astrobouncer
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2016
Posts: 17
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Post by astrobouncer on Feb 25, 2016 7:54:43 GMT -5
Will I get a faster grinding action by adding more grit to the lot o tumbler?
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Intheswamp
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Member since September 2015
Posts: 1,910
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Post by Intheswamp on Feb 25, 2016 8:25:30 GMT -5
Will I get a faster grinding action by adding more grit to the lot o tumbler? Depends on how much grit you're currently using... From what I understand, to use more than the standard *experienced user* recommendation is counter-productive...uses more grit and slows down the grind/polish. "Experienced user" amounts being two tablespoons of 120/220 and 1/2 teaspoon of the finer grits and polishes.
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Fossilman
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Member since January 2009
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Post by Fossilman on Feb 25, 2016 10:24:43 GMT -5
Just look at your slurry,the thickness will let you know if its not enough or to much.....
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Post by Jugglerguy on Feb 25, 2016 10:31:29 GMT -5
It only takes about two days per stage in the Lot-O anyhow. You can't get much faster than that. Grit breaks down as you use it to finer and finer grit sizes. Adding more girt won't hurry that process, and could actually slow it down. I think the small amount of grit used in a Lot-O is one of the biggest reasons to have one.
I'm assuming that you're doing the finishing stages and not the first stage in your Lot-O. When I tried doing the first stage in my Lot-O, I changed grit daily. It never really did a great job of rough grinding. A rotary tumbler is a much better choice for the first stage.
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jamesp
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Member since October 2012
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Post by jamesp on Feb 25, 2016 10:43:11 GMT -5
If doing fine grits it slows the process. Vibes break grit down. It takes longer to break down a bigger dose than the prescribed dose to achieve the same surface finish for that given abrasive. Best to go with the recommended dose.
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astrobouncer
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2016
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Post by astrobouncer on Feb 25, 2016 21:49:33 GMT -5
Thanks guys. Yeah I am doing the 1st stage on some agates and carnelians. The agates smooth fine but the carnelians take forever with all the pits. I have a double barrel rotary tumbler too but currently tumbling obsidian and septarian stone in those.
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Intheswamp
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Member since September 2015
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Post by Intheswamp on Feb 25, 2016 21:59:30 GMT -5
What size grit are you using in the Lot-O for stage 1?
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astrobouncer
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Member since January 2016
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Post by astrobouncer on Feb 26, 2016 8:19:49 GMT -5
150/ 220 grit from rock tumbler . com.
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Intheswamp
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Member since September 2015
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Post by Intheswamp on Feb 26, 2016 8:25:30 GMT -5
I would imagine that grinding pits out would take a long time with that grit...setting them aside until there's room in one of the coarse rotary tumblers and using the Lot-O for something more "refined" might be more productive.
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astrobouncer
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2016
Posts: 17
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Post by astrobouncer on Feb 26, 2016 9:15:14 GMT -5
Ok thanks!
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Post by 150FromFundy on Feb 26, 2016 16:34:25 GMT -5
I echo what Intheswamp says, use your rotary tumbler as the work horse for Stage 1 with coarse grit to remove all pits and scratches. The rotary barrels have a higher life expectancy and will survive the coarse grit. Use the vibratory for everything after Stage 1. This will minimize the wear on your vibratory barrel, which can be pricey to replace.
Darryl.
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SirRoxalot
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Member since October 2003
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Post by SirRoxalot on Mar 8, 2016 9:49:40 GMT -5
Carnelian could easily be a month or more in coarse grit in a rotary, but the results are worth it.
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Fossilman
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Post by Fossilman on Mar 8, 2016 9:58:56 GMT -5
Carnelian could easily be a month or more in coarse grit in a rotary, but the results are worth it. I have ran mine for a month on one stag for agates and petwood! But as said,it's well worth the effort! Thumbs up
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