boxofrox
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2021
Posts: 4
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Post by boxofrox on Mar 9, 2021 14:00:49 GMT -5
Can a vibratory tumbler be used in all stages of the tumbling process, and if so what type of rough would make a good tumbling medium.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Mar 9, 2021 14:53:50 GMT -5
Can a vibratory tumbler be used in all stages of the tumbling process, and if so what type of rough would make a good tumbling medium. The easy answer is yes it can be used for all stages but coarse grit can't be used. The coarsest grit for most vibe tumblers is 120/220. But should it be used for all stages is completely dependent on what results you are looking for. A vibrating tumbler is not used to make rough rocks smooth. Vibratory tumblers maintain the rocks natural shape. Removing cracks, crevices and flaws from hammer broken rough is a task that requires a rotary tumbler. In this sample photo you will see hammer broken Lavic Siding jasper. Photo on the left is the rough rocks. Middle photo is what about the best you can get using just a vibrating tumbler. Photo on the right was done using rotary for stage one and then vibrating for all other stages. Chuck
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SirRoxalot
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 790
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Post by SirRoxalot on Apr 21, 2021 16:24:23 GMT -5
To me, the pleasure of tumbled stones is in the perfectly rounded feel and polish. A true tactile pleasure. That is done in a rotary. Do everything else in a good vibe, if you don’t mind the noise and the babysitting required.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Apr 21, 2021 17:29:00 GMT -5
Chuck's picture says it all.
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