celticraven
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2015
Posts: 21
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Post by celticraven on Jan 8, 2016 20:27:19 GMT -5
So the first batch of rocks I have in the Loreton is the group that came with it, total mixed rock group, agate, quartz, tigers eye, etc.... So did I make a good or silly decision when we added plastic bead tumbling media to the batch to help cushion on stage 2?
Given the mix and such, I'm planning on using the beads for the rest of the stages as well.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2016 21:00:28 GMT -5
I'm no tumbling expert,but I believe you need to use a separate plastic media for each individual grit sequence. Experts will chime in Dave
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,547
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Post by tkvancil on Jan 9, 2016 9:55:03 GMT -5
Like Dave said you need to use separate plastic media for each stage. Grit can get embedded in the plastic. They can be reused in later tumbles. Bag and tag 'em for later use after each stage.
The plastic will give a lot of cushion and essentially slow down the grinding action. Consider running each step for two weeks due to this.
I know you're running the mixed batch that came with the tumbler. An alternative, if you have more rocks ... Wait until you have enough done in coarse grind to fill a barrel to the 85/90 percent range. The fuller barrel acts as cushion but since it's all rock on rock the grinding doesn't slow nearly as much.
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celticraven
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2015
Posts: 21
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Post by celticraven on Jan 9, 2016 18:15:44 GMT -5
I have tons of them, I am going to seperate them and keep them for stages, but got a 5lb shipment of them.
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Post by krazydiamond on Jan 9, 2016 19:35:18 GMT -5
personally, i don't add the plastic pellets until 600 grit, unless i am tumbling a rather small and/or soft batch of rock. With multiple tumblers (which is what you will end up with when the bug bites hard) you can do two barrels of rough at a time and cherry pick the best ones to move on to 220 grit with a full load. and yes, keep your plastic pellets bagged and tagged for whatever cycle you decide to use them with. The other advantage to having multiple tumblers is that you can dedicate the barrels to the same grit and eliminate the need to super clean the barrels every time.
KD
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,711
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Post by Fossilman on Jan 9, 2016 22:51:46 GMT -5
I have never used anything but grit on my stages of tumbles.....1st time was on this Obsidian,I'm working on now..... Good luck on your tumbles and post photos when complete....
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