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Post by Tweetiepy on Jan 24, 2005 10:53:03 GMT -5
This is my first batch of stones. Okay, that's enough, I can hear you laughing! I really have no idea what any of them are. Can anyone identify any of them? Stop laughing! ;D They were done in a kiddy tumbler – maybe that will save me from too much ridicule  The last picture (which for some reason is huge and blurry) is a batch of driveway gravel) that I've not completed yet – they still have to make it to polish (they're remarkably smooth and I don't think they'll take a polish very well (I think they're soft stones – but what do I know). The white/green are very pretty and there's one that is in the shape of a cameo and is oval, opaque white with little sprinkling of what looks like bug legs (it's right next to the amethyst chips)    Thanks for looking and not laughing too hard! ;D |
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stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Jan 24, 2005 11:22:31 GMT -5
Not to bad- Leave em in the coarse a bit longer and you will be amazed at the results- I won't even post my first batch (about half as shiny as yours!)
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Post by docone31 on Jan 24, 2005 11:33:47 GMT -5
Good first run! I would run them in the coarse, perhaps almost double the time. There is a lot of flakes that need to be ground off. I would use a grinding wheel to smooth the really rough stuff. Without a grinding wheel, I would grind the daylights out of it in the tumbler. I use stones like those for fillers in other batches. That works real well also.
You got your feet wet, and you did good. This is why we have this forum. We help you really get going and help you not make our mistakes.
Good first run. It will get better with each one. Soon you will be able to recreate our success.
A real good first start. I had to run my first one several times untill I got something I could facet.
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Post by Tweetiepy on Jan 24, 2005 12:57:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the help - glad you didn't laugh too hard - funny thing is, I was so proud of them until I saw the amazing stuff on this site - I guess another tumble wouldn't hurt them too much.
I think I'll add it them to my next batch of stones. Does anyone know what any of them are? Or even if they'll take a shine
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Post by creativeminded on Jan 24, 2005 13:14:20 GMT -5
You did a good job on your first batch, I am like Stefan, I would put them back in the coarse grit for another week or so, you will like the results you get. Some of the stones you have there look like the prairie agate I just got from The Rock Shed.
Tami
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HarryB41
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2004
Posts: 605
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Post by HarryB41 on Jan 24, 2005 17:21:58 GMT -5
Wonderful results for the first time in a kiddie tumbler.
I agree with the others and would tumble longer in the 1st grit. When and if you can.... get a nice Lortone and you will be amazed at the difference and you will be hooked for life!
Harry
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Post by rockyraccoon on Jan 24, 2005 18:13:22 GMT -5
i think you should put them aside, move on and in a year note how much different your results are. you will become more and more picky as time goes on.
kim
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Post by puppie96 on Jan 25, 2005 0:37:39 GMT -5
really, those aren't so bad, they actually have a pretty good shine and they are interesting looking rocks -- I agree with the others, put them back in rough grind and be patient until they are much smoother before moving them on, and you will find the results breathtaking after comparison.
I am really curious about the green and white rock because I think I have a bunch of this and I too have been wondering what it could be.
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deepsouth
fully equipped rock polisher
He who rocks last rocks best
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,256
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Post by deepsouth on Jan 25, 2005 3:57:04 GMT -5
Hi Tweetiepy,
Thanks for sharing your picture with us. I am in two camps , ons says go back to coarse grit and the other says leave them for reference for future batches. Take your pick haha. BTW I like the shine on them !!
Jack
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Post by Cher on Jan 26, 2005 14:40:39 GMT -5
Considering you used a kiddie tumbler, I think you did a
remarkable job. Those things are notorious for grit sticking
in the plastic making it difficult to get a shine at all. I wish
I knew what they were so I could help you but unfortunately
I'm not even able to id all of my local rock. You did good,
don't get discouraged but I would recommend getting a
Lortone .. or even a Chicago Electric if $$ is a worry. Keep
it up, things can only get better.
Cher
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Post by BearCreekLapidary on Jan 27, 2005 12:25:55 GMT -5
Hi Tweetiepy,
For your first batch ... they came our pretty nice! You should have seen my first batch ... you definitely done better than I did!
Like everything in life ... the more practice at it ... the better you will become.
Thanks for sharing the photo's,
John
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Post by connrock on Jan 27, 2005 19:59:45 GMT -5
Nice job for a newbie!! It will get better and better from here on. PLEASE DO NOT think this photo and ID is gosple.I just took a guess without actually seeint the rocks.  Thanks,,,,,,,,,,,,, Tom  |
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Post by Tweetiepy on Jan 27, 2005 21:02:04 GMT -5
Cool Thank you for IDing those! ;D
I had no idea what they were, the box said agates & amethysts (mini chips) - I like how they look like buttery caramel they take a nice shine. I thought they were all agates.
Had I left them in longer they could have been better, but for now they'll be my "remember when" stones. I'm hoping to get some like those I see in this section.
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