scaboorocks
starting to shine!
Member since May 2021
Posts: 34
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Post by scaboorocks on May 28, 2021 10:14:01 GMT -5
I have seen a few videos and read some about tumbling. I have a Nat Geo Tumbler. The instructions say to fill with water just above the rocks. Most of what I have read and seen online say to fill just below the top layer.
I have not seen an explanation (possibly missed in a video) on what differing amounts of water actually do to the process. Seems to me not enough wouldn't move or even create a slurry. But I can't think of what difference too much water would make, other than causing a leak.
Can anyone elaborate more on the subject? Seems like the 'just below the bottom layer" strategy is used most, but also is very objective on how much that actually is. The volume of water would vary significanty depending on the volume of rock, ie more big rocks than smalls or vice versa.
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oldschoolrocker
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,578
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Post by oldschoolrocker on May 28, 2021 11:54:02 GMT -5
Too much water will essentially rinse the grit off the rocks not allowing for it to do its job. Too little water and the grit and rock slurry will get too dry and clump and stick cause everything to get gummed up and not tumble as needed. I always fill below the top layer of rocks. And with most tumblers sold, you will find the instructions and recipes are poo compared to the information you will find here. So if there's a discrepancy between the two I'd always trust the info found here first.
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oldschoolrocker
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,578
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Post by oldschoolrocker on May 28, 2021 12:00:29 GMT -5
Personally I'd rather put in too little water than too much bc won't take long to hear the rocks clunking around or not making the normal tumbling sound when the load is too dry. Too much water isn't as easy to hear and usually dont find out until after waiting a week to do the clean out and the rocks are worse than when they went in.
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standles
spending too much on rocks
Well all I got was a rock ... Cool!
Member since February 2021
Posts: 325
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Post by standles on May 28, 2021 12:39:36 GMT -5
I tend to err on the side of too little water. When filling I follow these steps for rotary. 1. Load rocks and ceramic (if any) into tumbler. 2. Shake barrel to settle rocks 3. If can I add more rocks to between 1/2 and 3/4 full 4. Add water to point about 1.5" below top layer of rocks 5. Button up and roll.
When I check cleanout after 1 week (rotary) I notice slurry and if too thick up water and too thin cut back. The consistency also varies with type of rock. If it gets too stubborn I will add thickeners lie Sugar.
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scaboorocks
starting to shine!
Member since May 2021
Posts: 34
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Post by scaboorocks on May 29, 2021 10:44:02 GMT -5
Thank you for the replies.
That helps a lot. I felt like more water wouldn't hurt. I did not think it would change the tumble action enough to affect the grind.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on May 30, 2021 16:42:55 GMT -5
It's really not critical if your slightly above or slightly below the rocks. For everything but pretty polish and polish I go slightly below the rocks. FOr the last 2 stages slightly above or even with the top layer.
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