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Techniques for CollectorsPolishing Softer Stone With Tagit Vibrahone Tumbler

25th Jan 2009 18:06 UTCAnonymous User

Hi,

I have a Tagit Vibrahone which I really like. I make wire wrapped jewelery. I am now cutting, grinding and then polishing my stone in the Vibrahone. I have great luck with polishing agates, jaspers...

I have tried several ideas for polishing theses stones. Including my latest attempt with the Opticon for a shiny look. As I cannot seem to get them to shine up.

Followed the manufacturers suggestion for grit and then have been advised by many to do the Opticon and then put back in the tumbler with polish... Well, instead of Woo hoo...it is now Boo hoo.... My dried stones after the Opticon process looked great were not sticky and the surface was dry and heat cured.

After 5 hours in the vibratory tumbler, all the Opticon turned milky and flaked off.

I am stumped. In my batch I have a beautiful brown and cream layered Dolomite, Chrome Tremolite, Rhodonite, Sugilite, Malachite, & Sodalite. I don't know what the translucent amberish stones are but they were very soft to cut and shape. Or the blue stones, two kinds, maybe chrysocolla and shattukite? See the picture of what they look like now. I am wary of putting them back in as they are soft and keep getting smaller. I used Linde A.

So now I am still back to square one.

I have thought about dry rouge impregnated walnut shells that Kingsley North sells. Any other ideas?? It must be possible to shine these softer stones.

What about Epoxy 330?

Please help wise ones. I am learning so much and I absolutely love to work with the softer material as well.

Thanks,

Sherril

29th Jul 2009 07:02 UTCed "cuervo73"

Hi Sherril,

I think that you are missing another ingredient to your mix: plastic pellets. These can be obtained at a lapidary supply or a hobby store like Michaels. Their pellets are used for stuffing dolls, pillows, etc. Pellets play an important role in tumbling also.: they cushion the stones from striking other stones. If you mix in (I forgot how big your Gyroc is) maybe a cup of pellets per 4-5 pounds of stones, it should help alot. I have 5 tumblers: 3 vibrating and 2 rotary. I use the pellets for the last two stages of work: when I use the 500 grit and when I use polish. Try it. I think it will make all the difference.

regards,

edse

31st Jul 2009 18:00 UTCAnonymous User

I have been participating in a number of sites that all have one thing in common.. The on going issue of tumbling softer stones and river rocks.. I have a nephew whom asked me to tumble some "lava" stones.. when I was able to shape or round.. but polishing wasn't worth considering.

After viewing your image (which are very good quality, considering other images I have seen here and at other sites) It would appear that you have reached a point where your just about to "over tumble" them in an attempt to polish. This would be a good time to clean the stones and/or re-cut and shape some to the odd ball stones for a better tumbling surface.

I agree with the user above on the aspect of the plastic pellets and you seem to be doing very well with your over all procedure.. However.. dealing with softer stones.. one will have a hard time in getting any type of polish to adhere to the stones.. Using polish compound like cerium oxide instead of the aluminum oxide.. will reduce the "haze" or "milky" discoloration on the stones.. As for the walnut shells.. These should only be used for jewelry and not rock tumbling..

One of your main issues with tumbling softer minerals and stones, is the grouping you placing one type of stone in with another.. When you start getting into more advanced tumbling and minerals.. you'll have to be more precise with the hardnesses. Typically stones like: Amethyst, Smokey Quartz, Citrine, etc are all within an acceptable range for tumbling.. but it's not wise to place a stones hardness of 3 in with a batch of other stones hardness of 7. The 3 will simply round quicker and not polish and corrupt the whole batch.

http://g.virbcdn.com/i/resize_180x180/PageImage-368482-1588187-100_0427.jpg
Image By Wizard (Small Sampling Of Soft Tumbled Stones)

One thing I noticed about your images.. You have left small pockets in many of the stones (which should be cut or shaped away) with these pockets or channels.. Your allowing for corruption or contamination of the batch, by carrying over grit and other material from the last batch. Personally if your happy with the brand of tumbler your using.. stick with it.. Thou I prefer the "Roto" tumbler over the "Vibe" tumblers.. 89% of the persons I have spoke with have the vibe type of tumbler and have never been able to get an adequate polish. In this case I would use the Vibe tumbler for the first two stages then switch to a roto system for the final two or three stages.

P.S. You've caught me in the middle of an on going tumbling process with some Carmel Jasper Located near the Eastern Shore of maryland/delaware. Hoping I have some before and after images as well as documenting the full process at my site: "Adventures With Stone"

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