brock
off to a rocking start
Member since June 2013
Posts: 1
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Post by brock on Jun 3, 2013 10:48:43 GMT -5
Hello all, I'm a Tumbling virgin, but was interested in making some polished glass to fill some candle jars and such. From what I can dig up so far, I'd need something along the lines of: Tumblergrit kit
Are there less expensive ways to accomplish my goal? Perhaps good sites to buy from or maybe my chosen products can be substituted? What's the ratio of product poundage to glass weight? (i.e. how much grit and polish is needed for x lbs of glass?) Any help is appreciated! Thanks, -Brian
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herchenx
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2012
Posts: 3,360
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Post by herchenx on Jun 3, 2013 13:19:39 GMT -5
MUCH MUCH less expensive ways to get polished glass to fill jars etc is to go buy tumbled/polished glass from Hobby Lobby If you are looking for a DIY experience follow Krystee's tutorials on tumbling Obsidian, I think they would work on glass. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/52088I've never done well with glass myself (only marginally OK) but yes you would need at least a tumbler and grit kit. I would suggest you get a Thumler's Tumbler or Lortone, from therockshed.com as well as your grit I think you would save money.
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blessed
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by blessed on Jun 3, 2013 13:25:38 GMT -5
Hello Brock, I do polish glass but not to the stage I think you are talking about. I run mine only to a frosted finish with no sharp edges. If I want polished glass I buy accent gems. They come in different shapes, sizes, and different color. I pay a dollar for 14 oz. at Dollar Tree. How about marbles? I have seen them used. Go on line under marbles or glass gems. Go to mcgillwarehouse.com. James
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Post by Toad on Jun 3, 2013 13:30:30 GMT -5
www.americanspecialtyglass.com/The above is a cheaper place for glass if you don't want to tumble. If you do, then you'll need a tumbler, grit, and a source for glass. Some folks here will sell you some. eBay is another place to check...
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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 Jun 17, 2013 0:53:02 GMT -5
I get my glass from thrift stores as broken pieces and pieces that have been sitting forever and not selling.. I also get different colored bottles from bars and have even gone so far as to buy a bottle or 2 of wine and drin it myself to have the blue bottles for tumbling!!!
with all that said....
I put the glass in a large plastic tote and crush it with a sledge hammer, outside the house... good stress reliever!!, then run it in my vibe tumbler for 3 days @ 120/220 grit, after 3 days I add more grit if not where I want it, then wait 3 more days and check it again.. at this point I have frosted glass with rounded edges, but if you want polished glass then move to the next step and ad pre-polish, run 3 days and clean and add borax, polish, spray with water, then run 3 days, check it and add borax, polish, spray with water and run 3 days... at this point I guarantee it will be done to your satisfaction!!
Even though I don't say it often enough.....you have to check the water in a vibe tumbler ... a lot !!!... then don't use much water to start and a spray bottle is all you will need to keep it going.. I usually do about 10 sprays each time I check it to make sure there is enough water to keep the material moving. if you do that you will be good !!!
Good Luck and let us know how you make out... w/pictures!!!
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billg22
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 451
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Post by billg22 on Jun 17, 2013 12:12:14 GMT -5
I've found that imported beer bottles work the best. The glass is thicker and come in some nice colors (and the beer). I even bought a bunch of red bowls that Ikea was clearing out. They ended up being tinted and came out clear frosted glass. Someone told me that red glass is hard to find due the use of gold in making it red. Don't tumble the glass too long. It will grind down to nothing.
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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 Jun 17, 2013 20:12:16 GMT -5
you can get a decent yet large Blue wine bottle from places like Sams club for about 10.00 the wines not bad .. I believe it's a Riesling (sp)and the bottle is plenty thick.. got some real nice frosted pieces from that and don't forget to hit up your local thrift store.. they usually have a lot of thick stuff they would love to get rid of... cheap !!!!! I got tans golds, blues the reds were all tinted, but lots of other colors including green which I don't see a lot of either!!!
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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 Jun 17, 2013 20:14:00 GMT -5
also don't be afraid to stop by the local bar and ask them to save the alcohol bottles for you when they are done.. most places may ask what you are doing with them, but will be glad to give them to someone who can use them especially if you drop off a few finished pieces for them as a thank you!!
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