Enigman
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 163
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Post by Enigman on Nov 6, 2015 15:27:36 GMT -5
Hello,
I just bought a used Diamond Pacific Mini-Sonic MT4SV with a single 4 pound hopper. I plan to use my rotary machines for the 60/90, 120, and 500 grit stages of tumbling, and use the MT4 for the final polish stage(s). That may amount to a pre-polish 1000/1500 grit run plus a final polish run, or just a final polish run depending on the stone type and hardness.
Does anyone have a good formula to use for pre-polish and final polish in the MT4. I hope to minimize the learning curve with all your help.
For example, what is the best amount of grit, water and approximate running times, and so on. Things to do and not do, etc. Do I have to monitor and spray water three times a day and so on.
Thanks a bunch.
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Enigman
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 163
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Post by Enigman on Nov 9, 2015 15:35:06 GMT -5
Seriously?
No one has any comments about using the mini-sonic?
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bsky4463
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2013
Posts: 1,696
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Post by bsky4463 on Nov 9, 2015 16:23:59 GMT -5
Mini sonic is no different than any other vibe, just smaller. I use one frequently along with my larger units. Bikerrandy provided an excellent instructions on using vibratory tumblers here, along with other folks adding their two bits. Modify the grit proportionally based upon your load for a given tumbler. My preference on water for vibe is to load your rocks, fill with water to wet all stones, pour it all off then start your vibe, add grit and spritz with water to get the action you are looking for. Specific to polishing I strongly encourage the use of Borax as Randy describes. Good luck. Cheers
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bsky4463
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2013
Posts: 1,696
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Post by bsky4463 on Nov 9, 2015 16:26:47 GMT -5
I should add-- its all about experimentation. Use the thread I mentioned to get started and give yourself a frame of reference and then go from there. Each batch is different....no auto pilot, no fool proof methods...cheers
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Enigman
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 163
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Post by Enigman on Nov 10, 2015 17:15:42 GMT -5
Mini sonic is no different than any other vibe, just smaller. I use one frequently along with my larger units. Bikerrandy provided an excellent instructions on using vibratory tumblers here, along with other folks adding their two bits. Modify the grit proportionally based upon your load for a given tumbler. My preference on water for vibe is to load your rocks, fill with water to wet all stones, pour it all off then start your vibe, add grit and spritz with water to get the action you are looking for. Specific to polishing I strongly encourage the use of Borax as Randy describes. Good luck. Cheers Thanks for the pointer. I have read that thread before end to end. I posted here mainly looking for suggestions specific to the mini-sonics. Thanks again.
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bsky4463
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2013
Posts: 1,696
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Post by bsky4463 on Nov 10, 2015 22:29:32 GMT -5
Vibes are same same, rock n roll...get ur grind on. Cheers
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,563
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Post by jamesp on Nov 11, 2015 5:28:30 GMT -5
I do 3 steps with Vibrasonic(similar) on agates, wood and pet coral.
Rotary with SiC 30/60 for 6-8 weeks, recharge every 5 days. Last run in coarse for 10-14 days to break grit down past 220.
Vibe:
2 tablespoons AO 500 with 1 cup sugar/14 pounds rock , 1/2 -1 cup of water for 3 days.
12 hours with AO 14,000 using Borax wetted the same way Andy wets his rocks above.
Last step about redundant on some runs. The 500 run is darn shiny. The Borax tweaks the shine more in some cases, but removes the sugar completely.
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