fmelvis
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2010
Posts: 235
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Post by fmelvis on Dec 8, 2010 8:43:27 GMT -5
Well, I got my first batch tumbling on Dec 4th. Checked on them and they seem to be rounding off nicely.
Thinking ahead to the second grind (120/220) and how I would like to use some cushioning so the stones won't chip or crack.
I do have a bag of plastic pellets but I'm wondering if I can use other materials which I have a lot of access to. For example, I have tons of small nylon tubing I can cut into small pieces or Norprene tubing or elastics.
Bad Idea?
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chassroc
Cave Dweller
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Phase 2
Dec 8, 2010 11:26:48 GMT -5
Post by chassroc on Dec 8, 2010 11:26:48 GMT -5
Not always necessary for the second stage (for hard(agate mohrs 7 hardness) but I'm sure otherswill disagree.
Nylon tubing etc should work just as well as long as it floats(if it does not float it will be harder to remove from your rocks). You should never use the same cushioning in more than one tumbling stage due to the increased risk of batch contamination ...with tubing , it would be even riskier for contamination.
Charlie
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fmelvis
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2010
Posts: 235
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Phase 2
Dec 8, 2010 12:01:28 GMT -5
Post by fmelvis on Dec 8, 2010 12:01:28 GMT -5
I have so much of this nylon tubing that I plan to throw it out after use. I do have a rather large amethyst in the mix which I am a little worried about.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Phase 2
Dec 8, 2010 12:50:21 GMT -5
Post by drjo on Dec 8, 2010 12:50:21 GMT -5
Don't throw it out, save it for the next/same grit load, as it get's impregnated with grit it will help the grinding process. (plus you don't have to cut up more ) If your worried about the amethyst, tumble it by itself with lots of padding. Good luck. Dr Joe .
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Phase 2
Dec 8, 2010 19:46:39 GMT -5
Post by susand24224 on Dec 8, 2010 19:46:39 GMT -5
Amethyst will often fracture if in the load with other less brittle materials. What else do you have in there? If you are tumbling with, for example, agates, plastic pellets (or other fillers) may not be enough to protect your amethyst.
Beyond this, I'm not much help, but I certainly would try some of what you have if I had an abundance. Check after about a day to make sure it hasn't caused a gas buildup.
Susan
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chassroc
Cave Dweller
Rocks are abundant when you have rocktumblinghobby pals
Member since January 2005
Posts: 3,586
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Post by chassroc on Dec 9, 2010 9:08:54 GMT -5
Amethyst, being a quartz variety, tends to glaze, and requires cushioning at a minimum, and a prepolish stage is beneficial.
charlie
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fmelvis
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2010
Posts: 235
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Phase 2
Dec 9, 2010 10:59:13 GMT -5
Post by fmelvis on Dec 9, 2010 10:59:13 GMT -5
thanks for the advice charlie.
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