boxorocks
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2018
Posts: 5
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Slurry
May 5, 2018 16:55:11 GMT -5
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Post by boxorocks on May 5, 2018 16:55:11 GMT -5
Im pretty new, and I have a slurry question, if anyone would care to answer. I was wondering about consistency. I know "pancake batter" is desired. Does that include the polish grit as well? Cuz, I have noticed it doesn't thicken like the coarse grit does, and I can hear the rocks rolling around more clearly. I was thinking about adding clay kitty litter, until it sounds right? I wonder does that make sense?
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nchillbilly
starting to spend too much on rocks
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Member since January 2018
Posts: 212
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Slurry
May 5, 2018 17:47:08 GMT -5
Post by nchillbilly on May 5, 2018 17:47:08 GMT -5
I thicken my polish slurry with borax. If you choose to use borax, add 1 tbsp at a time, and give it time to work before adding more (if needed). You kinda have to sneak up on your mix because if you add too much, It'll get too thick and kill the action. Save your slurry (all stages) and reuse. It'll give you a little head start on your next batch.
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Slurry
May 5, 2018 21:23:27 GMT -5
Post by aDave on May 5, 2018 21:23:27 GMT -5
To answer your specific question, a thickener is not needed in the polish stage. After the coarse stage, I use plastic pellets to cushion everything in all stages. That's just me. No need to worry about about slurry consistency after the coarse step in my view. Different media will help cushion what you are working on, and slurry thickness is not a factor. Hope this helps.
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Slurry
May 5, 2018 21:45:40 GMT -5
Post by gmitch067 on May 5, 2018 21:45:40 GMT -5
Good evening boxorocks . The only time I use kitty litter is during the beginning coarse grit stage in a rotary tumbler (60/90-grit or 80-grit)... never beyond that... and never in a vibratory tumbler. I do that to thicken the initial slurry enough to help suspend the heavy coarse grit in the added water - easier for the grit to get between the rocks to promote a good grind. The following grits (220, 500, and finer) are all light enough to remain in suspension without needing the kitty litter. If I have advanced to the polish stage and question whether or not the slurry is thick enough, I add some Borax to aid in thickening the slurry... usually 2 teaspoons in a 3 lb rotary tumbler. I have also used Metamucil dietary fiber supplement (but be very careful about how much to use... in a 3 lb rotary tumbler I only use 1/4 teaspoon). If the rocks sound a bit noisy in the rotary tumbler, I add some more small ceramic media... or as aDave stated, he uses plastic pellets. Glenn
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Wooferhound
Cave Dweller
Lortone QT66 and 3A
Member since December 2016
Posts: 1,428
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Post by Wooferhound on May 5, 2018 23:03:13 GMT -5
I think that kitty litter is too course and would prevent a polished finish.
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Post by grumpybill on May 6, 2018 7:52:50 GMT -5
I think that kitty litter is too course and would prevent a polished finish. I bought some "pure clay - no additives" cat litter and experimented with it in all rotary stages. It contains some very fine silica particles or something that makes it unsuitable in any stage beyond 600 grit. It's now reserved for jump starting course stages only.
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tkvancil
fully equipped rock polisher
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Member since September 2011
Posts: 1,546
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Post by tkvancil on May 6, 2018 8:59:31 GMT -5
If you are rotary polishing then more cushion is the ticket not a thickener.
Cushioning can be provided with media such as plastic pellets or ceramic as stated above.
Another method is to slightly over fill the barrel. At 85% or so the rocks still tumble but with less room it is a gentler tumble.
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Rose
Cave Dweller
Member since November 2004
Posts: 875
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Slurry
May 8, 2018 15:57:16 GMT -5
Post by Rose on May 8, 2018 15:57:16 GMT -5
I thicken my polish slurry with borax. If you choose to use borax, add 1 tbsp at a time, and give it time to work before adding more (if needed). You kinda have to sneak up on your mix because if you add too much, It'll get too thick and kill the action. Save your slurry (all stages) and reuse. It'll give you a little head start on your next batch. When you say save and reuse your slurry - what sort of ratio old slurry to new grit and water is best? Thanks
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nchillbilly
starting to spend too much on rocks
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Member since January 2018
Posts: 212
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Post by nchillbilly on May 8, 2018 16:42:57 GMT -5
I like my slurry slightly thinner than pancake batter. I run my coarse grind (either 46/70 or 60/90) in a rotary, and all subsequent stages in a vibe. If my consistency is to my liking, I don't even add straight water, unless I need to top off. Use your usual amount of grit even if reusing slurry. I save each grade of slurry in 1qt containers for future use. Some folks on here don't save it, some do. It's personal preference. I save and use it because it seems to work for me.
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