jasonshort
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2019
Posts: 113
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Post by jasonshort on Jul 7, 2019 23:09:51 GMT -5
Got some left over granite countertop pieces. I was thinking of braking them up and tumbling them. Has anyone done that? Does anyone have any good ideas of what I can do with them becides make stepping stones? They are about 1 to 2 foot long
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2019 1:22:41 GMT -5
I've used them as bases for larger mineral specimens. Glued cork or felt onto the bottoms, then set the specimen onto the shiny tops. You can do that with the sides squared off in the saw, or leave the edges rough. Use mounting putty or water-soluble glue to mount the specimen. They'd work for other collectible display pieces, too.
If you have enough of dark and light, you could cut squares to make a stone checker/chess board. I bought one that's stone, but could easily be made. Use tile mastic to adhere it to a wooden base, set the squares into a concrete patio, wall ledge, concrete countertop, etc. Lamp bases, stone boxes and/or lids, probably lots more ideas out there...
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Post by fernwood on Jul 8, 2019 3:58:54 GMT -5
I have a bunch that are on my tumbling schedule. Just have not gotten to them yet.
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gatorflash1
spending too much on rocks
Active in Delaware Mineralogical Society, Cabchon Grinding and Polishing, 2 Thumlers B's and a UV-18
Member since October 2018
Posts: 375
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Post by gatorflash1 on Jul 8, 2019 5:09:34 GMT -5
I would stay clear of any pieces of granite with large grain patterns or embedded mica, but otherwise tumble away. I live east of the Mississippi so don't have access to the variety of rocks those living out west have. I tumble granite countertop scraps that I am free to take from the local shops. I break them up into about 1-2" pieces. If you search "granite" on this RTH website you will find lots of posts about how to tumble it and some great pictures. I like all the different colors and designs, and it is reasonably hard so takes a nice polish. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/70757/more-railroad-granite
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jimaz
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2018
Posts: 463
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Post by jimaz on Jul 8, 2019 11:36:14 GMT -5
I tumbled a couple of cores from where hole were drilled in quartz counter tops. The edges rounded nicely in the first stage. Everything looked OK through pre-polish, but they did not polish well. I may try them again later.
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