sak
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since December 2013
Posts: 88
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Post by sak on Jun 26, 2014 18:30:47 GMT -5
Hi all -
I'm using a rotary tumbler and I've decided to use leather strips for the pre-polish stages (SC600, SC1200) & polish stages (tin-oxide). My understanding is that the leather carries the grit around and helps for a better polish.
My question is in regards to the earlier stages (SC80, SC200, SC400) with regards to pellets/beads. Other than filler is there any value to that? I think I've read that in some cases media pellets help reduce chips for harder stones like amethyst.
I plan on tumbling hard stones (amethyst) and soft stones (lepidolite). Is there any other benefit to the beads/pellets in the earlier grinding stages (SC80, 220 etc)?
Thanks for all your ideas.
Sak....
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,546
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Post by tkvancil on Jun 27, 2014 0:16:54 GMT -5
I used to use plastic pellets in earlier stages but was never happy with the grind. I think that the plastic pellets slow everything down. I have had good luck doing my quartz in rough grind by keeping the barrel 80% full, maybe a little fuller. No frosting or beat up pieces. No personal experience with using leather. Here's a thread that might help with the polish ... forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/post/738401/threadDon't start soft stones like lepidolite in coarse grit. Start in the 200 grit area. Check their progress daily, they will grind and shape quickly.
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