You have decided to start something new and different for a distraction from the daily grind. The problem is that you are not sure where to begin. This should help you at least with the basics of the rock tumbling supplies you need first.
If you are going to tumble rocks it makes sense that you should get a tumbling machine. It does it exactly what it says, it tumbles. Scout around a bit before buying one, though. They do come in many sizes and you want to get the best one for your needs.
Barrels should be next on your list. These hold the rocks throughout the process. The one negative aspect of the barrels is that they need to be replaced at least once a year. Rocks are banging around in them for a very long time and the barrels are made of plastic!
Buy four barrels to start with. There are four basic steps in rock tumbling and you need a barrel for each one.
Your next ingredient comes in three sizes and you need a lot of it. What is it? Grit, that's what it is. You must get silicon abrasive grit. You can find it at mineral/rock or hardware stores.
The three sizes you need are two hundred twenty, four hundred, and eighty. Just one tub of each grit will be plenty to get you started. Don't be afraid to ask a store employee for assistance if you are confused.
Now we have reached the point when you need cerium oxide polish. When the tumbling is done and all of those rough, sharp edges are removed, you need to put them into a fresh, clean barrel. Then you add the cerium oxide and some water. You know that part of the process when the stones appear to be shiny and a resemble glass? Well, this step is what makes that happen. Since you only need a tiny bit of polish for each batch, you can buy a very small container at first.
One last thing to remember is to protect your rocks. By buying round, plastic pellets to put in the barrel with the rocks, you lessen the chance of cracking. The pellets are strong and protect the rocks without causing any damage themselves.
Now that you have your basic list of rock tumbling supplies, go get the stuff! Let's see what happens!
If you are going to tumble rocks it makes sense that you should get a tumbling machine. It does it exactly what it says, it tumbles. Scout around a bit before buying one, though. They do come in many sizes and you want to get the best one for your needs.
Barrels should be next on your list. These hold the rocks throughout the process. The one negative aspect of the barrels is that they need to be replaced at least once a year. Rocks are banging around in them for a very long time and the barrels are made of plastic!
Buy four barrels to start with. There are four basic steps in rock tumbling and you need a barrel for each one.
Your next ingredient comes in three sizes and you need a lot of it. What is it? Grit, that's what it is. You must get silicon abrasive grit. You can find it at mineral/rock or hardware stores.
The three sizes you need are two hundred twenty, four hundred, and eighty. Just one tub of each grit will be plenty to get you started. Don't be afraid to ask a store employee for assistance if you are confused.
Now we have reached the point when you need cerium oxide polish. When the tumbling is done and all of those rough, sharp edges are removed, you need to put them into a fresh, clean barrel. Then you add the cerium oxide and some water. You know that part of the process when the stones appear to be shiny and a resemble glass? Well, this step is what makes that happen. Since you only need a tiny bit of polish for each batch, you can buy a very small container at first.
One last thing to remember is to protect your rocks. By buying round, plastic pellets to put in the barrel with the rocks, you lessen the chance of cracking. The pellets are strong and protect the rocks without causing any damage themselves.
Now that you have your basic list of rock tumbling supplies, go get the stuff! Let's see what happens!
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If you would enjoy exploring the exciting world of rock tumbling supplies, or would like more information about rock tumblers, then take a a little time to visit here: Rock Tumbling Supplies
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