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Post by thegrumpybuddha on Apr 27, 2013 10:31:55 GMT -5
I've read that it's important that, between stages, you not let the rocks dry out -- and it's something that I've been very lazy about, and I'm wondering if this is why I'm having a tough time getting them to polish up. Can someone tell me why this is important, and how important it is?
Thanks much!
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grizman
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since July 2011
Posts: 878
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Post by grizman on Apr 27, 2013 11:56:20 GMT -5
I'm just guessing, but are you talking about when tumbling? If so, here's the reason tokeep them wet between stages. When you take them out and let them dry you will find that the slurry that may have collected in a dimple, crack, or even on a smooth surface, will dry as hard as concrete. When you go to the next stage, some of it will get ground or knocked off and now you may have a courser grit along with your pre-polish, or polish stage. Obviously this is not as critical if you have breach washed stones, or have perfectly rounded off your rocks in the rough tumble stage, but it is a real issue with any places for the slurry to collect and dry out. A soap or borax rinse in your tumbler for an hour will also help to eliminate the hidden slurry, but keeping them wet is the real secret. I hope I explained this OK
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 27, 2013 13:38:33 GMT -5
Everyone needs to let them dry out once, raise a saw hood while blade is still turning, touch the surface next to the "WET PAINT" sign, etc. A great learning experience.
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Post by sheltie on Apr 27, 2013 14:14:58 GMT -5
Everyone needs to let them dry out once, raise a saw hood while blade is still turning, touch the surface next to the "WET PAINT" sign, etc. A great learning experience. Were you looking over my shoulder the THIRD time I lifted the hood of my saw? ;D
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,487
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Post by Sabre52 on Apr 27, 2013 15:19:59 GMT -5
You can let them dry between stages. I do, as I collect my stones in a bin till I have a full load to move one. However, I clean the rocks before I throw them in the bin. The slurry in the pits thing is not a problem if you grind them till you do not have pits or crevices but even if you have a few slurry catchers, if you clean them well first, letting them dry between stages is not a problem....Mel
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The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
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Post by The Dad_Ohs on Apr 27, 2013 15:31:22 GMT -5
Everyone needs to let them dry out once, raise a saw hood while blade is still turning, touch the surface next to the "WET PAINT" sign, etc. A great learning experience. GUILTY AS CHARGED !!!! Of All 3!!!!
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,564
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Post by jamesp on Apr 27, 2013 17:59:41 GMT -5
Store them in a bucket of water.
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Post by Toad on Apr 27, 2013 18:52:04 GMT -5
I don't keep them wet between. My shine works out just fine.
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Minnesota Daniel
freely admits to licking rocks
A COUPLE LAKERS
Member since August 2011
Posts: 891
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Post by Minnesota Daniel on Apr 27, 2013 21:11:00 GMT -5
Mine dry out all the time without any problem. I don't let anything out of the 60/90 that still traps grit though. Actually, I let a few out into the garden.
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Post by deb193redux on Apr 27, 2013 22:35:00 GMT -5
what folks been saying, if you clean completely, drying does not matter.
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herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Apr 27, 2013 22:44:00 GMT -5
I used to worry about rocks from 60/90 drying out, but often the rocks from 60/90 are just going right back into 60/90 so if the grit dries on THOSE (going back to first grind) get dry who cares?
I will sometimes set aside a rough load to get another batch going if there are new rocks I am excited about that I want to get in and get finished, so I do set rough loads aside from time to time. If I intend on moving them to the vibe (120/220) I do clean them completely no matter what, but if they still need coarse grinding done I just give them a fast rinse to get the majority of grit off.
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