Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2017 13:01:29 GMT -5
I had a box of rocks delivered today, so I plan on starting a new batch soon. For this batch I plan on -taking more time in step one -using beads in steps 2-4 -making a slurry My only question is about the slurry. I have heard of both borax and cat litter. I have cat litter in abundance (i have 4 cats) so I was planning on using some of that. Clean, obviously I don't want to tumble any cat "rocks" How much should I add, and which steps should I use it for? I have a one pound tumbler.
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,432
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Post by Wooferhound on Jun 19, 2017 14:19:32 GMT -5
I would not worry too much about beads in stage 2. The slurry is most important in stage 1 where you need the large grit particles to stick to the rock, grit in the later stages is so small that it will stick to the rocks with just water.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2017 15:12:07 GMT -5
How much should I use? A tbs, a tsp? I don't want to make concrete
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huskeric
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2016
Posts: 353
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Post by huskeric on Jun 19, 2017 15:26:41 GMT -5
For a 6-lb barrel, I usually put in about 1/2-3/4 cup. Make sure you use traditional clay, non-clumping litter. Check it after a day or so, and you can either add more litter or more water.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Jun 19, 2017 15:38:41 GMT -5
For a 6-lb barrel, I usually put in about 1/2-3/4 cup. Make sure you use traditional clay, non-clumping litter. Check it after a day or so, and you can either add more litter or more water. Agreed. I use 1/2 cup in a 6lb barrel.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2017 16:27:11 GMT -5
Is it the same if I use borax?
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huskeric
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2016
Posts: 353
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Post by huskeric on Jun 19, 2017 17:09:19 GMT -5
Nooooo, Borax is like 1 tbsp. in a 4lb vibe. I've not used Borax in a tumbler, only in my Lot-O. If you're using a rotary, I would probably say cat litter is a better bet.
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Post by aDave on Jun 19, 2017 18:16:58 GMT -5
Is it the same if I use borax? I use Borax in a rotary, but not as a slurry thickener. I personally use it as a burnishing/cleaning agent immediately before and after the polish stage. In a 4 lb barrel, only 2 Tbsp are used. As already mentioned, stick with the kitty litter as a thickening agent, and only use it in the first stage (coarse). I use plastic pellets in all stages following the coarse grind. You don't "have" to use it in the second step (supposedly), but I've managed to avoid bruising in rocks like quartz and amethyst by sticking to this regimen. They also help with making up space when material is reduced, and they will help to carry grit. Try it with and without to see if you notice a difference. Dave
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Post by morerockspleaz on Jun 19, 2017 19:05:30 GMT -5
I use just a plain clay cat litter. It will help your slurry. I get it at WM cheap unscented clay litter.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2017 20:14:01 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. Looks like I'm going to have to pick up some non clumping kitty litter.
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Post by Garage Rocker on Jun 19, 2017 20:28:55 GMT -5
Thanks everyone. Looks like I'm going to have to pick up some non clumping kitty litter. Use what you've got, it will work just fine. I've used it, no problem. Smells good too.
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zekester55
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2017
Posts: 111
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Post by zekester55 on Jun 20, 2017 5:03:45 GMT -5
There is also a material called "Old Miser" that works well to make the grayish slurry. Covington sells it here at $6.75: Old Miser
Suspect it is significantly more expensive than cat litter from walmart, but have not done the math. I've been experimenting with it for stage one only in my Covington Deluxe (one gallon barrel, ~6lb. capacity), and have found that 2-3 table spoons per load works very well. It is a fine tan powder that clumps a bit initially, but then rolls over, much like adding flour when you make gravy. Have not yet tried adding Worcestershire sauce to the mix, but i can tell you that white pepper grinds down quick! Will experiment with the cat litter after I've used it up the Old Miser that I've got.
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,432
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Post by Wooferhound on Jun 20, 2017 6:04:31 GMT -5
I made a sink that recovers the unused grit from any of my cleanouts. Then use the recovered grit in Stage 1 tumbles to thicken it up a bit and reuse that grit. Here is some Recovered Grit . . .
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2017 16:37:54 GMT -5
When I do a clean out, Do I put in all new grit and water? Like would I wash off the rocks and replace the slurry with fresh grit and water? Thanks.
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Post by coloradocliff on Jun 28, 2017 17:10:16 GMT -5
You don't want to contaminate the next size of grit with the coarse grit from a previous stage so you could only use the clay-rock mud gravy in the 1st or coarse grind. Many don't change or wash their rocks if in the same stage but when you go to a finer grit wash everything clean, clean and use fresh kitty litter to make your thickener for next size grit. Be patient in coarse grind, and then when all your patience is used up... let them tumble another week after pulling the rock that are ready for the next step. In the same stage, just add more grit to the rocks and keep rolling.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2017 17:56:25 GMT -5
Thanks. That's what I meant- with the same stage. I know not to contaminate between the stages. I was just wondering about when I do stone pulls for step one.
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