Prov
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2020
Posts: 116
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Post by Prov on May 18, 2020 13:10:34 GMT -5
After a long delay, we have received our Lot-O tumbler, got it set up, and tumbled the remainder of our Sodalite rough. imgur.com/3tIzK1KPictured here. Batch 2 of 1.5 lbs went much better than batch 1, less pitting, definitely learned from the first go. Kept a close eye on it. So if I understood correctly. We're moving to stage 2, in the Lot-O Which should be something like 2 tbsp of 120/220 for 1-2 days Has anyone worked with Sodalite in the Lot-O? Any particular things I should be on the lookout for? Will probably start them tomorrow, since I won't have a good chance to keep an eye on them this afternoon.
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quartzilla
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2020
Posts: 1,218
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Post by quartzilla on May 18, 2020 21:47:31 GMT -5
Prov I don’t remember seeing it stated here on the thread but maybe I missed it. After stage 4 I always have to do a burnishing with soap to get the shine. My stuff comes out foggy after the polish too but the burnishing makes a night and day difference for me. I’ve seen vids where people pull stuff out after polish and it’s killer but not for this novice yet lol. BTW I use Pure And Gentle Snowflakes purchased off Amazon.
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Prov
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2020
Posts: 116
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Post by Prov on May 18, 2020 22:43:00 GMT -5
I happened across some Borax at Target, so that's what I've got planned to use in stages 3/4. I'm working off the Lot O recipes thread, and it does mention adjustments needing to be made for softer stuff, but it doesn't mention specifics there, so I'm a little concerned, due to my inexperience.
Hopefully someone with experience will have some commentary, otherwise I'll work according to recipe. With any luck though these will come out of the Lot O looking great.
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old hound
starting to shine!
Member since August 2018
Posts: 36
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Post by old hound on May 19, 2020 0:20:51 GMT -5
Just keep a watch on your action do not let it get too dry, I use about 40% ceramic , you will love the lot-o takes a little more babysitting but you will love the results good luck keep us posted. 👍
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Post by knave on May 19, 2020 6:55:13 GMT -5
With soft material you need to take it out as soon as each stage is done to minimize undercutting. Also a a higher % of ceramic or media of choice.
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Prov
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2020
Posts: 116
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Post by Prov on May 19, 2020 14:04:14 GMT -5
Guess I'll have to stop my agates, and run some media to prep it then. I only have about 20% media for it. How long should I run my media, and in what grit to get it ready for the Lot O?
Edit: Also really impressed with how quiet the Lot O is. I'm really glad that's the one we bought. No concerns about it running 24/7 now.
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Prov
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2020
Posts: 116
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Post by Prov on May 21, 2020 15:53:51 GMT -5
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Post by knave on May 21, 2020 17:35:29 GMT -5
Use 1/2 tsp of 500 and 1/8 cup sugar. Just a suggestion.
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Prov
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2020
Posts: 116
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Post by Prov on May 26, 2020 9:02:10 GMT -5
I'll try that on my next batch. the 1/2 tsp of AO500 and the 1 tbsp borax came out pretty nice. Only had one washout on that go. I'm about to add some Cerium Oxide, per one of the previous suggestions. Current run started at 9:06 AM, 1/2 tsp of Cerium Oxide Polish, 1 tbsp borax. With how soft Cerium Oxide is will I need to recharge at some point in the 24-48 hour tumble? How should I know when it needs a recharge? Appreciate all the great help from everyone here. Really hoping these polish up nicely in the polish and burnish step. Results of Stage 3 Below:
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Prov
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2020
Posts: 116
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Post by Prov on May 27, 2020 19:32:20 GMT -5
I completed the burnishing step today, and man. I'm feeling triumphant. I learned a lot tumbling this material, really felt like a race at the end there, on what would happen first, would the rock destroy itself or would the polish take. Not bad for my 2nd tumble ever. Next thing will be some Prairie Agate, but I've probably got a few weeks on those before I can move them into the Lot O. Huge thanks to everyone that helped me along the way, I really appreciate it, and can't wait to try some other suggestions on my next load.
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saxplayer
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2018
Posts: 1,327
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Post by saxplayer on May 27, 2020 22:13:54 GMT -5
I completed the burnishing step today, and man. I'm feeling triumphant. I learned a lot tumbling this material, really felt like a race at the end there, on what would happen first, would the rock destroy itself or would the polish take. Not bad for my 2nd tumble ever. Next thing will be some Prairie Agate, but I've probably got a few weeks on those before I can move them into the Lot O. Huge thanks to everyone that helped me along the way, I really appreciate it, and can't wait to try some other suggestions on my next load. You should be PROUD! For your 2nd batch you picked one of the hardest. Now go do a good solid agate / jasper batch of high quality rough and you'll turn out some amazing results.
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Post by RocksInNJ on May 28, 2020 19:16:42 GMT -5
Excellent job on some difficult material to tumble. Looking forward to the next batch.
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