1tufrubicon
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2013
Posts: 6
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Post by 1tufrubicon on Apr 28, 2013 2:33:47 GMT -5
I have two pieces of rutilated quartz that I'm have a heck of timing polishing. I'm on step three and they don't seem to be getting any better. They have turned opaque white. When they're wet they look fine, but dry they look terrible. I'm fairly new to this but have read and followed all the tumbling tips on here. Any suggestions?
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Post by Toad on Apr 28, 2013 5:36:50 GMT -5
Pictures would help. Are you keeping the load at 2/3 to 3/4 full as you move to each successive step? What size grit did you use for steps 1 through 3?
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,564
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Post by jamesp on Apr 28, 2013 6:27:30 GMT -5
Sounds like they are frosted.Frosting from hitting to hard basically.Clear quartz are notorious for that.Are you using a rotary or vib? Balanced rock sizes-smalls to larges 3/4 full-filling a rotary a bit more than 3/4 will slow process but tumble gently
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1tufrubicon
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2013
Posts: 6
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Post by 1tufrubicon on Apr 29, 2013 0:31:29 GMT -5
It sounds like the mistake I'm making is not keeping the barrels full enough. I'm using a Lortone 3A. When I start the load, the barrel is 3/4 full but since the rocks "shrink" during the process, I end up with a barrel that's just under 1/2 full. I fill the remainder of the barrel with plastic pellets to try and make up the difference. I also try to group like size rocks together. The frosting is exactly what's happening. Is their a way for me to correct this at this point? I was really looking forward to getting these pieces polished.
BTW, this is only my second load. My first load of agate and onyx came out pretty good, that's why I'm confused about what I'm doing wrong this time.
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1tufrubicon
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2013
Posts: 6
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Post by 1tufrubicon on Apr 29, 2013 0:37:50 GMT -5
I'm using 60/90 (1), 120/220 (2) and aluminum oxide (3). During my last batch I used Lusterite for step 4.
I've tried posting pictures on here but have been unsuccessful. I belong to a few other forums for various topics and have always been able to post pics so I do have experience at it. I'm obviously doing something wrong on here.
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rollingstone
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since July 2009
Posts: 236
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Post by rollingstone on Apr 29, 2013 0:42:02 GMT -5
Could be too rough action in the barrel, or might be 100% okay. When a stone dries, they always look frosted after every stage except polish. Even running in 1000 grit will leave a very frosted look on a dry stone. It's only polish that brings out the shine.
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1tufrubicon
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2013
Posts: 6
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Post by 1tufrubicon on May 1, 2013 0:00:28 GMT -5
Could be too rough action in the barrel, or might be 100% okay. When a stone dries, they always look frosted after every stage except polish. Even running in 1000 grit will leave a very frosted look on a dry stone. It's only polish that brings out the shine. Ok, I'll keep my fingers crossed. Thanks!
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