renie
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2009
Posts: 20
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Post by renie on Dec 28, 2009 13:05:58 GMT -5
Hi all. Just got a Thumler's Tumbler, Model T for Christmas from my husband. I guess he figures since everytime we are out and about I tend to bringhome a pocketful of rocks that I might just like this to go with them...good guy, huh? lol
But boy...this is more involved than I thought! I think I have some reading and learning to do, even though my kids are ready to fire 'er up now..lol
I've dug through the house and sheds for baggies and boxes of rocks that have gathered over the years, and know I have more then enough quartz (I think it's quartz...??) to try a test batch before dropping in some really neat ones that we've gathered.
Funny..I HATED Earth science in school..and thought learning about rocks was dumb...who would have guessed I would be kicking myself now because I don't know one rock from another!!
wish me luck...though I think I'll only be reading and learning for at least another week!
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Post by Toad on Dec 28, 2009 13:29:19 GMT -5
Hi renie and welcome. You find all you need to know here. Read all the info on the home page and browse through the tumbling specific forums. Then start asking questions. Many folks here to help. Enjoy!
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renie
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2009
Posts: 20
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Post by renie on Dec 28, 2009 13:46:51 GMT -5
Hi and thanks.
One quick quetion..some of the rocks I have..my dad called them "lucky stones" when we were little, soI guess he really started all this. anyway..they are white, smooth stones, and I am guessing quartz..but since they are smooth, does that mean they do not need as long in one of the processes?? Or I am just wishful thinking that it wouldn't take as long for those ones, if I just do that type together?
(too funny..as I was reading my instruction booklet, it said "Rule 3: Be patient" I told my husband I hope he kept the receipt, because everyone in this house knows I am anything BUT...lol)
In fact, many rocks we have collected over the years are smooth already, since we tend to gravitate to water...beach, rivers, creeks, waterfalls, etc. Again, do they require less time to smooth out, since mother nature started this for me millions of years ago?
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Post by Toad on Dec 28, 2009 14:01:13 GMT -5
There is smooth and then there is smooth. Usually nature doesn't tumble smooth enough to skip a step, but it can significantly shorten processing. I would still start the stones in the rough grind (60/90) but they may only need once or twice through. Everyone does it different. But my stones stay in rough grind until completely smooth. When I drag a fingernail over the surface, it shouldn't catch anywhere. When the stones are wet, they look shiney and you'll see what the final color looks like. But when dry the color fades and there is no shine. Then you're ready to move on.
Other folks don't mind a pit, crack or two. But these usually bring the chance of contamination by carrying a coarser grit into a finer stage. Plus the finer stages won't get rid of the pits etc. Too many of these features can affect the end shine on the entire batch.
You will see some truly drool-worthy pics on this site. But if you don't have patience, you'll likely never get there.
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Post by montanamuskrat on Dec 29, 2009 1:26:22 GMT -5
Welcome, there is lots of advice on this forum as you can see. Toad is one of the best. Debby and Tom
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gemhunter
starting to spend too much on rocks
"Rock On"
Member since November 2009
Posts: 243
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Post by gemhunter on Jan 4, 2010 11:43:21 GMT -5
Welcome. I have the same tumbler, I like it. I had never rock hounded before September last year (63 yrs old) so I am learning some great stuff. My wife got hooked also Happy New Year ;D Ed
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Post by NatureNut on Jan 4, 2010 11:49:27 GMT -5
Hi Renie, Welcome. I'm also in PA. Boy, we have some wonderful rock here. If I can help you with some collection locations or advice, I'd be happy to. Jo
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