine just how bad I want to win this contest.I've put my heart and soul into learning how to polish a rock and being a slow learner it has taken me most of my adult life. To be able to win this contest would mean the world to me as I have failed in so many things I've attempted in my life but this is one thing I just never gave up on. I've always been the bridesmaid and never the bride and coming in 2nd or 3rd is just like loosing to me. I think I am so persistent as failure devastates me so I just keep plugging along until I "git-er-done"! Kinda like an eternal tumbler!! N'S,Rocks, Thanks, All of my life I've tried to help and teach others ANYTHING that I know. It makes me feel good to know that you and others may learn a bit from these posts. That's what we're all here for...aint we? M'N,Hobby, Thanks, Yes it's not the greatest rough in the world and I've been thinking about that a lot. I think that we here on the RTH who tumble rocks are MUCH more critical about our choice of rough then most other's who haven't really reached their potential but think they have. This web site has totally re-defined the art of tumbling rocks. What was the norm and OK is no longer acceptable by us here.We strive for the best and have learned from others how to get there. What we thought was good tumbling rough some time back is just considered a filler now. We can see the flaws in the rough that will be a problem down the road and discard it. There are diamonds and there are diamonds but we're looking for that one without a single flaw in it!! connrock |
|
|
|
Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jul 29, 2009 11:15:24 GMT -5
Tom, I have to say the coming in first in the contest will not define you as a winner. You're already there. Coming in second, third, fourth or last will not change that.
Chuck
|
|
|
|
Post by connrock on Jul 30, 2009 6:45:34 GMT -5
H'R'C,
Thanks for the very kind words.
Years ago I shot on a pistol team.We had about 8-10 members off and on. Some came and went and some stayed.
After I got a few years of experience under my belt I entered a State Competition.
After the first 3 rounds I was in 1st place!!!!
I had 1 more stinkin round of Slow Fire,Timed Fire and Rapid Fire to go and I was a nervous wreck.
I finally settled myself down and entered the firing range.
I shot a perfect 100 in my Slow Fire and was as happy as happy gets.
I shot a 99 in my Timed Fire which was OK but not perfect.
Ten more bullets to go and I FINALLY accomplished something I wanted to do for a long time.
I fired 3 shots and the forth didn't fire!!!!!!
It would take me way too long to explain the process following a misfire but to make a long story short I ended in 13th place!!!
I can't tell you how disappointed and devastated I felt ! I don't think my head could be held any lower as I walked off of that range!
I did my part but my "rough" (ammo) failed me!
connrock
|
|
Good Vibrations
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Overanalysis leads to Paralysis
Member since May 2009
Posts: 91
|
Post by Good Vibrations on Jul 30, 2009 16:39:15 GMT -5
Hey connrock, That's terrible luck about the failed ammo! I admire (and am inspired) by your persistance. Patience is not my virtue either. The only person who has ever called me "patient" was my doctor...
|
|
|
|
Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Jul 31, 2009 2:55:24 GMT -5
Hi Tom
Is it a general problem with that rock ?
john
|
|
|
|
Post by Bejewelme on Jul 31, 2009 5:25:08 GMT -5
Tom: THe batch looks good! And you are #1 no matter what! If you don't win I will make a you freaking gold star the size of Texas! No one is more helpful and educational to us here! You will win, no doubt about it! And wouldn't you rather be a number one person in people's book, versus just a number one rock tumbler? THe measure of your character speaks volumes, so don't forget it!!!!! Amber |
|
|
|
Post by connrock on Jul 31, 2009 6:31:53 GMT -5
G'Vibes,
Thanks,
I guess you could call me persistent,,,,,
My wife says when I get on her case I'm like a boil on her back!! lol
Jack,
Yes the rocks are a bit tough to tumble but I'm trying!!
B'J'M,,
Thanks for the kind words,,,
Many moons ago I was quite a trip (ask Tony).
I don't know how I didn't end up in prison but it may be because I was good at not gettin caught.
One day I saw the most beautiful gal in the world and it was love at 1st sight.We were 16 years old and I guess you could say we were from different sides of the track,,,my side bein the not so good side.
We started dating and after a bit her dad told her she couldn't go out with me any more and she should move on to "greener grasses".
Well this devastated me and right after she told me the bad news I immediately went to our Church,knelt down at the Alter rail and prayed my heart that I could change my ways and win her dad's approval and get her back.
Once you're a "marked man" it's VERY hard to get people to change their opinion of you.
I didn't change my ways much but to her dad's disapproval we started dating again in about 3 months.
(cut through the chase)
We got married and her dad still didn't approve of me much.I had changed but he just didn't think I could be a "good person" and that's that!
Well many,many year passed,her mom died and her dad took ill and needed a place to live where he could get a little help.I built a "would-be" apartment down stairs with a sitting room/bed room,bath room and a walk in closet.
Her dad lived down here for about 7 years and got much worse.
He ended up in our newly added on 18'x 24' living room in a hospital bed.
We had wall to wall carpet and as timed passed he made a lot of "mistakes" staining the carpet to a point where we had to replace it.
I bought him a portable toilet which I emptied every day as soon as I walked in the door after work.
To make it short we took care of him for about 8 years until it became impossible for him to have the 24 hour care he needed.
It had been some 30+ years since Nancy and I first dated when her dad was in that hospital bed in our living room and it was then that he said"Ya know T,,,,,you aint that bad after all"!
He had finally excepted me after all those years.
So,,,,,,,,I wasn't always the Tom that you know here.It took me a L O N G time to change my ways and I try my heart out to make up for all those bad things I did,for so long and for all the people I hurt so many years ago.
That "bad guy" is still in there and he tries to get out every now and then but it's people like you who make him stay put!
Thanks,,,,
connrock
|
|
RockyBlue
fully equipped rock polisher
Go U.K.
Member since June 2006
Posts: 1,719
|
Post by RockyBlue on Jul 31, 2009 21:30:40 GMT -5
Tom ! been there done that,I know exactly where your coming from.Your the MAN in my book .Thanks for being here for me.I owe you a lot. Your persistence paid off,i`m back.Thanks for your tutorials.
|
|
|
|
Post by connrock on Aug 1, 2009 8:05:40 GMT -5
Rocky,
Good havin ya back pard!
I guess there's a lot of us out there who have "pushed the envelope" at times.Some of us change our ways and others,,,,,well lets just say my picture aint hangin in no Post Office!
I hope some of this will help you and if you hve ANY questions I'm ALWAYS here!
connrock
|
|
