ted
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2009
Posts: 5
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Post by ted on Sept 5, 2009 19:42:45 GMT -5
I discovered the rockshed website totally by accident. And this site in their link section. I have never been interested in rocks but after seeing how extrodinary they look I decided to give it a try. I purchased a lortone 3a from ebay, and a 4 stage grit kit is coming from the rockshed. But I have no clue which rocks to start with, I am an absolute beginner couldn't tell you saphire from sandstone. I have read in some threads where some have advised starting with agates and some with jaspers. For someone who has never attempted anything like this before what should I start with.
Ted
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Post by Toad on Sept 5, 2009 20:12:57 GMT -5
Start with whatever is cheap and hard - usually means agates.
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 5, 2009 21:28:58 GMT -5
If there are no rocks in your area order a tumbling mix from the Rock Shed also. Agates and jaspers are about equally hard and equally easy to tumble so make good rocks to learn with. As you learn you can get more specific.
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karock
has rocks in the head
Member since November 2007
Posts: 667
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Post by karock on Sept 6, 2009 13:25:17 GMT -5
Watch out Ted, once you are addicted, there is now way back! ;D LOL Welcome to the board.
When you get a batch of rough to start with - you might want to post a picture and then the members can recommend how to start. I know that on my first batch I just read the book and went 7 days on each grit. With the rough I had I should have run the 60/90 three seperate times with new grit to round down the irregularties before advancing. Also, be very careful to clean and rinse the barrel and the rocks between grit changes.
Karock
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Post by Bikerrandy on Sept 6, 2009 16:28:24 GMT -5
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Post by MyNewHobby on Sept 6, 2009 17:10:29 GMT -5
Yep, Yep ..... Welcome!!!
Oh goody .... another newbie!!!!!!!!!
Start with whatever you want and try to get as much knowledge under your belt about that specific material. Make sure one of the first things you need to know about is the MOHS Scale of Hardness. It is the scale of hardness ranging from Talc (softest) to Diamond (hardest).
This is very important as you would not want to tumble Sapphires with Sandstone as one being softer than the other that one is going to take damage.
There are so many threads here with all of this awesome information and there are newbies just like you who are going through the same growing pains. There are relatively new ones such as myself (I have been since January) that still feel we don't know jack.
Look through these many posts as you will find awesome people with lots of experience.
But always remember this ... Ask lots of questions .... I still do ... never give up and always .... ALWAYS .... Keep your sense of humor.
Everyone is right ... once you get hooked ... it is great!!!!!
As always ...
Julie
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ted
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2009
Posts: 5
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Post by ted on Sept 9, 2009 22:33:47 GMT -5
;D thank you guys so much. Both for the encouragement, and advice.
Ted
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