joeyps130
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2010
Posts: 3
|
Post by joeyps130 on Jul 22, 2010 15:58:57 GMT -5
Hello all--
So I have a Lortone 3A that I bought several years ago and never used--I don't even remember why I bought it. Anyway--just found it last night and got some raw rocks from a hobby store and put together my first batch--
Seems I did everything right the book said but I have a huge issue that I have not found anyone mention--I opened it today after 24 hours as the book suggested and it looks like a grayish/brown foam with the grit suspended in it. I wasn't expecting that--you can even see all the little bubbles in it--I mean it is really foamed up---Before I put it back on to continue the first cycle, should I be concerned with this?
Thanks
JoeyP
|
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Jul 22, 2010 16:59:14 GMT -5
No. Let it run 3-4 days if you want to open it at all. The foam is common during first day.
|
|
|
|
Post by Toad on Jul 22, 2010 17:10:19 GMT -5
No reason to open it at all until a week has passed - unless you have gas build-up.
|
|
joeyps130
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2010
Posts: 3
|
Post by joeyps130 on Jul 22, 2010 18:11:18 GMT -5
Thanks guys--did a little more searching and found the word "FROTH" instead of "FOAM" meaning the same thing---
I was a little worried--
So why does the book say to open it and check it after the first day?
Thanks all again and I am looking forward to getting to know folkes here.
|
|
|
|
Post by susand24224 on Jul 22, 2010 18:37:26 GMT -5
You can open it if you want, although with the foam it can be rather messy. I think the books realize that when you are just starting, you are *compelled* to look at it each day.  Certainly, if you want to, you can, but it's not necessary. I can't speak for others, but I have never had enough gas buildup to cause a problem without the tumbler going at least a few days. Susan |
|
|
|
Post by Toad on Jul 22, 2010 19:14:58 GMT -5
The book probably also says that 1 week in rough grind is enough - not so.
|
|
|
|
Post by Noosh9057 on Jul 23, 2010 7:42:32 GMT -5
Yes this is all normal.
Welcome to the site.
Roger
|
|
Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,503
|
Post by Sabre52 on Jul 23, 2010 7:53:48 GMT -5
Yep. I agree with the rest, froth is normal. Only time I open the tumbler is to recharge the grit or to switch out the load. I never check between as it's to darn messy and too much chance of getting junk in the area you need to have seal when you reclose the barrel....Mel
|
|
revco
starting to spend too much on rocks
Another Victim Of The Rockcycle
Member since February 2010
Posts: 162
|
Post by revco on Jul 23, 2010 11:24:16 GMT -5
Agreed that froth can be normal. I sometimes get it, sometimes not. I haven't really found a rhyme or reason for it, but it happens more often on new barrels and much older barrels. I've seen froth that's almost black in color too.
Generally, you should let it run in course for 5-7 days before "recharging" the load...you might have to recharge quite a number of times to get it right. I have found checking the barrels is good because sometimes I've pulled a dumb move like forgetting to add water. (Happens easier than I'd like when working with 6 barrels!)
Have fun and enjoy the hobby!
|
|
