dmharrisn
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2010
Posts: 14
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Post by dmharrisn on May 28, 2010 23:17:35 GMT -5
Did the first two stages, mostly quartz and amethyst, few random pieces too, how long should I do the 400 and do I need to do some 600? I guess, I think I pretty much know now when the rough grit stage is done, but how do I know for the next stages? I am using pellets for these stages now if that makes a difference in time?
Thanks!
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Post by johnjsgems on May 28, 2010 23:38:19 GMT -5
Rotary one week. Vibratory 1-2 days. Yes on the 600.
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Post by parfive on May 29, 2010 2:38:28 GMT -5
I’m gonna disagree with John here.
400 to 600 is just too close to make a difference. And I think you’ve said you already did two stages before the 400. Four stages just to get to 600 is too dang much, especially with a kid helping. I typically go from 60/90 right to 500 with no problem. You could move on to 1000 or pre-polish after a week in 400.
Be easier if you let us know all what grits and polish you have on hand.
The most important step is the first one – 60/90. That’s where you need the patience to keep recharging week after week until the rocks are shaped to the way you want them when polished up. Most of us go for flawless and rounded, but some like a little rougher, more natural look.
Rich
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on May 29, 2010 3:58:14 GMT -5
Hi Dmharrisen,
Welcome to the RTH Family.
Ive tried the quickway and (for me) it didnt work
I do 80G 220G 400G 600G and 1200
400G to 1200G would be to big a jump (in my opinion)
If you want a hig gloss"James" finish you need to lay down a good foundation I often do a 2 week run in 220G ( recharging after 1 week) as I feel this is the most important stage.
John & Rich give you good advice , but is up to you and YOUR results that count
Two thing thats important
1 --- Experiment and write down your results in a journal
2 --- Cleanleness Clinical clean in washing inbetween stages
Maybe a 3rd --- Ask ! ! !
The RTH family are aways ready to help because Most of us have been needing help at one time or another
Jack
Yorkshire UK
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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 May 29, 2010 9:07:37 GMT -5
Pretty much agree w/Jack, experimentation is the key. We've found that recording what what we do on a big calendar with lots of space to write on each date is helpful, and don't toss each month, makes a good reference.
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Post by johnjsgems on May 29, 2010 20:40:07 GMT -5
I started tumbling by an old book. I followed the steps (60/90, 220, 400, 600, polish) and got great results every time. Talking with very successful tumblers I found as many variations as there were tumblers. All worked. I experimented with many of the variations. I still recommend beginners follow the basic steps until their confidence is built. Once past 120/220 or 220 you can't hurt anything by either running a 400 followed by 600 or running just 400 longer or running 220 longer followed by 600..... By the way, I don't use 400 anymore. With the mixed grade grits more common now I use 60/90, 120/220, 500F, polish. I use variations depending on materials and desired results.
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Post by deb193redux on May 29, 2010 22:29:20 GMT -5
I too do OK with 500F and then polish. FOr softer rock, I put in 1200g as well.
The only way to tell if a fine grit stage is "ready" is to go long enough and likely a little longer than needed. But, on a rush job, you can sometimes examine a dry stone to see if the surface appears uniform. If you can see rougher and smoother spots, and the stone is not mixed hardness, then it is not ready to move on. You might even inspect with a 10x lense to see if all the scratches look uniform across the stone.
I had to get stuff ready for a display at a club show and I had to rush. Ordinarily. I just go a couple of days/charges (in vibe) and I know it is more than enough.
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revco
starting to spend too much on rocks
Another Victim Of The Rockcycle
Member since February 2010
Posts: 162
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Post by revco on May 30, 2010 18:48:52 GMT -5
I'll chime in here because no one has addressed his last question. Yes, on the plastic pellets. I pretty much use them from 120/220 on. Some people only use them in 400/500/600 on, but I've found I'll occasionally get fractures in stage 2 if I don't.
I usually do 1-2 weeks in 120/220 and 7-8 days in 500, 1000 and polish. Jack is exactly correct that 2 weeks in stage 2 can lay a solid foundation for everything that comes after. I do the 1000 stage mostly because I do mixed rock (of similar hardness) and I've found it's a little better at coaxing out the shine in all the rocks. I also am fairly lax about the polish stage timing, sometimes letting 'em roll for a couple weeks.
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