Question on Polishing.

BillyTee
off to a rocking start

Member since September 2009
Posts: 2

Question on Polishing. Sept 28, 2009 19:45:54 GMT -5

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Post by BillyTee on Sept 28, 2009 19:45:54 GMT -5

I am using the book, "Introduction to Lapidary" as a reference to help me learn rock tumbling. When setting up for the fine grind stage, (600 grit), it says to add a detergent. Then, when setting up for the polishing stage, it also mentions adding soap flakes. Can anyone tell me what is the best detergent to use, and the same for the soap flakes?

johnjsgems
gets rocks for Christmas

Member since August 2007
Posts: 6,959

Question on Polishing. Sept 28, 2009 22:48:54 GMT -5

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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 28, 2009 22:48:54 GMT -5

There have been many posts on this but not sure how easy they are to find. I don't add soap or detergent. After the 600 (or 500F) I "burnish" or wash the rocks and drum using a wet mixture of powdered Tide detergent. Borax is a more common burnish material. After polish I repeat the Tide wash cycle.

John at JS Gems

www.jsgemslapidary.com

Steve has rocks in the head Member since June 2005 Posts: 506	Question on Polishing. Sept 28, 2009 23:00:03 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Steve on Sept 28, 2009 23:00:03 GMT -5 My preferred soap for this is Ivory. I shave a bar of Ivory soap into flakes or powder - depending on how dry the bar was. I also occasionally use Borax. A couple of heaping tablespoons for a 12 lb barrel is plenty.

150FromFundy
fully equipped rock polisher

Member since February 2009
Posts: 1,520

Question on Polishing. Sept 29, 2009 6:10:44 GMT -5

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Post by 150FromFundy on Sept 29, 2009 6:10:44 GMT -5

Many use good old borax. Been around since people started washing clothes. Get it with the powdered laundry detergent. Look for "20 Mule Brand". Next to water, it's about the cheapest component of rock tumbling.

Many use it to "burnish" between the grit stage and the polish stage, and as a final wash after the polish. Add about 1 tablespoon for a 3 lb barrel and fill to 80% full with water. Run for several hours, or overnight.

Many will "burnish" between all stages of grit and polish. The idea being to completely remove all grit from the previous stage before moving on to the next stage. Personally, I think that is overkill for the 60/90 and 120/200, but makes sense for pre-polish and polish.

Every individual has their own recipe and technique. Don't be afraid to experiment and record your results. There are no hard and fast rules, just guidelines and recommendations.

Darryl.

Toad misunderstood rock expert Only rocks understand me. Member since September 2004 Posts: 12,798	Question on Polishing. Sept 29, 2009 6:37:06 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Toad on Sept 29, 2009 6:37:06 GMT -5 I use borax in every stage - seems to help wash off the slurry.
	Convinced myself, I seek not to convince.

agatemaggot Cave Dweller Member since August 2006 Posts: 2,195	Question on Polishing. Sept 29, 2009 10:22:04 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by agatemaggot on Sept 29, 2009 10:22:04 GMT -5 Borax is a natural bacterial fighter also and will help to keep down pressure buildup to a certain degree.

BillyTee off to a rocking start Member since September 2009 Posts: 2	Question on Polishing. Sept 30, 2009 10:06:48 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by BillyTee on Sept 30, 2009 10:06:48 GMT -5 Thanks everyone. This definitely gives me lots to work with.