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Post by labradoritelady on Jan 11, 2022 18:06:28 GMT -5
Hello everyone, I just started the third step in my rock tumbling journey(I’m a newbie). I got a Loratone two barrel three Pound Tumbler for Christmas. I am super excited to be finally tumbling my own stones. I opened it today on day three of a seven day tumble, and everything is a white foam inside the barrel. I have not had this issue with step one or two in the four step process. Just wondering if this is normal or if I need to start over. I have chunks of Jasper and agate In the Tumbler. I would welcome any tips, thank you.
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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 Jan 11, 2022 18:31:52 GMT -5
It's been fairly typical for me. I'm more surprised if I don't get a bit of foam than I am if I do.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jan 11, 2022 19:18:09 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum from South Dakota! Foam can happen...just make sure gases aren't building up in the process. Gas buildup can cause the tumbler to bulge, and can cause it to burst open (in extreme cases). If you see signs of gas building up, it's a good idea to "burp" the barrel. (Just open the lid and release the gas...you don't have to put it up to your shoulder and give it some pats! )
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stonemon
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2017
Posts: 1,024
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Post by stonemon on Jan 11, 2022 19:32:12 GMT -5
Welcome from western Oregon!
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LazerFlash
Cave Dweller
The more they over-think the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the toilet.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 548
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Post by LazerFlash on Jan 11, 2022 20:06:40 GMT -5
Welcome from Charles Town WV. (Think John Brown's pre-Civil War raid.)
Like you, I'm new to the tumbling aspect of this hobby and was somewhat concerned when we had foam in our first barrel! Like brybry said though, foam is pretty normal for me, too. Some tumblers say that adding some borax to your tumble can cut the foaming down. Also, jasoninsd 's advice is golden: A bulging barrel is bad news!
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catskillrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,270
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Post by catskillrocks on Jan 11, 2022 21:10:16 GMT -5
Welcome from Western New York.
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Post by perkins17 on Jan 11, 2022 21:21:29 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum! I have had issues with foamy aluminum oxide too... Don't worry, just let it finish it's run. Good luck and I hope that helps!
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jan 11, 2022 21:54:17 GMT -5
Welcome from Northern Arizona!
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