ivan
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2014
Posts: 165
|
Post by ivan on Mar 6, 2014 16:16:23 GMT -5
Currently have a KG-1 mini-sonic by Geode Industries, that is doing a pre-polish on apache tears. The small batch of tears (approx 1 lb) were setting around now for awhile and had, have somewhat of a polish. After researching this a bit it was suggested that I put them through a prepolish. I would like to use vibra-dry at some point to do the final polish.
With that said. The prepolish is a wet mixture. ?? is it preferable to use this stage with the lid on or off the process? How often is it required to remove the lid once you get the batter requirements? What/if you use with lid on what is best method to seal the barrel? The reason I ask this is that whenever you check process & batter you have to remove the lid. Of course a lot of the liquid will seep around the seal and will run down the drum/barrel and produce something like concrete on the tumbler when it is in operation. Even with the lid & plastic wrap as a seal.
Hope this feeble attempt to explain is helpful? Would appreciate any an all suggestions, etc. Thank you very much! IV
|
|
MrCoffee
has rocks in the head
Member since December 2005
Posts: 634
|
Post by MrCoffee on Mar 9, 2014 20:22:29 GMT -5
I always keep the lid on my Mini-Sonic when its running. This machine will take more liquid than a Lot-O tumbler will, and still roll the stones the same. I would run the Apache Tears through the regular process, then use micron alumina as a pre-polish, then polish. You can also adjust the frequency knob down, if you feel it is too rough. Apache tears tend to be a little fragile, so use caution in the finishing stages. Results are going to be better than with a rotary.
|
|
ivan
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2014
Posts: 165
|
Post by ivan on Mar 11, 2014 22:09:25 GMT -5
When I started running the load in the wet stage it is way to go, as you suggest. Thanks for the confirmation. I should of known better anyway. I've been following Mr.Smith's (the individual that invented the minisonic) instructions, as best as I can, that he posted in Volume 1 - 2nd edition of his book How to Tumble Polish Rocks into Gems. Currently on Step 2 using Vibra Dry Compound #2500. Have a final step using #25000 Vibra-dry yet in a day or so. You mentioned the Lot-O tumbler. Sounds as though you have some experience and familiar with the Lot-O? I have a few of the different vibrating tumblers but do not have a Lot-0 (small) as yet. Maybe look into purchasing one. Appreciate your reply - nice to hear from you MrCoffee IV
|
|