Charging a Tumbler..

[nebraskadad]

All it's been a while since I've used my tumbler for running some rocks.

I've got a lortone 3 lb unit..

What do you all do for running a load, ie, how much charge, Coarse, med-fine, pre-polish and polish and how long do you run it?

I loaded up about 1/2-2/3 can and put in about 3 tablespoons of Coarse charge.

Any insight appreciated..

Nebraskadad

 

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[nebraskadad]

anyone?

 

[Elfmage]

Sorry I have never owned a tumbler. Wanted my grand dad's but it was amazingly gone when he passed away. Now I use a diamond buffer at my college. If I get to speak to the geology teacher, I'll ask him if he has any advice. They do a lot of tumbling, cutting, and polishing in his class.

 

[Eu_citzen]

All it's been a while since I've used my tumbler for running some rocks.

I've got a lortone 3 lb unit..

What do you all do for running a load, ie, how much charge, Coarse, med-fine, pre-polish and polish and how long do you run it?

I loaded up about 1/2-2/3 can and put in about 3 tablespoons of Coarse charge.

Any insight appreciated..

Nebraskadad

2/3 of the tumbler with rocks, water just above the rocks (1 cm or so)
How much of the polish you drop in depends on the type of rocks being worked.
(1-3 tablespoons is OK)
As not all have the same hardness, some might not even need coarse...
Do experiments to see what fits to your rocks.

See links:
http://www.rocktumblinghobby.com/
http://www.rocktumblinghobby.com/rock-tumbling-photos1/rock-tumbling-photos1.html

I have one (small) tumbler. which needs repairs.

//Eu

 

[cosmic]

According to my book always charge 2/3-3/4 with stones and abrasive, or polish and plastic pellets.. For a 3lbs. tumbler, add 4 tablespoons of coarse or medium, 6 tablespoons of prepolish or polish...
I run mine 4 days in coarse and check the grit as it is usually spent by then.. Run a few more times checking every 4 days to get the surface I want.. Then the same with the medium.. at least 6 days with polish and plastic pellet..

 

[coinking]

Best instructions I have found: http://www.rocks4u.com/tumblers.htm

Owner is a great guy, and very helpful and responsive to emailed questions!!