bourbon13
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2021
Posts: 10
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Post by bourbon13 on Feb 16, 2021 10:25:34 GMT -5
I saw that many of the tumblers here use a Lot-O tumbler so I went and purchased the single barrel version, my problem is that the batches of rock that I have done in it I always have a pile of grit and media at the bottom of the tumbler. Is this normal? I have tried draining water through my fingers, used a strainer but nothing seems to work. The other question is, when do you all add the grit after you start the tumbler or pour it on the rocks before you plug in the tumbler? Any comments would be appreciated.
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thebeef
having dreams about rocks
Member since September 2020
Posts: 62 
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Post by thebeef on Feb 17, 2021 10:18:12 GMT -5
I do my grit last. What grit are you using? If it is too coarse, it will just fall to the bottom.
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bourbon13
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2021
Posts: 10
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Post by bourbon13 on Feb 19, 2021 11:53:08 GMT -5
120/220 but I have gone back to using a rotary tumbler for both the 80 grit and 220 grit and use the Lot-O for only the 500 and polishing stages. I am having no problem with those stages. I am just frustrated that this is happening every single time I try and use the 220 in the Lot-O.
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Post by Garage Rocker on Feb 19, 2021 18:10:23 GMT -5
I saw that many of the tumblers here use a Lot-O tumbler so I went and purchased the single barrel version, my problem is that the batches of rock that I have done in it I always have a pile of grit and media at the bottom of the tumbler. Is this normal? I have tried draining water through my fingers, used a strainer but nothing seems to work. The other question is, when do you all add the grit after you start the tumbler or pour it on the rocks before you plug in the tumbler? Any comments would be appreciated. I'm assuming you've been able to get the rocks to roll correctly in the Lot-O, but are just having trouble getting the right mixture of rocks/media/grit/water for consistent action? In other words, nothing mechanically wrong with the unit? This is one of the reasons I dropped a Sic stage from my Lot-O routine. I didn't want to try to walk the tightrope between too much water and everything dried out any more. You can rotary roll your first stage in Sic 80 and either roll them out a little longer than normal before switching to the Lot-O, or give them a quick Sic 220 run in the rotary before going in. Then, go to the Lot-O with AO 220. It is easier to work with in the Lot-O and is going to do the same thing as the Sic. I let this break down over about 4 days and then straight to the polish step. Less fuss, less grit to buy, same results...seems like a win to me. |
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jamijr
having dreams about rocks
Member since April 2021
Posts: 59 
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Post by jamijr on Apr 11, 2021 13:08:44 GMT -5
Hope no one minds if I add a couple of questions to this thread -
I've been reading to prevent gas build up when tumbling you should add baking soda, but some sites say it depends on the type of rock you're tumbling, some require baking soda, others require vinegar. My questions with this are - 1: How true is this? and 2: If true how do I tell which to add?
Also on the subject of tumbling glass a lot of sites say if you're looking for a sea glass look as opposed to beach glass to use salt water. I would assume they don't mean go to the beach and bring home a bottle of ocean water but rather add salt to your tumble. Which salt would be best for this? Regular table salt? Epsom salts? Or do I need to buy a special salt?
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saxplayer
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2018
Posts: 1,327
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Post by saxplayer on Apr 11, 2021 13:47:08 GMT -5
Hope no one minds if I add a couple of questions to this thread - I've been reading to prevent gas build up when tumbling you should add baking soda, but some sites say it depends on the type of rock you're tumbling, some require baking soda, others require vinegar. My questions with this are - 1: How true is this? and 2: If true how do I tell which to add? Also on the subject of tumbling glass a lot of sites say if you're looking for a sea glass look as opposed to beach glass to use salt water. I would assume they don't mean go to the beach and bring home a bottle of ocean water but rather add salt to your tumble. Which salt would be best for this? Regular table salt? Epsom salts? Or do I need to buy a special salt? Hey there, welcome and thanks for asking questions! First of all - you can learn a ton here, keep reading all the threads! As to your questions: 1) Baking soda - I have never used baking soda ever (probably 200 batches or so), nor do I burp barrels. So I suspect this is not necessary. 2) Salt - I also have never added any salt to any tumble, ever. Tumbling and the "look" will only depend on stage 1 shaping and after that the type of grit and polish you use. It will either polish or it won't (if done incorrectly). I'm not aware of any way to achieve a sea glass vs beach glass look. |
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afterburnt
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2021
Posts: 152
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Post by afterburnt on Aug 1, 2021 14:34:04 GMT -5
Is there any reason to add more 500 or polish during a 48/72 hour cycle?
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Post by Rockindad on Aug 1, 2021 19:01:13 GMT -5
Is there any reason to add more 500 or polish during a 48/72 hour cycle? In any stage once you are up and running the grit is breaking down in size as it is removing scratches from the rocks. Hypothetically, say your 500 is 1000 after 24 hours, if you would then add more 500 you are taking a step back. |
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afterburnt
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2021
Posts: 152
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Post by afterburnt on Aug 2, 2021 10:00:08 GMT -5
Is there any reason to add more 500 or polish during a 48/72 hour cycle? In any stage once you are up and running the grit is breaking down in size as it is removing scratches from the rocks. Hypothetically, say your 500 is 1000 after 24 hours, if you would then add more 500 you are taking a step back. Thanks, I was wondering because I have heard of people adding additional grit to the first stage. |
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Post by Rockindad on Aug 2, 2021 10:22:30 GMT -5
In any stage once you are up and running the grit is breaking down in size as it is removing scratches from the rocks. Hypothetically, say your 500 is 1000 after 24 hours, if you would then add more 500 you are taking a step back. Thanks, I was wondering because I have heard of people adding additional grit to the first stage. Yep, known as a recharge, typically done in the first stage of rotary tumbling. I have tried adding additional 120/220 SiC after 24 hours to see what would happen (this was in a Thumler’s UV-10), and no surprise it made a ton of mud. That vibe was powerful enough to still circulate the material, not sure the Lot-O would. In my opinion if you are not happy with the progress being made during the initial stage in the vibe it would be better to do a clean out and run another cycle, or even go back to rotary. |
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afterburnt
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2021
Posts: 152
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Post by afterburnt on Dec 2, 2021 14:21:51 GMT -5
I started with the 'standard' recipe, which I'm sure you are about to get in detail here...and is great for anyone learning to use the Lot-O. Since then, I have adopted a more simplistic approach, which has given me the same results as with the standard recipe I started with. I now go into the Lot-O with AO 220 and leave it alone for 4-5 days, then a couple days in polish. It's the same amount of time overall, but with much less hassle cleaning out and changing grit. Also, I am now only buying Sic 46/70 as needed for my rotary tumblers. With 10 lbs of AO 220, a pound of polish and the amount of each used by the Lot-O, I shouldn't have to buy those again for a long, long time. I haven't posted pics in quite a while, but I'll try to do that this weekend and let you be the judge on finish quality. ETA: I knew that recipe would be up before I got done typing.  Randy, Regarding the AO 220 - where are you purchasing that from? Also - does it thicken up and require as close attention as does 120/220? I agree with the above post that the 120/220 needs to be started in the morning because it often times becomes too thick that if water isn't added - it will slow down so much the rocks chatter / chip. I'm trying to decide to deviate from the "Standard" to your AO 220 for simplicity sake, but I wanted those few details? Thanks, Grant I have been using just one tablespoon of 120/220 with good results, it doesn't gunk up as fast so I don't find a stationary blob in the morning. |
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huskeric
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2016
Posts: 353
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Post by huskeric on Mar 11, 2022 16:40:23 GMT -5
Top tip, I know that keeping the lid on can be... challenging. I found some short bungie cords that came in a multi-pack, and just hook one around the barrel to the frame, and it was a revelation!!!
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ingawh
starting to spend too much on rocks
The rock wants to shine, I just help it get there
Member since February 2011
Posts: 194
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Post by ingawh on Mar 13, 2022 3:20:08 GMT -5
Top tip, I know that keeping the lid on can be... challenging. I found some short bungie cords that came in a multi-pack, and just hook one around the barrel to the frame, and it was a revelation!!! Cool! Here was my solution:  |
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timv
starting to shine!
Member since March 2022
Posts: 31
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Post by timv on Mar 16, 2022 12:55:35 GMT -5
I just got my Lot-O in yesterday and like a lot of others I am having the same issue with the grit sinking to the bottom. I followed the instructions from this forum as well as Youtube and got no slurry. After tumbling for an hour with no slurry in site, I emptied the barrel, cleaned everything up, removed a few of the rocks and restarted the process again (I used 2tbsp. of 120/220). Checked it about an hour and a half later and still the same thing. I decided to give it a few squirts of water, add 1 tbsp. of sugar and went to bed. Got up this morning and still no slurry so I did a partial clean, lowered the levels of rock and will see what it looks like when I get home from work this evening....still expecting the same result. The rocks are turning over in the tumbler, so I am getting decent movement, though not as good as others results on the forum or youtube. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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catskillrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,270
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Post by catskillrocks on Mar 16, 2022 16:08:11 GMT -5
I just got my Lot-O in yesterday and like a lot of others I am having the same issue with the grit sinking to the bottom. I followed the instructions from this forum as well as Youtube and got no slurry. After tumbling for an hour with no slurry in site, I emptied the barrel, cleaned everything up, removed a few of the rocks and restarted the process again (I used 2tbsp. of 120/220). Checked it about an hour and a half later and still the same thing. I decided to give it a few squirts of water, add 1 tbsp. of sugar and went to bed. Got up this morning and still no slurry so I did a partial clean, lowered the levels of rock and will see what it looks like when I get home from work this evening....still expecting the same result. The rocks are turning over in the tumbler, so I am getting decent movement, though not as good as others results on the forum or youtube. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Hi timv , sorry to hear that you're having trouble with the Lot-O. Two things come to mind, not enough smalls and/or too much water. If you are doing this then I don't know what more could help. There should be no standing water in the bowl, just damp material. Maybe someone else can chip in with more advice. Good luck! |
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timv
starting to shine!
Member since March 2022
Posts: 31
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Post by timv on Mar 16, 2022 17:22:15 GMT -5
I just got my Lot-O in yesterday and like a lot of others I am having the same issue with the grit sinking to the bottom. I followed the instructions from this forum as well as Youtube and got no slurry. After tumbling for an hour with no slurry in site, I emptied the barrel, cleaned everything up, removed a few of the rocks and restarted the process again (I used 2tbsp. of 120/220). Checked it about an hour and a half later and still the same thing. I decided to give it a few squirts of water, add 1 tbsp. of sugar and went to bed. Got up this morning and still no slurry so I did a partial clean, lowered the levels of rock and will see what it looks like when I get home from work this evening....still expecting the same result. The rocks are turning over in the tumbler, so I am getting decent movement, though not as good as others results on the forum or youtube. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Hi timv , sorry to hear that you're having trouble with the Lot-O. Two things come to mind, not enough smalls and/or too much water. If you are doing this then I don't know what more could help. There should be no standing water in the bowl, just damp material. Maybe someone else can chip in with more advice. Good luck! |
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timv
starting to shine!
Member since March 2022
Posts: 31
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Post by timv on Mar 16, 2022 17:24:27 GMT -5
Thanks for the response catskillrocks, I do have a lot of smalls along with ceramic media and I drained it per recommendations...very confusing. Thought i did it by the "book".
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timv
starting to shine!
Member since March 2022
Posts: 31
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Post by timv on Mar 16, 2022 19:46:46 GMT -5
Ok, got home and checked the Lot-O and it looks a bit better, rocks have decent tumbling motion and they have a better coating of grit than earlier this morning so hopefully on the right track, probably too much water I'm guessing. I read some where about condensation on the underside of the cap which I had but can't remember what that is a sign of. If you know please reply, thanks!
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timv
starting to shine!
Member since March 2022
Posts: 31
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Post by timv on Mar 18, 2022 13:02:12 GMT -5
Ok, got home and checked the Lot-O and it looks a bit better, rocks have decent tumbling motion and they have a better coating of grit than earlier this morning so hopefully on the right track, probably too much water I'm guessing. I read some where about condensation on the underside of the cap which I had but can't remember what that is a sign of. If you know please reply, thanks! Checked the Lot-O this afternoon and have great slurry, except the rocks aren't circulating like I've seen other videos....any thoughts? |
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catskillrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,270
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Post by catskillrocks on Mar 22, 2022 18:56:52 GMT -5
Ok, got home and checked the Lot-O and it looks a bit better, rocks have decent tumbling motion and they have a better coating of grit than earlier this morning so hopefully on the right track, probably too much water I'm guessing. I read some where about condensation on the underside of the cap which I had but can't remember what that is a sign of. If you know please reply, thanks! Checked the Lot-O this afternoon and have great slurry, except the rocks aren't circulating like I've seen other videos....any thoughts? , a little late with a response so perhaps you've solved your issue. If the batch in the 120/220 Silicon Carbide had been running for two days then that is a "normal" slow down. Time to rinse and go to the next grit step. There are also modifications that can be made to the Lot-O to help with movement, but two days in 120/220 is time to move on. |
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