croeber
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2005
Posts: 17
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Post by croeber on Aug 22, 2005 7:18:51 GMT -5
Greetings,
I'm new to all of this, I just got a rock tumbler handed down to me. Has never been used. I've been reading up a bit and am very excited to get started. Included with this tumbler was a very small bag of stones and very small sample bags of grit. So where can I get additional materials? If I can find naturally occuring specimens close to St. Louis, MO I'd like to give that a try. Also curious about any local vendors of minerals and grit. I would appreciate any help from any who might be familiar with the St. Louis area.
One last thing, my instructions said the tumbler must be 1/2 to 5/8's full of rocks before tumbling. Is this true for all tumblers?
Thanks all. Cari
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Post by Cher on Aug 22, 2005 10:48:58 GMT -5
Hi Cari,
Welcome to the forum. I get my grit and stuff from the Rock Shed but you can read through the vendors section to see what others think. Best thing is to do a lot of reading through past post, you will get a lot of info that way. Good luck!!
Cher
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,494
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Post by Sabre52 on Aug 22, 2005 18:46:19 GMT -5
Howdy Cari,
Have read about a few good place to hunt in Missouri. Crowley Ridge in s. Missouri is supposedly good for agate. I've swapped for fine lace agate from the barite mine tailings in Washington county in the se portion of the state. Supposed to be good agate in the galcial deposits of the NW portion of the state, and beautiful chert in Benton Co. near Lincoln, Missouri and in gravels in Hickory county. One colorful form is called Mozarkite and if you find a bunch, we can do a trade for calif. stuff if you want as I'm really lacking agates and cherts from east of the Rockies.
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Post by puppie96 on Sept 5, 2005 5:22:47 GMT -5
HI! I usually don't read this section, but I opened it just now and found your post. I live here in STL county and have been blathering about rocking in the local area ever since I signed up here almost 2 years ago. Also I've posted lots of photos of local rocks, mostly collected by driving less than 2 hours into SE MO. So we should "talk," I can tell you a lot.
As far as purchasing supplies locally, I have had no luck, I am not impressed with the local rock shop, the only one I know about, as they seem overpriced, so I've done all my shopping online. Now and then I've picked up stuff at the rock shows -- just recently I got a couple of polishes and looked at lots of equipment.
One thing I haven't done, and should, is to join the local club, which meets monthly at Wash U, the last I heard.
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Post by sandsman1 on Sept 19, 2005 8:29:59 GMT -5
hi Cari-- Cher was right give the rockshed.com alook they have just about everything and there great to deal with friendly fast and they don't gouge you on shipping i buy most all my supplies from them for tumbling---and there not afraid of a question its answered with a smile
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Dr DG
fully equipped rock polisher
Gone Fishing
Member since April 2005
Posts: 1,848
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Post by Dr DG on Sept 19, 2005 14:24:12 GMT -5
I was born in Alton Il. you know where that is?
Dan
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croeber
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2005
Posts: 17
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Post by croeber on Sept 28, 2005 7:46:23 GMT -5
I do know where Alton is. I lived in IL for many years but currently in St. Louis.
puppie96- The few supplies that I have bought have been online, not many resources locally. I look forward to a trip to SE Missouri some time in the near future. I'm just getting started and I'm so glad I found this website.
Cari
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Post by puppie96 on Oct 5, 2005 0:12:20 GMT -5
Hi Cari,
Glad you are still around. I was in Louisiana for 2 weeks and just back last week.
I always love to go on trips to SE MO. I could show you a lot of places.
Do you know the rock shop I was talking about? It's way west on Manchester Rd and I don't like them much -- though they do have a lot of stuff to look at.
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croeber
off to a rocking start
Member since August 2005
Posts: 17
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Post by croeber on Oct 6, 2005 8:40:16 GMT -5
I called the rock shop on Manchester to get their hours but didn't ever go. The supplies I've ordered so far were from the rock shed and I was very pleased. I'm just now tumbling my first batch, it's in the 2nd stage. I know you have to be patient but I'm anxious to see how it turns out. I'm also trying to learn as much as I can in the mean time.
Cari
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Post by puppie96 on Oct 7, 2005 1:53:08 GMT -5
The shop on Manchester does have a lot of tumbled rock for sale and many specimens. It's a good place to browse for help with ID. I particularly noticed they were getting a HUGE price for tumbled emeralds and mine are MUCH better!
I think their prices are high and their management annoyed me with a jewelry repair thing a few years back before my tumbling era, so I prefer to order online. We have about 4 rock/gem shows a year & the fall one should be coming up early November at the Stratford Inn off I-44. Once you go to one, you'll get on the mailing list and find more.
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