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Post by Noosh9057 on Aug 29, 2009 7:40:32 GMT -5
Will I just ordered 5 pounds of Apache Tears from the Rock Shed.  I know they are softer then Agate and I will need to run an 1000 grit stage. That is all I know about those rocks. Can someone tell me something more about tumbling those stones? Thanks Roger |
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 29, 2009 7:45:47 GMT -5
Use plenty of cushion. It is volcanic glass so chips and gets beat up easily. Seems to be one of the most difficult materials to tumble.
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Post by krazydiamond on Aug 29, 2009 12:10:41 GMT -5
.......and it foams! add borax and check your barrel daily to avoid a big blow out.
KD
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Wolfden
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2007
Posts: 1,368
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Post by Wolfden on Aug 29, 2009 12:55:17 GMT -5
I did a few batches of these ... I love the way they look when done right .... use PLENTY of plastic pellets and I use Tin Oxide as a final polish ... I tried cerium with the first batch but it didnt shine them up nice , so then i used the TO and a borax wash I was very happy with the end results . Good luck and post pictures when finished .. we LOVES pictures Wolf |
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Post by Noosh9057 on Aug 29, 2009 13:17:41 GMT -5
I did a few batches of these ... I love the way they look when done right .... use PLENTY of plastic pellets and I use Tin Oxide as a final polish ... I tried cerium with the first batch but it didnt shine them up nice , so then i used the TO and a borax wash I was very happy with the end results . Good luck and post pictures when finished .. we LOVES pictures Wolf Thanks so much for all the info. Should I use plastic pellets for all stages even the 60-90 stage? Roger |
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Post by MyNewHobby on Aug 29, 2009 13:49:07 GMT -5
Good Morning!! I just got done making my post about a small batch of Mahogany Obsidian and Apache Tears I have going right now. For this particular batch I am using a 1 lb plastic barrel with 4 tablespoons plastic pellets and 1 tablespoon 60/90. I started this batch last Saturday, checked it this morning, and started it up again in 120/220. Personally ... I feel I left it in 60/90 too long. Next time I do an obsidian batch, I will only go (maybe) 4 days in 60/90. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/index.cgi?board=trtphoto&action=display&thread=32802As always Julie |
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Post by susand24224 on Aug 30, 2009 0:07:49 GMT -5
I am currently tumbling the Rock Shed Apache Tears in a 3 lb Lortone with about 2/3rds ceramic shapes and 1/3 Tears. After two runs in 80, I still had some white left and the Tears still needed substantial shaping, so I switched to 46/70. I had two chip in this mixture (out of about 25) so went back to 80 grit and a small amount of Ivory Snow. This will likely be my last run on 80. These have taken longer than some I have done before, but are a lot larger--I'll let you know what happens from here!
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Post by Noosh9057 on Aug 30, 2009 6:29:58 GMT -5
Well thanks for all the help. I think the package will come in the mail tomarow. I will get them started that day.
Roger
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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 30, 2009 10:26:29 GMT -5
the few times I've messed with them I've got the best results using a high grade cerium oxide in the vibe, and I ran it wetter than normal and polished it for a full 4 days, that seemed to work....
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Karen
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2006
Posts: 145
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Post by Karen on Sept 1, 2009 12:20:18 GMT -5
I've had great luck with apache tears and obsidian. I run with plastic pellets in every stage and burnish with borax in between every stage. I also use a 1000 ao stage and polish with ao.
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