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Post by Pat on Sept 4, 2018 13:00:42 GMT -5
Can anyone help? I'm not a tumbler. I received this from an experienced tumbler:
What I hoped was to process Cabs thru abt 2000g and then dump them into a small Vib tumbler [small Diamond Pacific] for opt. polish. The Pro's do this somehow--- with WOW results. .
The secret has to be in the added medium--type, ratio and amount. . I have used the plastic pellets [ multi size] , walnut shells And Kyro surup with poor results.
The secret must be in the amount/type of cushioning media. I have also tried several different oxides. Diamond Pacific makes a compound/polish specifically for this but provides no further info.
All my attempts have resuled in Cabs showing microscopic surface chipping--- and thus a matte type finish. I can do much better on a leather Oxide wheel. Marginly OK at very best. If you know of anyone that can provide guidance I am ready to make new attempts. I have struck out on getting info. [/i]
Thanks, Pat
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Post by grumpybill on Sept 4, 2018 13:54:48 GMT -5
In my limited experience, the key to getting a good shine on anything (including my pseudo-cabs) in a vibe is to have a lot of small (pea size and smaller) rounded pre-polished agates, quartz, etc. in the mix.
I fill my Lot-O bowl with a good mix, start it running, then dribble in tiny pre-polished pebbles until every nook and cranny is filled between the larger stones.
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Post by aDave on Sept 4, 2018 14:52:27 GMT -5
I don't tumble with a vibe, but I do know that plastic pellets aren't going to help any. They're pretty much for rotary work. As Bill mentioned, it is going to be "smalls" that will help with polishing and cushioning, whether it be the pebbles that Bill uses or ceramic media. Sorry, but I can't help with the ratios.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Sept 4, 2018 16:08:28 GMT -5
I have tumbled plenty of cabs in the Loto vibe. I use the rockshed small/large ceramic mix at a ratio of about 80% ceramic and 20% cabs. Just like any vibe tumbling batch the consistency needs to be properly monitored. When I tumble cabs I only tumble solid materials like brazilian agate, Montana agate, Bloodstone etc. Any mixed hardness cabs will undercut and any softer materials will have better results cabbing by hand.
Chuck
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