magentadeb
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2018
Posts: 12
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sludge
Mar 14, 2018 14:15:03 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by magentadeb on Mar 14, 2018 14:15:03 GMT -5
I had some thick sludge with rocks stuck in it, stage 2. Too much grit?
Deb G
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NRG
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,687
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Post by NRG on Mar 14, 2018 15:02:12 GMT -5
Not enough water?
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sludge
Mar 14, 2018 15:14:01 GMT -5
Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Mar 14, 2018 15:14:01 GMT -5
Not enough water like NRG mentioned or too soft of rocks. Soft rocks will still create a mud in stage two. Chuck
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sludge
Mar 14, 2018 23:43:41 GMT -5
Post by gmitch067 on Mar 14, 2018 23:43:41 GMT -5
Hi Deb. Would you please tell me what tumbler you are using? Many tumbler manufacturers recommend way too much grit per stage. I have a Lortone 3A, and only use 3 TBS of grit per load... all stages... even polish. When I first started, I had similar problems with the slurry consistency, and it was recommended that I cut back in the amount of grit... saved me a lot of $$$. It did cut down in the thickness of the slurry (probably because it cut down in the grind rate... less rock particles to mix with the water... but caused the time spent during each stage to increase). Meanwhile... back at the farm... If the rocks become plastered to the sides of the drums, just add a little water and use a kitchen spatula to gently loosen and remix the load... then continue tumbling. Check out this current topic regarding slurry thickeners... and the types of rocks which are subject to producing a thick slurry... forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/82206/sacrificial-rocks-slurry-productionGlenn
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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 15, 2018 9:05:58 GMT -5
Have gotten that stuck to the sides slurry only a few times.
Twice caused by adding borax to the tumble. Never again though some have success with it.
Other times tumbling feldspars. They make a thick sticky slurry on their own and require more water.
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