rastageezer
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 169
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Post by rastageezer on Sept 12, 2015 1:52:54 GMT -5
I'm beginning to think I should start with it in the vibe because of all the flaws it reveals (Rios)! It's kicking my butt! I'll have beautiful rocks after months in the rotary and then 2 #220 runs in the vibe, clean up, inspect, run #500 and whamo!, the rocks look worse! Many have to go back to the start gate. Eventually everything works out but jeeze! Whats up with that stuff?
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,547
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Post by tkvancil on Sept 12, 2015 10:58:16 GMT -5
By looks worse, what do you mean. Are you getting pits or fractures? If its undercutting you can try thickening or shorter run time. I use 600 SIC and haven't noticed any problems. A lot of the folks on here use 500 AO and swear by it. Could be worth a try too ....
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rastageezer
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 169
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Post by rastageezer on Sept 12, 2015 14:08:35 GMT -5
mostly slight pitting and roughness on smooth surfaces, happens with or without ceramics
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Post by Jugglerguy on Sept 12, 2015 14:48:57 GMT -5
I've never done two runs at 220, and I've never heard of anyone doing two. I really don't think it's necessary. I use aluminum oxide at the 500 grit stage, so I can't comment on how silicon carbide works. The only rocks I've had problems with at 500 are Petoskey stones and Kona dolomite, both of which are really, really soft. Most rocks are pretty shiny after a couple days in 500 AO.
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rastageezer
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 169
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Post by rastageezer on Sept 12, 2015 19:25:25 GMT -5
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Sept 12, 2015 19:58:27 GMT -5
10 of us could all post our own vibe tumbler instructions and you would get 10 different ways to do it. If I would have posted my instructions two years ago they would not be the same as if I posted them today. For most rocks I do 2 days in 120/220 then move to 500 A/O. If the rocks are processed correctly and are truly ready (no imperfections) for 120/220 then doing two cycles with a recharge would not help anything. 120/220 breaks down to 220/440 by the end of the second day so going back and recharging the grit for a cycle cycle don't make sense to me.
Chuck
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Post by Jugglerguy on Sept 12, 2015 20:03:57 GMT -5
Chuck should know, he's a two time world tumbling champ. Maybe in three time in a few days if I don't take him down.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Sept 12, 2015 20:09:20 GMT -5
Chuck should know, he's a two time world tumbling champ. Maybe in three time in a few days if I don't take him down. Oh yeah that little contest thing. I almost forgot about that.
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rastageezer
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 169
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Post by rastageezer on Sept 12, 2015 20:42:42 GMT -5
well thanks guys! points taken (and yeah I've seen your results)
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