arkietumbler
starting to shine!
Member since February 2016
Posts: 28
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Post by arkietumbler on Mar 9, 2016 10:27:39 GMT -5
I started the Thumbler Model B on Sunday evening with a 5lbs of large mix and the rest of my rough that didn't quite smooth out so I am running it with this batch. I filled the rest with pea gravel to about 1/2 full.
I checked it this afternoon and it sounded too 'sloshy' almost like too much water. Opened it and it was way too soupy. I emptied about about 2 cups of water to just to the tops of the large rocks. Don't know if I jumped the gun and let it run a few more days or I was wise to remove the excess water. I know the grit will break down and break down debris thickening the mixture. It's only been going for two days, but it sounded "off" if that makes any sense.
Hard to judge with a mix of small and large rocks about how much water to add.
Should I have added more grit by removing the excess water or just leave it be?
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Post by captbob on Mar 9, 2016 10:40:21 GMT -5
Sounds like you don't have enough rocks in the barrel if you could remove 2 cups of water over the rocks. You should have that barrel at least 3/4ths full of rocks. I probably run mine closer to 7/8 full. Then add water so that you can just see it below the top level of rock. Not hard to judge at all.
Also, find something more fun to tumble than pea gravel for your smalls! Why waste the space on garbage rocks?
ETA: by the way, next time you place an order at your rock shop, order a spare rubber liner for the lid (they wear out in 6-9 months) and a couple spare drive belts - they stretch and you will want one on hand when you need it! Just a couple of inexpensive items to have on hand rather than having to wait for them to come if you don't order them until absolutely necessary.
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arkietumbler
starting to shine!
Member since February 2016
Posts: 28
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Post by arkietumbler on Mar 9, 2016 11:02:21 GMT -5
Thanks! captbob I have 5 pounds of Montana moss agate I could put in there, but was really wanting to tumble it by itself. Since I have rocks in there that have already went through a course stage, should I let the barrel run the full 7-10 days or does it hurt to check after 3-4 days to see if any of the first batch have smoothed out enough?
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Post by captbob on Mar 9, 2016 11:10:04 GMT -5
What do you mean by "the full 7-10 days"?
Hate to burst any preconceived notions you may have picked up from a tumbler instruction book, but proper tumbling takes weeks to months. Check all you want, it doesn't hurt anything, but don't expect much after 3-4 days!
Make sure you clean off your lid and the barrel where the lid contacts well when doing your checks. A water spray bottle works well for that task.
ETA: just had a thought, that you meant 7-10 days before recharging your grit? That's all good if that's the case. I'd toss in the 5 pounds on Montanas to the load. You can easily have 12+ pounds of rock in there (then add the water and grit weight) without even thinking about it. That tumbler can handle a 20 pound load without any problem.
I wrote above about 3/4ths and 7/8ths ... I usually run the coarse grit at 3/4ths so there is more room for the rocks to tumble, and move it up to 7/8ths full in the later stages to cushion the load. I have 4 of those Model B units, and that seems to work well. If you are going to fine grits and polish in that barrel, you may want to pick up a boat load of plastic pellets for filler.
Make sure you add a drop of light weight oil in each oil port on the motor at least once a month, and also oil the rods under the white bushings on the rollers - probably more often than the motor.
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,547
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Post by tkvancil on Mar 9, 2016 11:44:06 GMT -5
Half full isn't enough rock. As Bob said it should be closer to 3/4 full. At 1/2 full there is too much room for rocks to fall and crash rather than tumble and slide. That much room in the barrel can lead to chips and fractures.
The Montana will do fine mixed with whatever else you have going. It's tough material. Most agates I tumble take 3 weeks to 3 months to be done in coarse grind, I do like mine well rounded and as flaw free as possible.
I use less water than the top of the bottom layer guideline. In my 12# barrels I use 2.5 to 3 cups depending on what's in them. Can't even see the water in a filled barrel. The amount of water that works best for you and your rocks can be different. Experiment a little and keep listening to the tumbling sounds. In short order you will learn what too much or not enough sounds like.
I clean out and add fresh water and grit every 7 days. I rarely open a barrel mid-week, usually only if there is a problem such as gas or too thick slurry. I'm thinking that your model B should have that grit used up after 7 although running 10 days won't hurt a thing.
As to filler I'm again on Bob's side. Why not tumble something nice. With my last rough purchase I got some small Lake Superior agates To use as smalls with the larger rough I bought. The Rockshed's mixed rough makes good smalls if you care to check that stuff out.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,711
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Post by Fossilman on Mar 9, 2016 12:06:29 GMT -5
3/4 full......I also mix Montana's with other rock,it's a tough breed.... I tumble my rocks two to three weeks for each cycle,it does take a bit longer, to get great results..Thumbs up
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arkietumbler
starting to shine!
Member since February 2016
Posts: 28
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Post by arkietumbler on Mar 9, 2016 12:53:52 GMT -5
Thanks again! I'll add the Montana agate with the large mixed rough from Shawn which will equal 10#. Along with my 3 pounds of rough from a previous small barrel batch should get me close to 3/4 full and I'll also go easy on the water.
I'm using my Thumler Model B which is a High Speed as a roughing tumbling for agates/jasper only per Shawn at the Rock Shed's recommendation. Am also using the 46/70 grit as well.
All the follow-up will be done in the Lot-O.
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Post by captbob on Mar 9, 2016 12:59:46 GMT -5
You have the high speed model? oooh... All the more reason to keep it fuller, your rocks are gonna get quite a ride in that baby!
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