tundra
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2010
Posts: 10
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Post by tundra on Jul 25, 2010 23:18:42 GMT -5
I have a new vibratory tumbler - one barrel only. I have heard you can run borax through to clean the rocks and barrel in the later polishes. How much do you put in, how long and how much water in ratio to the borax -- light like with the grits? Also when the grits get really stuck to the rocks and hard to clean, is that because I didn't put enough water in? Is there something better than running the borax to get it off besides heavy scrubbing!?
Thanks! Martha
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Post by 150FromFundy on Jul 26, 2010 6:34:42 GMT -5
Here's a few tips for the vibe for grit changes.
(1) Before you change grits, fill the vide with water to just below the top of the centre cone and let it run for 10 to 15 minutes. This will lossen all the grit and make rinsing a little easier.
(2) Hand rinse, brush, and scrub your rocks and bowl until you think you have every last spec of grit off them.
(3) Place the rocks back into the bowl. Fill the vibe with water to just below the centre cone. Add 1 tbsp borax (20 Mule Team) and run overnight.
(4) Chances are you will be amazed at how much additional grit and plastic comes off your rocks in spite of you thinking you had got it all!
(5) Repeat for every grit chage, not just for the final polish. Don't forget to scrub the lid as well.
(6) Make the investment to get a separate polish bowl. They are expensive, but necessary. The plastic vibe bowls trap grit that can never be completely removed. If your tumbles are smooth, but do not shine like glass, it is likely do to contamination in the final polish stage.
Good luck.
Darryl.
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Post by Toad on Jul 26, 2010 6:47:18 GMT -5
I add borax when I charge the barrel with grit and water. Make clean up a breeze at the end of the cycle. I think Mel uses Dreft instead - environmentally friendly. Will have to try that myself.
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Post by rocklicker on Jul 28, 2010 15:59:51 GMT -5
I use a tablespoon per 12 pounds or so. I really just guess, sometimes just dumping some in. Can't really go wrong. Fearful borax is an abraisive, I use Ivory soap in the prepolish and polish stages. In that case, a little whittled off the bar works fine. Steve
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catskillrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,270
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Post by catskillrocks on Jul 29, 2010 19:47:44 GMT -5
Martha, if your rocks are stuck together kinda like cemented, then yes, you didn't check & add a few sprays of water. What model vibe are you using? I'm asking, since not ALL vibes have a center cone. I use Ivory Snow for my burnish, some use Dreft & others use Ivory Bar Soap shavings. I used to use Borax, but it will kill vegetation. I like the idea of using the (burnish of your choice) added to each grit change, gonna have to try that.
Don
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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 Aug 3, 2010 14:46:07 GMT -5
Yep, I switched to Dreft which is a very good burnish and cleaner and safe to dump in the yard.. Borax water is a fantastic herbicide and will kill any plants you pour it on so beware of how you dispose of it...Mel
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Aug 4, 2010 12:34:28 GMT -5
The borax residue will not only kill the vegetation, I believe it will stay in the soil and prevent future growth. It's one of the few things that works on creeping charlie, though!
Chuck
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Aug 5, 2010 3:30:40 GMT -5
Hi Martha, Brilliant advice from Darryl
A very simple rule of thumb,
I found that you want to run your vibe rocks to have a grey glossy apperance, if they go dull gray, add a few sprays of water
If they are stuck together WOW you need to tend them more often,
Vibes a VERY agressive in 220 especially and grind off a lot of Mud and need regular supervision so as not to dry out
All the best
Jack Yorkshire UK
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redwings1
starting to shine!
Member since July 2009
Posts: 45
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Post by redwings1 on Aug 5, 2010 11:33:17 GMT -5
Hi Martha, I have also found that a tbsp of corn syrup really helps in keeping it from drying out, acts as a kind of lubrication i suppose. Welcome and good luck
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Aug 7, 2010 1:50:53 GMT -5
Martha [glow=red,2,300]Also when the grits get really stuck to the rocks and hard to clean, is that because I didn't put enough water in? [/glow] YES is the simple answer , But ADD water as the grit works, the grit is working and grinding the rock and it needs water to keep it mobile & Borax helps also keep the mud mobile NOTE, Dont add a lot of water to start with as it will create a stone washing Vibe !!!!, its a Check add, check add especially in the first 220 grit stage Also try a drop or two of washing up liquid ? But you should check the Vibe more regulary than the rotary If you add forgn lubricants you will NOT get the fast grinding action that you need Jack Yorkshire uk
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