junglejim
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2014
Posts: 344
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Post by junglejim on Jan 26, 2014 0:54:28 GMT -5
Hi everyone from Saint Louis, Missouri. I'm retired with several hobbies and as of about 8 hours ago started tumbling my first batch ever. I don't know if it's a good sign or not but the tumbler is quieter now then it was when I first started it up. It's running in my basement and I can't hear it now. Maybe because the wife's snoring. I've been looking through threads here all week and am in awe of all the beautiful rock all over this country of ours as well as what an experienced person can do with rock in their tumblers. I've seen many works of art. Once the weather gets better here I'll have my head down more when I'm out fishing trying to find some rock gems of my own.
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rockroller
spending too much on rocks
Be excellent to each other.
Member since October 2013
Posts: 359
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Post by rockroller on Jan 26, 2014 12:00:28 GMT -5
welcome from Texas! i think we are all anticipating the spring thaw with much eagerness!
~roland
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jan 26, 2014 14:17:06 GMT -5
Welcome from Michigan, Jim. Your tumbler is probably quieter because it's starting to make a thicker slurry. The first week in rough tumbling seems to be the most dramatic change, especially with rough, broken stone. Those sharp edges are grind down fairly quickly and the rock dust thickens up the slurry. It's those last little cracks and holes that take forever to grind out, be patient with the rough stage and the later stages will be much more satisfying,
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Post by iant on Jan 26, 2014 16:29:19 GMT -5
Welcome Jim!
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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 Jan 26, 2014 17:41:10 GMT -5
welcome to the mad house... the longer you stay the harder it is to leave!!
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junglejim
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2014
Posts: 344
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Post by junglejim on Jan 26, 2014 20:29:04 GMT -5
I took a peak this morning and all I saw was gray gritty foam. I pulled a few of the rocks out and already they appear less jagged. I'll check again in a couple days. Seems like patience is the key with tumbling. It might be hard to wait since this is my first batch.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jan 26, 2014 21:05:52 GMT -5
It gets easier to wait. Or maybe that's just because I bought another tumbler so I could open something twice a week.
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noob
having dreams about rocks
Member since January 2014
Posts: 51
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Post by noob on Jan 26, 2014 22:51:41 GMT -5
Welcome from new York. I'm new at this too. Good luck.
Jon
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Jan 26, 2014 22:58:26 GMT -5
Welcome to the board Jim. Looking forward to some pictures from your first batch.
Chuck
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,158
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Post by jamesp on Jan 27, 2014 14:42:06 GMT -5
Welcome to the RTH. Hope you have a good time.
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Post by drocknut on Jan 27, 2014 18:53:59 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum.
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junglejim
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2014
Posts: 344
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Post by junglejim on Jan 30, 2014 13:07:55 GMT -5
5 days into first tumble on the rotary and started a second batch an hour ago. I think I'm going to use the dual 3lb. Harbor Freight tumbler for rough and buy a vibrating tumbler with extra bowl for finishing steps. Any recommendations on a small vibrating tumbler ? I'm looking for something that's durable.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jan 30, 2014 16:06:43 GMT -5
I like my Lot-O a lot. It holds about 4.5 lbs, which is plenty for me. I wouldn't want it any bigger. I've had it for two years and the two barrels ( one for polish) show no signs of wear.
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paparon
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2014
Posts: 2
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Post by paparon on Jan 30, 2014 19:41:14 GMT -5
junglejim check the web for a 20% or 25% off coupon for Harbor Frieght....helps out a little!
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junglejim
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2014
Posts: 344
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Post by junglejim on Jan 30, 2014 22:32:46 GMT -5
I'm a little concerned with the durability of Harbor Freight's vibrating tumblers. I think they are meant for polishing metal and not rocks. I might use the 20-25% off coupon for something else. I think I'm going to get the Lot-O, smaller one.
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blessed
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by blessed on Jan 30, 2014 22:35:10 GMT -5
Howdy from Oklahoma. Got my sales paper from HF yesterday. The double drum is on sale for $54.99.
Happy Tumbling James
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