crumpybumpy
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2018
Posts: 1
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Post by crumpybumpy on Jan 1, 2018 22:26:11 GMT -5
Hello,
I have a new Thumler Model B 15 pound capacity Tumbler. It came with the grit for the multiple steps in sufficient quantity for the 15 pound capacity, but it did not come with any rough. What would you recommend I try for a first-time attempt to learn how to use it? How much volume of rough should I buy and where would you recommend I get it (I live in New Jersey, USA)? Thank you.
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MrCoffee
has rocks in the head
Member since December 2005
Posts: 634
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Post by MrCoffee on Jan 19, 2018 6:51:03 GMT -5
I would start with green moss agate from India. Purchase 15 pounds of that material, and fill the barrel to 6" deep. Add 1 cup of your 60/90 grit, add water up to the level of stones, and run it for a couple weeks. Add another cup of grit, and run it for another two weeks. Clean out the stones and check for shape. If they don't look rounded enough, add another cup of grit and run it for another couple weeks. After that, they should look OK. Rinse thoroughly, clean the barrel, then run your second stage for a couple weeks (1 cup of your 120/220). Then, run the 600 for another week or two, and then your polish. Make sure you thoroughly clean everything between stages.
The Thumlers Model B is the best inexpensive tumbler I know of. But you have to keep the whole unit totally clean so it doesn't wear prematurely. This means removing the liner from the barrel each time you empty it, and clean everything inside out including the metal. Let it dry thoroughly before you run the machine. Use 3 in 1 oil to lube the ends of the shafts (easy) and then oil the motor with a few drops once a month. You're good to go.
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Post by captbob on Jan 19, 2018 8:14:14 GMT -5
No telling if crumpybumpy will ever return, so my response is to the post by MrCoffee . Not going to bother with what rocks to tumble, up to the individual. Tumbling instructions close enough, again figure out what works for you. Check that slurry isn't getting too thick with multiple grit recharges. May {probably} need to add rough rocks to the load during the coarse grind if the volume of rocks is decreasing significantly. By the time you move to medium and fine grits, you may not have enough rocks left to make a full load. Adding ceramic media or other media of your choice may be necessary. If you need to make up volume in the polish stage, you may consider using plastic pellets as filler. As to the care of the Model B, I think removing the rubber liner from the barrel each time it is empty is rather excessive - and I thought I was anal! I do remove my liners now and then, maybe a couple times a year on each barrel and I spray the inside of the metal barrel with WD 40 and fit the rubber liner back in. I oil the nylon bearings on the shafts each time I do a clean out. Oiling the motor is just one drop of oil down the oil port on each end of the top of the motor. Figure I do that once a month same as MrCoffee . Not sure that more is better when oiling the motor.
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MrCoffee
has rocks in the head
Member since December 2005
Posts: 634
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Post by MrCoffee on Jan 20, 2018 21:13:27 GMT -5
The main reason I remove the liner from my Model B, is to prevent any rust. Of course, I don't have to. But it only takes a minute and is actually quite easy. The Thumlers is easy to clean, easy to fix, and cheap in price for what you get. I'm sure this is why The Rock Shed always runs out. I grabbed mine one day, and they were all gone the next!
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