heathervee
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 57
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Post by heathervee on Nov 6, 2021 15:16:39 GMT -5
Update: we're having some issues getting the vibe up and running. The power switch feels very soft - it doesn't have a good "snap" when you turn it on. There was also a wiring issue when I bought it and the power cable was poorly taped and only worked when in a certain position. Has anyone rebuilt their vibe? Any suggestions?
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Post by knave on Nov 6, 2021 15:18:59 GMT -5
Be careful. Find a friend with a multimeter and find if the motor is getting powered. If so may be a bad motor if not find If itβs wiring or bad switch.
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brybry
Cave Dweller
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Member since October 2021
Posts: 1,199
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Post by brybry on Nov 6, 2021 18:45:35 GMT -5
Is it the yellow striped bowl that's non-industrial or is the bowl & motor unit?
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heathervee
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 57
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Post by heathervee on Nov 9, 2021 17:50:24 GMT -5
brybry,it's the industrial blue stripe bowl
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Uncutagate
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2021
Posts: 6
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Post by Uncutagate on Dec 10, 2021 15:28:52 GMT -5
I just got a new UV-18. They were not available for the last year but finally came around. I am just getting started and have been doing a lot of research. The rockshed website gives a good tutorial and video for it. I would recommend the ceramic media, although if you have a lot of small rock within your tumble that will work also. About 48 hours with medium grit and it brings down my agates pretty good to be ready for the polishing steps. Could go longer but I like keeping some of the character of the rock instead of completely rounding them down.
I don't know much about the wiring, but from what I have read they are lifetime motors and I would guess it is worth putting the time and energy into it.
I'll post some pictures when I have a chance with some cool finished products. It is great for some of my large 4-5 inch agates and petrified wood that are really neat polished.
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Post by HankRocks on Dec 10, 2021 15:43:22 GMT -5
I just got a new UV-18. They were not available for the last year but finally came around. I am just getting started and have been doing a lot of research. The rockshed website gives a good tutorial and video for it. I would recommend the ceramic media, although if you have a lot of small rock within your tumble that will work also. About 48 hours with medium grit and it brings down my agates pretty good to be ready for the polishing steps. Could go longer but I like keeping some of the character of the rock instead of completely rounding them down. I don't know much about the wiring, but from what I have read they are lifetime motors and I would guess it is worth putting the time and energy into it. I'll post some pictures when I have a chance with some cool finished products. It is great for some of my large 4-5 inch agates and petrified wood that are really neat polished. One comment, the term lifetime motor does not apply for the Uv-18 where a counter-weight is attached to the motor shaft. I have replaced mine twice in the last 5 years. Bought it used so I am not sure how much it had been run before I got it. I do like my UV-18 and it does a great job polishing. It only runs polish as the other stages are all in a rotary.
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Post by knave on Jan 10, 2022 7:53:40 GMT -5
Update these are varnished calcite or some other Mohs 3 product do not buy.
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heathervee
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 57
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Post by heathervee on Apr 28, 2022 9:10:04 GMT -5
New Update! Vibe has been re-wired and it's ready, once I have the rough for it! Just to recap, and please bear with me because I've taken some time off from tumbling 1. I need to fill that HUGE bowl 3/4 full 2. I should use the vibe for the pre-polish/polish stage (do I need to pre-polish with the vibe?) - AKA after the 220 grit 3. I should use 7+ hardness rocks
Is it possible to use a vibe for the shaping process too, or it is just a polishing tool?
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Post by vegasjames on Apr 28, 2022 18:02:50 GMT -5
New Update! Vibe has been re-wired and it's ready, once I have the rough for it! Just to recap, and please bear with me because I've taken some time off from tumbling 1. I need to fill that HUGE bowl 3/4 full 2. I should use the vibe for the pre-polish/polish stage (do I need to pre-polish with the vibe?) - AKA after the 220 grit 3. I should use 7+ hardness rocks Is it possible to use a vibe for the shaping process too, or it is just a polishing tool? It cab be used fro shaping, but vibes do not round stones like a rotary they will pretty much keep the shape of the original stone but soften up edges.
Although. it is a real good idea to run stones in a rotary first for at least a little while to round off points and sharp edges. This will held reduce wear on your vibe bowl making it last longer.
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Cackling Chick
starting to spend too much on rocks
I LOVE ROCKS! πππ»πͺ¨βοΈ
Member since March 2022
Posts: 101
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Post by Cackling Chick on Apr 29, 2022 20:28:59 GMT -5
Wow, nice score on that vib. Holy wow!! Interesting thread and appreciate the info. you all shared.
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