Post by SpaceRocka on Dec 31, 2013 18:39:01 GMT -5
Hi all, hope this New Year's Eve finds everyone happy and healthy. First just let me say that I have read so many threads here and really learned a lot, so I thank everyone for sharing their wealth of knowledge. I just got a Raytech TV-5 vibe tumbler for Christmas, and I am 3 days into the first stage of the process using the 90/100 grit that came with it. I have completely washed the rocks off a couple times and they are already looking good! I am an avid rockhound and am tumbling only specimens I have found myself, I have hundreds and hundreds, possibly several thousand stones. Right now I am polishing mostly agates, chalcedonies, and other stones with similar degrees of hardness, and of varying sizes. The main question I have right now is this....how long is it really necessary to tumble in this first stage? The instructions that came with it said to tumble in the rough grit (90/100) for 5-10 days... I can go for 5 if necessary, 10 seems like it would be way too much, but hey I'm new to this....I suppose I am saying that because of so many posts I've read on here where people are saying they only tumble in the first stage for 48 hours or so, or maybe 3 days. I don't have a rotary and specifically got a vibe because I am interested in retaining the natural shape of these stones. I am an avid collector of Lake Superior agates, and so far they are looking pretty nice in the tumbler. I guess I am just looking for a little direction as too how long it is really necessary to tumble in the first stage, and to know if over 5 days is something any of you have done or think is necessary? Any guidance, tips, hints, advice, etc. anyone has to offer is MOST welcome. I have read some great tips about burnishing on here, about good polish recipes (I've read Biker Randy's advice quite a bit and found it very helpful!), and about ways to ensure that the bowls and stones are free of grit between stages. Again, thanks everyone for your great knowledge and for sharing the information! This has been a great site for me as far as getting some insight into the best way to get a good polished stone. This is my very first time tumbling, so wish me luck I plan on doing a lot of it! I'll also soon be looking into lapidary equipment for cutting, grinding and hand polishing as well, so if anyone has any insight into that world, I'd love to hear it. Okay, thanks guys, I know I kind of rambled all over here....