jayhkr
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2007
Posts: 92
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Post by jayhkr on Sept 7, 2009 22:14:35 GMT -5
Ok, so I took my rough tumble out today after 7 days and here's what I found at the bottom of my barrel:   I used 4 tbsp (should it had been tsp?) for this batch. This was from my apache tear batch that I posted earlier on. You can see the pictures of them both wet and dry there. Here's a picture of the slurry if that helps any:   What happened? Eddie |
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Post by tkrueger3 on Sept 7, 2009 22:24:29 GMT -5
Eddie, did you feel the slurry between your fingers? Was it still gritty feeling, or more like syrup? If it's gritty, after 7 days, you could tumble it a few more days without recharging, I think. With the amount of sludge in the bottom of the barrel, my guess is that you've got a bit too much grit in the mix. If you used 4 tbsp, try it with 3 tbsp next load. I have a Thumler's with 3-lb barrels, and I use 3 tbsp with hard stuff like agates and quartz and some jaspers, a bit less with softer stuff.
Just MHO - YMMV as they say! ;D
Tom
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jayhkr
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2007
Posts: 92
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Post by jayhkr on Sept 7, 2009 22:51:08 GMT -5
Yes, very gritty. The gunk at the bottom almost looked completely new, as it did in the packaging. I'll try 3 tbsp next go around.
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Post by connrock on Sept 8, 2009 5:39:18 GMT -5
Too much grit and or too much water.
connrock
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Post by deb193redux on Sept 8, 2009 8:38:07 GMT -5
Yes, reduce the water not the grit. If there is a true slurry, the grit cannot settle to the bottom so quickly and easily once the barres is stood up. Also the grit would be smaller.
In watery mix, the grit easily falls down between rocks. In light mud, the grit coats rocks and grinds them as they slide together.
You may also need smaller pieces added in. The rules of thumb about water level assume you have a barrel with the full range of size. When there are more medium and large rocks with very little chips, there are larger voids between rock that hold more water. When there are more chips in these voids, the same 2/3 full barrel will actually hold less water.
Sponge out the foam. Maybe drip out a tablespoon or two of water. Possibly add a few tiny chips to help make mud.
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jayhkr
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2007
Posts: 92
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Post by jayhkr on Sept 8, 2009 9:29:33 GMT -5
LOL, I seem to be adding to much water to all my batch's. I will sponge out a a few tablespoons and see what I can get next time. Thanks for your help!
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