RockyBlue
fully equipped rock polisher
Go U.K.
Member since June 2006
Posts: 1,719
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Post by RockyBlue on Jul 31, 2009 21:12:41 GMT -5
Hi Rockers! Since i`m going to start making freeform pendants and i want to use a 4lb vibe i`m curious as to how to go about it.
I won`t have 4 lb of pendants to start out with,maybe 1 lb.or a little more.Can i use river rock to make up the weight difference,ceramic pellets or what.I just don`t know where to start.All help is appreciated!
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Post by frane on Jul 31, 2009 21:22:26 GMT -5
First off, make sure your preforms are about the same hardness. After all your work on shaping them, you don't want to loose them in the vibe action. If you use the river rock for filler, make sure they are smaller or about the same size as the preforms. a few larger is OK as long as you have a variety. I would also run the river rocks for a while to make sure they are smoothed before adding in your preforms. Sometimes they will have a fracture and break and that is best out of the way before you add your work to it. Sometimes, if I have done a lot of shaping ahead of time, I won't put them in the rough grind at all and just add them in the 500 grit. Experimenting is the best thing but as long as you have the same hardness, you should do fine.
The thing is, have fun with it! I look forward to seeing the results!
Fran
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Post by NatureNut on Jul 31, 2009 21:25:51 GMT -5
Hey Rocky! Sure, you can use rounded rocks to make up the rest of the load, but I would advise them being of similar Mohs hardness as your preshapes. Your filler rock can also be softer on the Mohs scale, but it may get a little beat up in the process. Vibes work best with the full weight, don't skimp or the ride will be choppy instead of a gentle rolling action.  Jo |
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Post by johnjsgems on Jul 31, 2009 22:40:13 GMT -5
I would say fill bowl to top and don't worry about how much it weighs. 4 lbs. and half full won't cut it. Ceramic media works great as filler.
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ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69 
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Post by ksk on Aug 1, 2009 10:44:17 GMT -5
+1 for mixed size ceramic. When I polish slabs I run 20% (by weight) slab\cabs, 40% larger ceramic, and 40% smaller ceramic.
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Jo
