rockhunter
off to a rocking start
Member since May 2009
Posts: 10 
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Post by rockhunter on Apr 14, 2010 14:50:19 GMT -5
I usually run fresh rough for two to four weeks in 60/90 grit to make nice rounded tumbles. I've noticed a couple websites where you can buy 20 grit silicon carbide.
Has anyone tried 20 grit? Does it save time or tear up a rubber tumbler barrel?
Thanks for any advice or experience!
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,503
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Post by Sabre52 on Apr 14, 2010 16:48:25 GMT -5
I've never used grit that coarse but I'd expect it does not stick to the rocks in the load very well and would tend to settle to the barrel bottom so the grinding action would not be as efficient. I did try grit coarser than 60/90 for awhile 46/70? and really think the 60/90 works best....Mel
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Apr 15, 2010 6:43:54 GMT -5
Good Lord! 20 grit is the size of some people's rocks! ;D
And I agree with Sabre52.
Dr Joe
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rockhunter
off to a rocking start
Member since May 2009
Posts: 10
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Post by rockhunter on Apr 15, 2010 12:37:21 GMT -5
"Good Lord! 20 grit is the size of some people's rocks!"
lol... thanks for the humor. I think I'll stick with the 60/90.
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,359
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Post by quartz on Apr 15, 2010 22:49:48 GMT -5
For several years, we have used 16 [yes,sixteen] grit quite successfully as a primary breakdown grit on especially rough "hillside" agate and pet. wood. It has proven way faster than 60/90 in the same senario. We use homemade barrels of P.V.C. and suffer very little wear; commercial barrels, I don't know.
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rockhunter
off to a rocking start
Member since May 2009
Posts: 10
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Post by rockhunter on Apr 15, 2010 23:45:53 GMT -5
Thank you for the report, quartz. I appreciate hearing that.
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Post by Toad on Apr 16, 2010 7:49:09 GMT -5
Where would you get 16 grit from - and is it cheap? 60/90 tends to be the cheapest of the 'usual' grits for tumbling.
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Post by 150FromFundy on Apr 16, 2010 13:29:16 GMT -5
I run 60/90 in one barrel and 47/70 in the other barrel. In a small 3 lb barrel, I don't think it makes any difference.
Darryl.
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,359
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Post by quartz on Apr 16, 2010 20:12:11 GMT -5
In answer to Toad, we get our grit from an industrial supply in Portland, OR, in 50# bags. Haven't needed any for quite a while [we get 100# at a time], paid $1.072/ lb. last time. Have to buy the 100 to get a price break from about $1.12.
In comment to 150FromFundy, our smaller tumbler we run rough in is 1.75 gal. about 20lb., and the other is 5 gal., 50 lb.
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