hoomhow
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2016
Posts: 2
|
Post by hoomhow on Dec 26, 2016 20:10:31 GMT -5
BRAND new to the hobby and boy am I excited. I was originally going to get a cheaper rotary tumbler for Christmas but we ended getting my father-in-law's old Diamond Pacific MT-14 (1 x 14lbs hopper) vibe tumbler! I couldnt' believe it! I have done some research on this site and found and printed some very useful information.
1) Being that this is an older machine and hasn't been used in some time should I buy the Diamond Pacific tune-up kit for $49.99 before using it?
2) There is no way that we could afford a second separate 14lbs hopper for polishing right now. What is the BEST way to clean up all of the grit before polishing the rocks?
Thanks for your help! I haven't noticed many of you using the Diamond Pacific vibe tumblers but do you have any beginner advice on what to do or what amounts of grit to use?
I purchased grit and rough medium rocks from theRockShed.com (AWESOME). However it was for the rotary I planned to buy. I guess I skip the 60-90grit, start with the 120-220, then the 500, then borax+polish, then polish.
Should I use the plastic pellets I bought?
Thanks a bunch! I am looking forward to getting into this hobby with my son!
HH
|
|
tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,547
|
Post by tkvancil on Dec 27, 2016 12:35:25 GMT -5
I can't speak to your machine specifically.
In general, however, plastic pellets do not work in vibe tumblers. They are for cushioning in a rotary tumbler.
You most certainly can start your rocks with 120/220 in the vibe. The rocks will not change shape much though. If they are blocky they will remain that way albeit with rounded edges and a smooth surface. You will likely want to run several 120/220 cycles before moving on. That would be according to your taste.
If you want nicely rounded rocks you will need a rotary and the 60/90 step.
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Dec 27, 2016 13:27:12 GMT -5
You don't need he tuneup kit if it is working OK. You can wash the hopper between step just like rotary burnishing with water and borax or laundry soap. Remember vibes are run damp, not wet. The wash cycle can be wet. You can probably get a manual from Diamond Pacific but asthere are no belts or motor there isn't much maintenance.
|
|
hoomhow
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2016
Posts: 2
|
Post by hoomhow on Dec 27, 2016 15:16:23 GMT -5
Thank you both for the responses! We will see how blocky the rocks turn out with just the vibe. If my son likes them that way, perfect! Approximately how long would the 120/220 grit last each cycle? Is there a way to tell if it is broken down and needs to be replaced?
Good to know about the plastic pellets. I will put them away and look for some other filler such as ceramic media.
Thanks again!
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Dec 27, 2016 20:02:29 GMT -5
In my Gy-Roc vibes grit is completely broken down in two days. You don't need much either. The 10 lb. calls for one tablespoon and 40 lb. 1 1/2 "heaping tablespoons". Just enough water to dampen the load. You can probably find instructions here but let me know if you need the step by step.
|
|