cgrashel
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2013
Posts: 22
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Post by cgrashel on Mar 4, 2013 14:59:11 GMT -5
Thank you to Rob, Jugglerguy for sharing his formula for the lot-o tumbler. I am anxious to try it. As far as amount of water in the lot-o, how much do you use. I have seen two different things written. I have been putting water in after filling and dumping the excess off. As far as ceramic media, what sort of ratio do you use? Am I right in thinking that you also use these in the polish stage? Hopefully this will be all of my questions. So thankful I found this board!
Thanks, Connie
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Mar 4, 2013 15:16:30 GMT -5
sounds like you are using the right method for the amount of water. Just keep an eye out especially in 120/220 because you will need to spray some water in after a few hours when the action slows down.
How much ceramic can really depend on the material you are running and how well the variety is in size and shape of your stones. In an obsidian load I would go 50/50 with rocks and ceramics because that material cant handle the violent vibe tumbler but in an all agate or jasper load that has a perfect mix of sizes there would be no need for ceramics. on my normal mixed rock loads I use about 25 percent ceramics in mixed sizes and yes they are used all the way through polish and burnishing.
I have also found that when tumbling a lot of small slabs it helps to have at least 50 percent ceramic to keep the rocks from sticking together on the flats.
I only have about 20 batches of experience in the lot-o but I got all my info from the fine folks here.
Chuck
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Post by Jugglerguy on Mar 4, 2013 16:06:01 GMT -5
I agree with everything Chuck said. I want to add that you don't have to worry about asking questions around here. I was asking the same questions a little over a year ago and I'm glad to help someone else out. Folks here are very, very happy to help others. I'm quickly learning that rock lovers are just nice people.
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cgrashel
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2013
Posts: 22
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Post by cgrashel on Mar 4, 2013 19:09:11 GMT -5
Thank you! Both of you! I am hoping to figure this out. My first batches ever turned out beautiful, and I have gone steadily downhill since. I am hoping this is the turn around!
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,487
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Post by Roger on Mar 11, 2013 17:34:58 GMT -5
Welcome! You found the right boards. People here are very knowledgeable and extremely generous with their time and experience.
Getting the right mix of stone to media is tricky. I am learning as well and have been running batches at 50/50, then removing media to allow a little more stone on the next batches, based on the hardness of the rock. When I go below 20% media, I always end up with scuffes or chips..
Roger
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cgrashel
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2013
Posts: 22
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Post by cgrashel on Mar 12, 2013 12:17:05 GMT -5
Well, I have my first batch in the lot-o on 220. We will see how that goes. I am assuming they should be very smooth when they come out. Not grainy.
Thanks for all your help!
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,564
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Post by jamesp on Mar 12, 2013 12:23:02 GMT -5
Yep.It can be hard to tell 220 smooth vs 60/90 smooth.I was curious if anyone can tell w/out expensive equipment...
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cgrashel
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2013
Posts: 22
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Post by cgrashel on Mar 12, 2013 13:41:52 GMT -5
I have been attempting this for 1 1/2 year. Now I am using jugglerguys formula and I am praying it works. Starting to get frustrated..
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cgrashel
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2013
Posts: 22
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Post by cgrashel on Mar 12, 2013 16:33:18 GMT -5
Pulled a couple out of the lot-o to check. They have been in 220 for 24 hours. It seems that I can see scratches, with my naked eye, that I didn't see after they came out of the coarse tumbler. I am obsessing over these rocks, but am worried what I will see tomorrow.
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