WARNING: You should never attempt to use or work with the materials without adult supervision. Instructions covered in this class cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense and caution must be supplied by the operator. Please follow any manufacturer's instructions and guide lines that may come with your tumbler.
Learning to tumble the rocks you have collected is similar to cooking. First you have to find the recipe you like and then perfect it with your own special touch. Enclosed is a log you may want to use as your Rock Dairy or a small note book will do as well. It's important to know what recipe and Material (Rock type) you have used in order to perfect your Rock tumbling techniques. This will also allow you to share your knowledge with others. I would encourage you to bring in your successes and flops, along with your log to the meetings. There are many knowledgeable Club Members that will be more than willing to assist you if you are having any problems getting them to polish.
How do rocks get rounded or smoothed in nature?
To get started you should read any instruction provided by
the manufacture or your unit.
Below are some suggestions for basic recipes to get you started!
| TUMBLER SIZE |
STEP #1 60-90 GRIT |
STEP #2 120-220 GRIT |
STEP #3 500F GRIT |
STEP #4 POLISH |
| 3 LB | 4 TABLESPOONS | 4 TABLESPOONS | 6 TABLESPOONS | 6 TABLESPOONS |
| 6 LB | 10 TABLESPOONS |
10 TABLESP00NS |
12 TABLESPOONS |
12 TABLESPOONS |
Grit is graded with numbers. The smaller the grit number the coarser
the grit will be.
OPERATION
1. The Tumbler will be running 24 hours a day for several weeks
and will need to be in a convenient and safe location that will
not interfere with family activities. It generates some noise
and the motor becomes hot to the touch. Locate near a power outlet
in an open area on a flat surface away from any flammable material.
I have found the garage floor works well. Most machines recommend
they not be placed outdoors. Do not set on a table, since the
vibration may cause the machine to crawl.
2. Always check on the tumbler on a regular basis to make sure
the unit is running properly. Sometimes the material will expand
with gases. If this happens you may want to try a tsp. of baking
soda. If it continues to build gasses start over, this time make
sure your material (rock) is cleaned thoroughly.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
FIRST GRIND: It is imperative to load the barrel
with the proper amount of materials, or the process will not be
successful. Choose stones that are similar in resistance to abrasion
and similar surface condition. The sizes should be a mix between
small 3/16" - 3/8" to large 3/4" - 1". The
barrel should be 1/2-3/4 full. Add water until it is about 1/8"
above the rock. Run the tumbler with Step #1 grit for 24hrs and
slowly open the lid releasing the small amount of gas that builds
up during the process. It is important to check for the gas build
up, since the gas sometimes cause the slurry to get thick and
the rock will not tumble properly. Continue this process for 7-10
days depending on how long it takes to round the edges and make
the material smooth. Some materials may take as long as 10-16
days. When all the edges have been rounded, remove and discard
broken or cracked stones, completely clean the rocks and the tumbler
barrel. You may want to use a milk carton or a container that
may be sealed to dispose of the slurry. DO NOT POUR THE SLURRY
DOWN THE DRAIN. THE GRIT IS HEAVY AND WILL PLUG DRAINS.
SECOND GRIND: Clean the barrel and rocks thoroughly
or you will contaminate your next grind. You may want to use a
mild soap and toothbrush to clean the crevasses. Again the proper
amount of material must be used for success. It is typical to
lose 20% of the volume during the first grid. If you do not have
enough material to file the barrel 1/2-3/4 full you may use plastic
pellets or crushed walnut shells. Run the tumbler with Step #2
grit for 3-7 days, or until the rocks is smooth in finish. Repeat
the cleaning process in First Grind.
THIRD GRIND OR PRE-POLISH: During pre-polish
and polish stages you may want to use a different barrel. This
will eliminate any contamination due to small fine grains of grit
left behind in the first and second grinds. If you choose to use
the same barrel make sure to clean the barrel with a mild soap
and a small brush. Rinse completely before beginning the third
grind. Run with Step #3 grit/pre-polish for a week, checking every
other day. Test the progress by sprinkling a small amount of polishing
compound on an old towel and rub the stone vigorously. You should
see a definite shine in a few moments. If not, pre-polish and
check in 24 hours. If you are still having a problem it may be
due to contamination of grit to polish. If this is the case you
will need to return to Step #2.
FOUTH POLISH: Make sure the barrel has been cleaned
thoroughly. Again fill the barrel 1/2-3/4 full using filler pellets
if need be. Step #4 polish and run for 5-7 days. If they look
the same dry as they do wet then they are finished. If they have
a slight film, the need to be burnished.
BURNISHING: Remove the stones, clean the Barrel and remove and
clean the plastic pellets. Place the stones and the cleaned pellets
in the barrel with the proper water amount and include about 1
tablespoon of powdered soap, such as Ivory or Tide.
TIPS FROM MLMS MEMBERS
1. Use plastic pellets during polishing and burnishing.
2. Keep a log book
3. Start with stream worn or smooth stones, you may be able to
eliminate the grind time.
4. Agates and Jaspers polish nicely
by Kathlyn Duncan