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Post by phil on Oct 28, 2012 15:00:22 GMT -5
Ok. Need some advice here. I want to polish some turquoise, and will be polishing small lots, maybe 3 or 4 pounds. So, Ok, I know I need the smaller unit. But which vibratory unit should I go with? Raytech or Thumbler? Anyone out there with experience doing these stones that can give me some advice? Thanks! Phil
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Post by Jugglerguy on Oct 28, 2012 20:39:18 GMT -5
I don't know anything about turquoise, but you've left a good vibratory tumbler off your list. I have a Lot-O and I really like it. It holds about 4 pounds, which seems like just what you want. I have no experience with Raytech or Thumler, so I can't comment on them.
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Post by Bikerrandy on Oct 28, 2012 21:14:49 GMT -5
Can turquoise be tumbled? I thought that it was too soft.
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Post by johnjsgems on Oct 28, 2012 21:31:43 GMT -5
If it is stabilized it will tumble just fine. Gy-Roc is another great vibe tumbler to consider. I sell them but only started using one last week. They work very well. The DP Mini Sonic is also very good. I would drop Raytech from your list.
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Post by johnjsgems on Oct 28, 2012 21:35:41 GMT -5
By the way, I tumbled some stabilized turquoise a long time ago and the shine was only satin. I ran it in 25,000 Vibra Dry and it got too shiny. It looked like plastic, fake turquoise. Whatever tumbler you decide on watch it closer than you would agate.
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Post by phil on Nov 2, 2012 11:04:19 GMT -5
Thanks all.
Yeah John, I know about the satin. But I plan on freeform preshaping on a 100 grit wheel, then tumbling to the satin stage and finishing on a slightly moist oxide (probably tin) leather disk. I usually get a wowser shine that way. I avoid turquoise that is bland and has no character so a high polish works best. Material like Sleeping Beauty all blue does look like plastic to me too.
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