carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
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Post by carloscinco on Aug 14, 2009 12:12:05 GMT -5
I moved to the photo page. This is week two of my first attempt to tumble labradorite. I left the slurry from the first tumble in the barrel to help reduce velocities in the Lortone 33B barrel. I added a quarter cup of coarse to the slurry last week. I pulled a few rocks out today after a week of tumbling. The slurry still felt gritty so I will tumble this another week without adding grit. This is what a few of stones looked like dry:  This is how they looked wet:  Their surface still feels quite rough. More than other stones. Kind of like little pits that may grow up to be big pits. Man... I can see where this is going. See ya'll next week. |
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Post by frane on Aug 14, 2009 21:07:06 GMT -5
It's a tough tumble but if they turn out even half way decent, you will be really happy with them!
Fran
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Post by tkrueger3 on Aug 14, 2009 21:39:01 GMT -5
Those sure look a lot better than my first attempt at labradorite! But I'm starting over with it, and have some ideas that I'll try out on this batch. Good luck with your batch!
Tom
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nosoupforyou
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2009
Posts: 13
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Post by nosoupforyou on Aug 15, 2009 7:49:01 GMT -5
Man, I hope it works out for you, as that lab looks great! Pits are definitely the bane of a great tumble, but the challenge is what makes you enjoy it.
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Post by NatureNut on Aug 15, 2009 9:45:26 GMT -5
Yep, the thing to keep in mind with this stuff is to keep the ride as gentle as possible and keep it away from harder stones. Only softer. That's some beautiful Lab.  Jo |
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MikeS
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2009
Posts: 1,081
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Post by MikeS on Aug 15, 2009 12:42:24 GMT -5
looking good, those are going to be nice!
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Post by MyNewHobby on Aug 15, 2009 16:10:16 GMT -5
Those look well on their way to beautiful!
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NDK
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Aug 15, 2009 21:59:12 GMT -5
Man I love labradorite! Keep up the good work!
Nate
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karock
has rocks in the head
Member since November 2007
Posts: 667
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Post by karock on Aug 16, 2009 10:32:54 GMT -5
I like your idea about leaving the slurry in to slow down the tumble speed. When ever I am doing a batch of softer stones I will even use plastic beads and tile spacers even on the first grind to keep the stones from "bangin'" on each other. I think it cuts down on the chiping and pitting. Can't wait to see them shine in all their glory.
Karock
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Post by Noosh9057 on Aug 17, 2009 11:07:01 GMT -5
Keep up the great Work. They look great!!!!!
Roger
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Jo
