pebblepup
has rocks in the head
Succor Creek Thunder Egg
Member since July 2008
Posts: 515
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Post by pebblepup on Oct 21, 2009 23:03:20 GMT -5
This is a three pound batch of many materials. I am a little frustrated with these photos. I broke my better camera and am currently using one that stinks when attempting to take close up photos. This is all that turned out somewhat decent out of a dozen photos.  Beacon Hill Agate Nodule Pieces  Snake River Agate  |
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Post by tkrueger3 on Oct 21, 2009 23:32:09 GMT -5
You really got a great gleaming shine on that batch - can you share what formula you used to achieve that enviable result? Even the picture jasper looks like it took a really good shine.
Tom
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Post by Toad on Oct 22, 2009 6:38:01 GMT -5
Looks like you got some really nice shapes and shine.
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Post by montanamuskrat on Oct 22, 2009 22:43:49 GMT -5
Very nice batch, good shine.
Debby & Tom
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Post by frane on Oct 23, 2009 6:07:39 GMT -5
Even though the camara may not be the best, it is catching the overall beauty of this tumble! I know first hand just how pretty that Snake river is so I know this whole batch is awesome!
Fran
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pebblepup
has rocks in the head
Succor Creek Thunder Egg
Member since July 2008
Posts: 515
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Post by pebblepup on Oct 23, 2009 17:18:34 GMT -5
Tom, Here is the formula I follow.
When I first started to tumble rocks I was very precise on the times I spent on each stage. Now I just make sure that I run the rocks for a minimum amount of time but often let it go longer. Once I reach step 4 I am closer to the times listed. The amount of grit or polish I use is based on barrel capacity – ½ TBS per pound. I don’t measure the borax; I just add about a TBS +-.
1. Rough Stage – at least one week in 60-90 grit. I often let this go longer; sometimes I let it go four to six weeks. Before moving the rocks to the next stage I look them over to make sure they are ready. If the rock is good it moves on if not it starts over in the rough stage.
2. Medium Stage - at least one week in 120-220 grit. I often let this go longer; but not as long as the rough stage. Before moving the rocks to the next stage I look them over to make sure they are ready. If the rock is good it moves on if not it starts over in the medium stage.
3. Fine Stage - at least one week in 400 grit. I often let this go longer; but not as long as the rough stage. Before moving the rocks to the next stage I look them over to make sure they are ready. If the rock is good it moves on if not it starts over in fine stage.
4. 2 to 24 hours in Borax.
5. Pre-polish – 1 week in 1000 grit aluminum oxide.
6. 2 to 24 hours in Borax.
7. Final polish – At least three weeks in aluminum oxide polish.
8. Hand wash rocks and dry with soft towel. If they have a cloudy polish or if there some pits that have polish stuck in them I will run them in Borax for a couple of hours. If the Borax does not fix the issue I put them in a bucket that I let neighborhood kids take rocks from.
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wyobrian
fully equipped rock polisher
GO VIKINGS
Member since February 2009
Posts: 1,739
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Post by wyobrian on Oct 23, 2009 18:31:14 GMT -5
great tumbles ;D
Brian
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,497
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Post by Sabre52 on Oct 23, 2009 19:37:48 GMT -5
Dang! Great shine and shapes and what a variety....Mel
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NorthShore-Rocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,004
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Post by NorthShore-Rocks on Oct 23, 2009 20:06:20 GMT -5
That's a great batch! The purple is cool.
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