whitefeather
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2010
Posts: 15
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Post by whitefeather on Sept 24, 2010 21:26:40 GMT -5
Greetings
Just another newbie here with more questions, I'm new at all this and wanting to know the best way to polish Cerillas Turquoise, I'm going to be using a model B tumbler's tumbler, kinds of grit to start with and how much and about how long to run for each grit, i have lots to polish so will probably run as much rock as the machine is supposed to hold, without overloading, thanks, WF~
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Post by susand24224 on Sept 24, 2010 21:35:17 GMT -5
I don't know what Cerillas turquoise is, but have tumbled turquoise. Assuming it's like what I tumbled:
1. Begin with 120/220 grit, and at least one-third ceramics to cushion. Check on a 3-4 day schedule, as it grinds down quickly.
2. When ready, go to 500 and then 1000. I don't recall how long I ran each stage, but it was less than a week.
3. For polish I used aluminum oxide from the Rockshed.
Turquoise is both soft and brittle--so the ceramics (or plastic pellets) are essential.
Susan
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whitefeather
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2010
Posts: 15
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Post by whitefeather on Sept 24, 2010 21:42:28 GMT -5
Thanks Susan for the info, may i ask what is better plastic beads or the ceramics to soften the blows and stop cracking and chipping, WF~
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Post by susand24224 on Sept 24, 2010 23:07:43 GMT -5
Whitefeather, I think many people on this board who are as experienced or more experienced than me would say plastic is better. That has not been my experience, though. The first time I used ceramics, the plastic beads were relegated to the top shelf and I rarely use them now--only when I have several barrels going with *lots* of ceramics, and don't have enough. I am successfully using ceramics with fluorite right now, and they are not causing a problem. Fluorite for me is trickier than the turquoise was.
Susan
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 25, 2010 8:03:10 GMT -5
If it is natural turquoise follow Susan's advise. If it is stabilized it will be harder, less problems. If stabilized check often in polish. I've had it come out too shiny and plastic looking.
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