lootsmith
off to a rocking start
Member since June 2021
Posts: 13
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Post by lootsmith on Jun 8, 2021 3:08:21 GMT -5
I am working with glass beads for a project. I want the beads to really age. I want to deform the surface of the glass has much as possible. I am basically just getting a frosted surface not the vintage borderline recycled look. I want a surface of pits and valleys. I need to increase the differential between the highest and lowest points in the surface as much as possible.
Any ideas for a tumbling schedule that will do this? What digs down deep?
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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 Jun 8, 2021 8:06:41 GMT -5
By definition the tumbling process is a smoothing operation. Producing pits and gouges (if I understand correctly) is counter to that. If you have a pic of what your trying to achieve please post as it might help. With all that said I would tumble to get frosted look then change out grit to extremely rough mix. I would think 10-20 grit and possible some hard sharp agate rock/chips.
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Brian
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2020
Posts: 1,512
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Post by Brian on Jun 8, 2021 12:05:07 GMT -5
I agree with standles on the smoothing. How big are the beads you are working with? It almost sounds to me like you’d be better off trying to shape them with a Dremel/file/grinder/saw blade edge to get the valleys and then throw them in the tumbler to round off the sharp edges and make them look age worn. Or perhaps sandblasting with a very coarse media to produce deeper pits.
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lootsmith
off to a rocking start
Member since June 2021
Posts: 13
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Post by lootsmith on Jun 8, 2021 12:43:27 GMT -5
I agree with standles on the smoothing. How big are the beads you are working with? It almost sounds to me like you’d be better off trying to shape them with a Dremel/file/grinder/saw blade edge to get the valleys and then throw them in the tumbler to round off the sharp edges and make them look age worn. Or perhaps sandblasting with a very coarse media to produce deeper pits. Sandblasting is an interesting idea. I have already tried 30 grit silicon carbide in just enough of a slurry to coat the 1/4 inch beads. Bentonite, baking soda and laundry detergent. Its an almost entirely dry tumble; run them covered in something sticky and angular without the aid of water. It has gotten ok results. Its just glass though.
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electrocutus
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2020
Posts: 333
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Post by electrocutus on Jun 8, 2021 15:41:16 GMT -5
You might want to look at this video to get some ideas: Granted, he is trying to get beach glass, but the attempts to get the glass rough and pitted might help you.
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Post by stephan on Jun 8, 2021 18:10:26 GMT -5
I agree with standles on the smoothing. How big are the beads you are working with? It almost sounds to me like you’d be better off trying to shape them with a Dremel/file/grinder/saw blade edge to get the valleys and then throw them in the tumbler to round off the sharp edges and make them look age worn. Or perhaps sandblasting with a very coarse media to produce deeper pits. This is what I was thinking, too. You probably don't want to mess around with the alternative: hydrofluoric acid, for a variety of reasons.
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Post by amygdule on Jun 8, 2021 21:55:58 GMT -5
I'm not sure you can make Frosted Sea Glass in a tumbler. The dynamic of waves and Rocks crashing into each other. Natural sea glass
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Post by Rockindad on Jun 9, 2021 6:36:13 GMT -5
I think I know what you are going for but not 100%. You do not state what size beads you are using so I am assuming they will be large enough for the following. To “damage” the surface I would put a bunch of pieces in a lidded bucket, paint can, etc. and shake like hell. This will create some spalls, chips, etc. These will be rather sharp and you will still have shiny areas left. To soften the sharp edges and dull/age the rest of the piece put them in a tumbler and run dry with no grit. I talked to a manufacturer of landscaping glass about a year ago and he told me that is how they eliminate the sharp edges on their chunks. An example: This may be a gross exaggeration of what you are going for but could be modified to suit your needs. Disregard the entire post if this is nowhere near what you are looking for .
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,561
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Post by jamesp on Jun 9, 2021 13:01:00 GMT -5
Been there done this. Put a 1 to 1.5 pound agate in with the tumble/beach shaped glass or beads till the barrel is 1/2 full. Water to glass level. Skip the grit. Maybe some sic 30-46-60 whatever to assist frosting. The agate will serve as a hammer stone and put fracture divots in your beads.
To practice beating up glass beads/tumbles put virgin marbles in with the big agate. Size agate accordingly for your rotary's aggressiveness to get desired bruises. Do not use slurry thickener, just water to increase impact velocity.
It may take only a day or two.
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lootsmith
off to a rocking start
Member since June 2021
Posts: 13
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Post by lootsmith on Jun 10, 2021 2:44:09 GMT -5
Been there done this. Put a 1 to 1.5 pound agate in with the tumble/beach shaped glass or beads till the barrel is 1/2 full. Water to glass level. Skip the grit. Maybe some sic 30-46-60 whatever to assist frosting. The agate will serve as a hammer stone and put fracture divots in your beads. To practice beating up glass beads/tumbles put virgin marbles in with the big agate. Size agate accordingly for your rotary's aggressiveness to get desired bruises. Do not use slurry thickener, just water to increase impact velocity. It may take only a day or two. I have a 20 lb barrel. What type and size of agate?
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Post by Bob on Jun 11, 2021 16:05:44 GMT -5
Tumble with bolts and nuts?
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