osuguy0301
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 203
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Post by osuguy0301 on Jan 11, 2016 16:03:17 GMT -5
Hi all, I have a read a few places that your slurry should be the consistency of a milkshake. Mine looks more like melted ice cream than a milkshake. I have run 2 separate cycles of 60/90 and followed the directions by adding water to just below the top layer of rocks. Both times, the slurry came out really thin. The rocks rounded well enough so I moved them on to 120/220. This time I used less water than I did the previous 2 times. What is the proper amount of water that I should add? Is it just a little in the bottom, half full, rocks just wet and no real extra water? I am running a Lortone 45C so I have a 4 lb barrel. Thanks, Jake
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jan 11, 2016 16:30:39 GMT -5
Personally, I think people get too caught up in the slurry thickness. Mine varies from watery to pudding-like. If your rocks are changing and the grit seems used up after a week, then it's doing its job. Feel some of the slurry to see if the grit has broken down.
To answer your question, I use 1/2 cup of water in a 3 lb tumbler unless I'm doing a really soft rock. When I tumble Petoskey stones (MOHs 3) I at least double the water and it still produces a really thick slurry because it's so soft. Harder rock will not produce as much rock dust so the slurry ends up thinner. I also find that the first week I run really rough rock, more dust is produced so the slurry is thicker.
I'm curious what other people think.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Jan 11, 2016 17:43:55 GMT -5
Ditto what Rob said above. I do not add anything to my stage one to make a thicker slurry. After 7 days the grit is used up so no worries. You said your rocks were rounding nicely so dot' change your method too drastically. I do not measure my water but that part just comes with experience. Some will say to add to the bottom of the top layer of rocks or fill the barrel with rock then remove the top layer of rock and fill with water till you can just start seeing it then put the top layer back in add some grit and let them roll.
Chuck
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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 11, 2016 21:01:19 GMT -5
This thread made me feel better I have been using the "Don't Panic" mantra on my first tumble for weeks.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,711
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Post by Fossilman on Jan 12, 2016 9:37:00 GMT -5
Mine varies too,some are like melted ice cream,some are thick..I pay no attention to it and move on with the grit changes... There are many ways to thicken the pots-some use sugar,some use crushed walnuts,etc,etc.....
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osuguy0301
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 203
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Post by osuguy0301 on Jan 12, 2016 10:03:04 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies. I get anxious sometimes since my experience with this is beyond limited. Reading various articles, posts, and how-to's online, it seems like everyone has their own way of doing it. I guess as long as I am getting the results, I will just stick with it. Thanks for putting my mind at ease.
Jake
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Post by Jugglerguy on Jan 12, 2016 14:57:02 GMT -5
Yep, there are lots of different methods that people use, and many of them are successful. There's nothing to get stressed about, you can always back up a step or two and fix a mistake.
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,563
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Post by jamesp on Jan 12, 2016 18:27:19 GMT -5
I thicken my slurry right from the start using clay in coarse grind. But I tumble with heavy silicon carbide 30 grit. The thicker slurry helps circulate it. It is not a conventional method.
60/90 and 80 grit does not need a thicker slurry. Just not too much water as mentioned.
If tumbling delicate items or tumble batches that have a few large rocks like baseball size I will thicken the slurry to reduce impact in coarse and 220 in the rotary.
Many different ways lead to similar results.
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