Author Topic: Which grit should I use for ocean tumbled stones? (Read 1970 times)

Manficat · « **on:** January 19, 2024, 04:20:57 PM »

After way too much time of using a bench grinder to polish tiny rocks, I have finally decided to buy a tumbler. I'm thinking of buying the 'Vevor rock tumbler'. Does anyone know about this particular tumbler?
My main question is which grit should I use on ocean tumbled agates? After many trips to moonlight head, I have a jar full of rounded beach agates. Their shape is already quite good, but some are still a bit jagged. Should I start them in the tumbler with the first grit, or should I put them in a bit later and the finer grits will sort them out?
Thanks,
Manficat

Faceting Frank · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2024, 10:49:44 PM »

Been 40+ years since I had a tumbler, but from memory I did all stones with just one grit. Let the grit grind down along with the stones and when all looked good. Polish with cerium oxide and plastic pellets to cushion the stones.

Rusted · « **Reply #2 on:** January 20, 2024, 10:05:36 AM »

Start at the start, they may be rounded but the surface has been well and truly bashed into that shape, you need to remove a small layer of chipping and damage first, they should go quick though. Is the Vevor a rotary or vibe?
I just answered myself ,it's a rotary.

Manficat · « **Reply #3 on:** January 20, 2024, 09:38:53 PM »

Thanks,
After some more research on the vevor, it's only 1lbs which is way too small for me. I've found a better option now, some 6lbs rotary tumbler directly from China. Has mixed reviews but the other options are just too much for my pocket money budget. If anyone else can recommend a better option that would be great.
Alternatively, I could make my own, but I have no experience with motors. Shame Essendon lapidary club has no tumblers.
Thanks,
Manficat

Rusted · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2024, 11:23:35 AM »

Have a look at this page for some ideas on making your own, they really are an easy build if you have a bit of mechanical nouse and a few tools.
https://rocktumbling.com/diy-rotary-rock-tumblers/

Bucket · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2024, 05:31:59 PM »

I just put on around 5kg of beach stones this morning (in a rotary tumbler) and have started them on 220. Will check them in a week and they should be ready for 400 after that. We normally start on 80 for rough stones.

MakkyBrown · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2024, 08:04:53 PM »

If they need rounding I start with 44# which is best bang to buck so to speak. Just got to be careful not to cross contaminate.

Manficat · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2024, 10:12:42 PM »

Good to know. Will try soon

Bucket · « **Reply #8 on:** January 24, 2024, 03:24:34 PM »

Quote from: MakkyBrown on January 23, 2024, 08:04:53 PM

If they need rounding I start with 44# which is best bang to buck so to speak. Just got to be careful not to cross contaminate.

Are you rounding off bricks Makky?

Faceting Frank · « **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2024, 05:39:01 PM »

The grit would be bigger than the pebbles

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Author Topic: Which grit should I use for ocean tumbled stones? (Read 1970 times)

Manficat

Which grit should I use for ocean tumbled stones?

Faceting Frank

Re: Which grit should I use for ocean tumbled stones?

Rusted

Re: Which grit should I use for ocean tumbled stones?

Manficat

Re: Which grit should I use for ocean tumbled stones?

Rusted

Re: Which grit should I use for ocean tumbled stones?

Bucket

Re: Which grit should I use for ocean tumbled stones?

MakkyBrown

Re: Which grit should I use for ocean tumbled stones?

Manficat

Re: Which grit should I use for ocean tumbled stones?

Bucket

Re: Which grit should I use for ocean tumbled stones?

Faceting Frank

Re: Which grit should I use for ocean tumbled stones?

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