stansknives
starting to shine!
Member since January 2013
Posts: 29
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Post by stansknives on Jan 26, 2013 11:44:10 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I am Stan from Alabama. I just joined this forum in hopes to get some expert help from the members out there. I own a website, www.flintstoneandbonecreations.com I make arrowheads and knives from various stones from around the world. I have tons of scrap and want to start tumble polishing it. I just purchased a Gilson commercial tumbler that is HUGE!!! Its ready to go, but I need your help on what kinds of grits to get, and how to do it. I would appreciate any help, Stan Payne
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Jan 26, 2013 12:07:04 GMT -5
Welcome to RTH.Took a look at your knives,wow! There is one thing about your elephant I need to add. I'm from near College Station and A&M,the place old elephants go to die! ;D
How many lbs you estimate the tumbler will hold? That would determine how much grit to use.
snuffy
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stansknives
starting to shine!
Member since January 2013
Posts: 29
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Post by stansknives on Jan 26, 2013 12:11:53 GMT -5
I would imagine at LEAST 1/2 of a 5 gallon bucket. Maybe 5 gallons.
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stansknives
starting to shine!
Member since January 2013
Posts: 29
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Post by stansknives on Jan 26, 2013 12:13:31 GMT -5
Also, gotta give credit where its due. Johnny Football is AWESOME!!
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Jan 26, 2013 12:26:58 GMT -5
I use 1 LB in my 12lb barrels,and 3 lbs grit in my 35lb barrel.So about a 1to 12 ratio is my method.But I only run these in coarse,then to the vibes,Lot-os.60/90 is my coarse grit. Sounds like you got a grit eater! snuffy
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stansknives
starting to shine!
Member since January 2013
Posts: 29
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Post by stansknives on Jan 26, 2013 12:37:38 GMT -5
My rig looks like a small cement mixer. I bought it on e bay and totally reworked it to just like a new machine. Will post pics. soon.
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,564
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Post by jamesp on Jan 26, 2013 14:54:06 GMT -5
Super fine knappings Stan.Is your tumbler a Gilson cement mixer?Like w/an open end and a pivot to dump?
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stansknives
starting to shine!
Member since January 2013
Posts: 29
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Post by stansknives on Jan 26, 2013 16:36:01 GMT -5
Yes, it is. i have taken every nut and bolt off, cleaned every part, and brand new paint. Also, sealed every hole to make watertight to tumble.
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,564
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Post by jamesp on Jan 26, 2013 16:42:38 GMT -5
Do you think it is made to run hundreds of hours Stan?Just curious.The sprockets and all.I think those are chain drive.I have seen chain drive metal drum tumblers.
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stansknives
starting to shine!
Member since January 2013
Posts: 29
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Post by stansknives on Jan 26, 2013 17:02:00 GMT -5
It is belt driven and turns a small sprocket gear, which turns the drum.
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 26, 2013 23:24:50 GMT -5
You can measure the volume of the barrel (I would fill with water and measure but I guess you could use that mathematics stuff). Each gallon equates to about 12 lbs. by most manufacturer's reckoning. 1 tablespoon grit per lb. works well. You need to then figure how many tbsp per cup or some other measurement. My 40 lb. tumbler I bought used and was told by previous owner to use 2 1/2 lbs. grit. If I remember right that was about 2/3 a 1 lb. coffee can. Anyway, find a convenient measurement for your tumbler to make things easy. Also, if barrel is open use plastic or other material to seal the opening to maintain the water content.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,564
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Post by jamesp on Jan 27, 2013 7:53:10 GMT -5
How much rock would go in a tumbler that leans at an angle.I think Stan's is a cement mixer.If it is rated for 1 cubic feet of cement would you use 1 cubic feet of rock?I made this one and it used the 55 gallon drum with enough rock to cover the bottom at that angle.Like 5 gallons of rock.But that was about all that drum would hold with out tearing up. It had a problem of a dead spot until i adjusted the lean angle more horizontal.The paddles in a concrete mixer would eliminate that dead spot but .I have since cut the yellow flange off and welded a 4 foot long steel pipe to it.The pipe is 8 inches in diameter.I tumble steel in it to get rid of rust before welding operations.But tumble rocks in it too.Use one my my wife's shower caps on the end to keep it hydrated. The cylinder in the middle of the shaft has no function,just part of the industrial sized shaft w/bearings from Mad Max Junkyard.
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 27, 2013 9:13:21 GMT -5
On the inclined tumbler I had I filled it to the bottom of the opening. If the mixer won't handle that much weight a lighter weight filler like ceramics or plastic would work.
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