hnhstngs
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since September 2018
Posts: 93
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Post by hnhstngs on Sept 14, 2018 11:21:53 GMT -5
So, I got interested in collecting agates last year. Then found out about tumbling them so I got some equipment this year. Lots of different rocks to try so I bought a couple to try my hand at. Been reading all the old posts to learn as much as I can. Realized last night that the most basic piece of advice I've read is going to feed this new addiction forever. Now the advice makes perfect sense but it's the long-term impact that snuck up on me.
Here it is ... when checking your rocks after a tumbling stage (we'll use the coarse as an example), grade the rocks and remove those that are ready for the next grit and return the rest to the tumbler. Now, here's the part that's genius, add more rough stones to make up the loss in volume. Makes perfect sense. I could add ceramics or pellets but where's the fun in tumbling those? The problem is, in order to add more rough stones I have to HAVE more rough stones. Now I'm looking for my bookmarks for Kinglsey North, the Rock Shed, etc. so I can get more rocks which, when tumbled and ready for the next grit, will have to be replaced with yet MORE rocks!
I'm doomed ......
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Post by MsAli on Sept 14, 2018 11:35:54 GMT -5
Yep it is a disease
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Sept 14, 2018 11:39:23 GMT -5
Supply and demand at its best. It is simple math for me. With the system I have in place I get 2 to 4 pounds of polished rocks every week. That means I need to be purchasing 3 to 6 pounds of rough on average per week to keep the ball rolling. That is just the rock portion not the weekly expendables.
It is worth it though!
Chuck
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braat
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2016
Posts: 350
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Post by braat on Sept 14, 2018 13:34:36 GMT -5
I'm 2 yrs into tumbling and so far I've resisted buying rough as I enjoy the exercise and outdoor experience local rock hounding brings.... but at some point when age catches up (I'm 67 now) and/or local finds get boring I'll start buying...
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surreality
starting to spend too much on rocks
is picking up too many rocks at the beach again
Member since January 2012
Posts: 217
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Post by surreality on Sept 14, 2018 14:10:17 GMT -5
I caved and bought some stuff today, simply because I love it and will eventually get around to it. Thankfully, I have four five gallon buckets and a bunch of bins worth of stuff we've collected to go through first set up as 'just scoop out a bunch from the bucket to top off the barrel'.
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Post by miket on Sept 14, 2018 14:26:16 GMT -5
So, I got interested in collecting agates last year. Then found out about tumbling them so I got some equipment this year. Lots of different rocks to try so I bought a couple to try my hand at. Been reading all the old posts to learn as much as I can. Realized last night that the most basic piece of advice I've read is going to feed this new addiction forever. Now the advice makes perfect sense but it's the long-term impact that snuck up on me. Here it is ... when checking your rocks after a tumbling stage (we'll use the coarse as an example), grade the rocks and remove those that are ready for the next grit and return the rest to the tumbler. Now, here's the part that's genius, add more rough stones to make up the loss in volume. Makes perfect sense. I could add ceramics or pellets but where's the fun in tumbling those? The problem is, in order to add more rough stones I have to HAVE more rough stones. Now I'm looking for my bookmarks for Kinglsey North, the Rock Shed, etc. so I can get more rocks which, when tumbled and ready for the next grit, will have to be replaced with yet MORE rocks! I'm doomed ...... I'm in the same boat! The biggest problem I have now is that I have a HUGE pile of rocks waiting to be tumbled. And waiting. And waiting. So what do I do? I drag out my tile saw and start cutting. And now I have small slabs (which I've learned are really preforms) waiting to go in, too. Oh and piles of petrified wood waiting also. I'm guessing next will be a bigger saw and equipment for making cabs while I'm waiting for the dang tumbler, which becomes a huge investment! I think I definitely have a fever...
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Post by TheRock on Sept 15, 2018 13:18:44 GMT -5
Makes perfect sense. I could add ceramics or pellets but where's the fun in tumbling those? The problem is, in order to add more rough stones I have to HAVE more rough stones. Now I'm looking for my bookmarks for Kinglsey North, the Rock Shed, etc. so I can get more rocks which, when tumbled and ready for the next grit, will have to be replaced with yet MORE rocks! I'm doomed ......
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