mikethecabaddict
off to a rocking start
So many slabs to cab, so little time
Member since May 2015
Posts: 22
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Post by mikethecabaddict on May 9, 2015 15:38:29 GMT -5
im new here so i apologize if im in the wrong section or if what im looking for is already here and i somehow managed to miss it.
i hand cut cabochons as part of a business with my old man who takes my stones and makes them into jewelry. over the years since our little hobby became a business venture we have acquired a considerable amount of cutting rough and seem to add more to it weekly.
to solve this problem im looking into roughing out the cabochons on my cab king down to the 220 or 280 grit wheels then using a vibratory tumbler to work out the scratches and then finish polish the cabs. one tiny problem with my plan, i dont know the first thing about vibratory tumblers aside from they work fast. as usual google has been full of information that doesnt really help.
i was hoping some folks here would be willing to give me some advice, what brand works best but is still affordable? are vibratory like rotary tumblers in you want to use all material of similar hardness? what kind of grits work best? do i need any other kind of media to fill space? how many rough cabs will fit a 5lb or 8lb vibratory tumbler? how long does the process take start to finish if the stones are shaped on a 220 or 280 cab wheel? and anything else i should ask that i simply dont know enough too know i should ask.
if anyone could give me any advise or direct me to where i might find out everything i need i would be greatly appreciative.
thanks,
mike
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Post by orrum on May 9, 2015 16:01:22 GMT -5
Really go by Tommy on od thread going on nothis subject. Look under Tumbling Slabs or Flats. Chuck is Daman for vibe tumbling cabs and he will see this and chime in. He can post a link to find it. I don't know how. Welvome to the forum!
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Post by orrum on May 9, 2015 16:02:49 GMT -5
Ok that ain't english. It says Really good thread going on now about this subject By Tommy. Luv my spelling, spellcheck and typing!!!
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megalotis
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2009
Posts: 226
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Post by megalotis on May 11, 2015 10:31:41 GMT -5
Mike, let me add one word of warning: some stones that work up great on wheels are problematic in tumblers, due to undercutting. This problem is a lot more evident in tumbled stones, probably due to the more aggressive action that a stone receives in a tumbler as opposed to working it on the wheel. Generally, the stones that have a consistent hardness finish up really well in a tumbler, while those that have softer areas...not so much!
It's a trial and error thing, be prepared for surprises as you go.
Welcome!
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mikethecabaddict
off to a rocking start
So many slabs to cab, so little time
Member since May 2015
Posts: 22
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Post by mikethecabaddict on May 14, 2015 13:08:56 GMT -5
Ok that ain't english. It says Really good thread going on now about this subject By Tommy. Luv my spelling, spellcheck and typing!!! i may be mildly confused trying to find the thread these forums are rather lively, could you by chance shoot me a link?
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Post by orrum on May 14, 2015 13:21:02 GMT -5
Don't know how to do links. Old, one legged, fat, diabetic snd rapidly losing touch with mushy oatmeal brain. Find Chuck. Drummond Island Rocks. Look at his profile, look at his recent posts. Find post with heading Tumbling flats and slabs. That's you, good luck!
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mikethecabaddict
off to a rocking start
So many slabs to cab, so little time
Member since May 2015
Posts: 22
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Post by mikethecabaddict on May 14, 2015 13:26:22 GMT -5
that works just as well, thank you very much =D
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Post by rockpickerforever on May 14, 2015 13:38:56 GMT -5
Don't know how to do links. Old, one legged, fat, diabetic snd rapidly losing touch with mushy oatmeal brain. Find Chuck. Drummond Island Rocks. Look at his profile, look at his recent posts. Find post with heading Tumbling flats and slabs. That's you, good luck! Bill, are you talking this thread?
Tumbling flats - rotary or vibe? forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/post/808663/thread
Although Chuck contributed to the thread, it was actually Tommy that posed the question. And I really had to dig way back in the archives to find it - May 6 - only eight days ago. (sarcasm, lol)
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mikethecabaddict
off to a rocking start
So many slabs to cab, so little time
Member since May 2015
Posts: 22
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Post by mikethecabaddict on May 14, 2015 13:56:30 GMT -5
i found it just posted there, well the few questions that the thread didnt already answer for me its been years since ive used forums so i lost my way trying to find the thread
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Post by orrum on May 14, 2015 14:50:12 GMT -5
Thanks Jean!
Glad you found it with such poor directions, hey I said mushy oatmeal brain right? LOL
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,711
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Post by Fossilman on May 14, 2015 18:01:16 GMT -5
Great forum for most all information on any type of hounding,cabbing,tumbling,gem making,wrapping and etc.............Thumbs up
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