First dremel carving!
Here is a before and after! I tumbled it first, but then decided to experiment. Any tips for beginners?
u/Quiet-Ask-609 — 10 days ago
▲ 11 r/RockTumbling
Let's talk about ROCK data
I am still pretty much a beginner, but this little hobby has become a huge part of my daily routine for the last three months- got four barrels going, three tumblers on, making many rookie mistakes, but learning quickly and learning so much from this community, which (sorry, not sorry) rocks so much!
I got my log book going, which I am feeling good about (still making improvements but looking sturdy). However, I still need a system for logging each specimen's development throughout the stages. I take pictures of each rock after cleaning it at each stage (you can imagine how my photo gallery looks at the moment) - but I am yet to find a way to register this.
I have tried Airtable but quit, I am VERY close just tto just printing on paper, and then just organise them in a physical log. But, there are many rocks going on, and there must be more efficient ways to do this. Any recommendations? How do you guys log your rocks?
Thank you!
u/Quiet-Ask-609 — 2 months ago
First batch -expert feedback please!
So here is my first batch!
This is what happened:
Stage 1
-F80 silicon carbide - 2TBS 1liter barrel
-On for 9 days *first two nights it was turned off due to sound logistics
Stage 2
**-**F220 silicon carbide - 2 TBS
- 7 days
- 24 hours in a wash Dr. Bonner cycle
Stage 3
**-**F400 silicon carbide - 2TbS and plastic pellets
- 11 days
-* I don't remember my reasoning- after one day of the tumbler going, I gave it a wash and then added 1TBS grit F400
-borax wash for 24 hours
-10 minutes acoustic cleaner
Stage 4
-Cerium oxide 2 TBS and ceramic pellets
**-**5 days
**-**acoustic cleaner for 10 mins.
I know this was messy but I did my best while getting more adapted/knowledgeable with the new hobby. I did the ADHD and bought everything (+ an extra tumbler) and made a rock set-up in matter of days.
Main comments:
- they became SO much smaller
-there are some cracks in several of them
-they are not as shiny as desired.
- just added for another burnishing cycle - saw some grit
Based on my experience and pics, can you guys pretty please give me tips to next batches?
Appreciate this channel and all the support!
Thanks!
u/Quiet-Ask-609 — 3 months ago
▲ 6 r/RockTumbling
What are the results of each stage I should be looking for?
Hi! New to this world and slowly trying to learn! I am writing this whilst listening to my soothing tumbler rocking in the background!
I am just waiting for the medium grit cycle to be done, and I am wondering what exactly am I expecting as results for this cycle and for each of the stages? I know every rock, tumbler, grit, time, has important factors in this question, but I would appreciate any advice in what I should be looking for at the end of each cycle.
(Please send grit recommendations for the UK!)
Thanks a lot!
u/Quiet-Ask-609 — 3 months ago