ratcals
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2009
Posts: 17
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Post by ratcals on Oct 5, 2009 9:55:18 GMT -5
Okay so I've done my first ever set of rocks following the instructions on this site. I'm using a rotary tumbler and did the 80 grit stage. However, after still 10 days there is no sludge. There is just more of a froth and there is still plenty of grit in the bottom of the barrel. So what could I possibly have done wrong?
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Post by Toad on Oct 5, 2009 10:12:57 GMT -5
Probably too much water. Water should only come up to the bottom of the top layer of rocks. Is that what you did?
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Post by docone31 on Oct 5, 2009 10:13:07 GMT -5
Add some Borax.
It takes a while to make sludge. Perhaps you have hard water also.
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sford13
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since September 2009
Posts: 119 
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Post by sford13 on Oct 5, 2009 10:19:10 GMT -5
I would think another issue could be too many rocks or rocks too big for your barrel. Just like the water it needs to be at the right level to create the proper tumbling action what will cause the rocks, water, and grit to contact each other as needed. I usually have a sludge started after only one day. For my 3lb barrels instructions call for a max of 3/4 full on rock with water up to the bottom of the top layer of rocks. Also you will want a variety of rock sizes in there.
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Post by Toad on Oct 5, 2009 10:22:23 GMT -5
It takes a while to make sludge. Not more than 10 days though. I always run my rotary on a seven day cycle. Gets cleaned out and re-charged every Saturday. Never had any problem generating slurry and all grit was used. |
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ratcals
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2009
Posts: 17
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Post by ratcals on Oct 5, 2009 10:53:45 GMT -5
Thanks for the quick replies. I don't think it was too much water. Too many and too big might have been the problem though. Although I don't think too big was much of a problem. I have the 3lb capacity tumbler from Harbor Freight. I know they are not too popular here but really for the price how could you not like it. Besides, for an extra $10 you get a two year warranty. Anytime something goes wrong they exchange it, no questions asked. I will try again and see what happens.
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Post by Toad on Oct 5, 2009 11:03:14 GMT -5
A good mix of rock sizes always helps. Glad you figured it out.
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Post by 150FromFundy on Oct 5, 2009 14:10:35 GMT -5
I also use 3lb rotary barrels. 3/4 full or 75% full is the maximum fill level in the barrel. If you fill more than this, the grit sloshes around in the water, but there is little or no tumblig action for the grit to wear down the rock to amke the sludge. After a week, you have grit and water, no sludge. Watch your size.
To speed things up, limit your barrel to 2/3 full or 66% full as the maximum fill level. More space allows for more tumbling and faster action. You should see grit forming sludge in less than a day, if things are working properly.
Are you using enough grit? I use 3 rounded tbsp for a 3 lb barrel, or 1 rounded tbsp per pound.
Darryl.
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tomcloss
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 158
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Post by tomcloss on Oct 7, 2009 14:45:53 GMT -5
Add some Borax. It takes a while to make sludge. Perhaps you have hard water also. Just curious why would hard water cause any problems? I'm always up for learning something new. I've never heard hard water could cause problems tumbling. Anyone I'm more curious than anything on this? Thanks in advance for any info. Tom |
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Post by Toad on Oct 7, 2009 15:00:35 GMT -5
No clue, considering all the minerals that get added from the rocks themselves. Hopefully doc will chime back in.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Oct 7, 2009 19:30:49 GMT -5
Maybe the hard water thing was a joke?
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ratcals
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2009
Posts: 17
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Post by ratcals on Oct 14, 2009 8:51:19 GMT -5
Well it seems my problem was two fold. First I had too much water in the barrel. Second I didn't have enough grit. I mistakenly thought I had two 1.5lb barrels instead of two 3lb barrels. Since adding more grit (and borax) the slurry is much thicker and not as frothy.
Thanks everyone for your help.
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Post by Toad on Oct 14, 2009 9:03:13 GMT -5
Cool. Glad you're rocking and rolling again.
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spokanetim
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2009
Posts: 656
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Post by spokanetim on Oct 14, 2009 9:23:39 GMT -5
Hi! I'm new and this is my first post  I have one of the Harbor Fright tumblers too. I needed a second and you just can't beat that price. It took forever to finally get a good slurry the first time I used it. Like you I figured out less water than usual made it work. I think because it has smooth sides the tumbling action isn't good and the barrel is to floppy. After this batch finishes I'm going to glue a couple rubber strips inside the barrel hoping it speeds it up. My Lortone tumbler barrel is polygon shaped inside, much stiffer, works much quicker and costs three times more. I guess you do get what you pay for. |
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ratcals
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2009
Posts: 17
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Post by ratcals on Oct 17, 2009 7:38:01 GMT -5
Just to let you know the Lortone barrels will fit perfectly on the Harbor Freight tumbler.
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