rockymom
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2015
Posts: 118
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Post by rockymom on Mar 11, 2015 8:24:53 GMT -5
Hi thank you everyone for posting your "recipes" and tips. So fun to find a group of people who enjoy the same hobby.
I am new to this hobby just on my second round in a ultra vibe tumbler and have used the recipe posted in the tutorial section. I have concerns.
Concern #1
I have been using liquid dish detergent to clean in between stages and borax for pre polish and burnishing. The grit and dish detergent gets thrown outside in the garden (on two feet of snow) and the borax (mixed with a little polish) gets washed off and rinsed down the kitchen sink.
How much grit is unsafe for the house plumbing? Because it is winter I do the final rinse in the kitchen sink so I know grit is getting into the plumbing.
How much dish detergent/borax do you throw away outside?
Is there an alternative to borax for burnishing that is safer for the environment?
Concern #2
my machine runs much quieter when I have a big thick slurry and I think the rocks are more cushioned. Do you think a lot thick slurry hinders the process?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,547
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Post by tkvancil on Mar 11, 2015 9:59:13 GMT -5
I follow the advice/recipe from the board as well. Have only been able to use my vibe four or five times so I'm far from expert. My last run was the best to date. Let all the slurries thicken up and added only the smallest amount of water along the way. Never enough to speed things back up again only enough to stay moist. I am thinking the thicker slurry is a benefit.
I have a spot between my garage and the neighbors garage where nothing but weeds grow. I dump my borax water there. Weeds still grow. Go figure. Still I wouldn't dump it anywhere that I'd care about like the garden or lawn.
Was always under the impression that even small amounts of grit in the plumbing is a bad thing. Think it can build up over time. I use white plastic dish washing tubs bought from the dollar store for rinsing. Pour it into empty milk jugs and toss in the trash.
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rockymom
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2015
Posts: 118
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Post by rockymom on Mar 13, 2015 9:45:10 GMT -5
tkvancil,
Thank you! I am following the posts regarding your experiences with slurries and ingredients, fun and helpful. I think I have been using way to much borax and grit, I am scaling back in my current load. My husband says I can turn the outside hose on April 1st but the way the snow is hanging out around here it might be May 1st.
After reading more posts I am going to try the Metamucil route in my next batch.
Look forward to posting pictures once I have to time to get it all figured out.
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