How to Tumble Stones
Wash off stones, and brush off debris., Assemble a batch of stones with similar properties., Add stones to the tumbler, along with some grit, a specialty item sold at geology stores, and some cushioning material such as plastic pellets or beads to...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Wash off stones
Cleaner stones mean less upkeep during the tumbling process. -
Step 2: and brush off debris.
Stones should be of roughly the same material hardness, and, for optimal results, the same basic size (though for convenience, multiple sizes can be tumbled at once). , Experts recommend filling the tumbler up to about 50% to 60% of volume for most loads.
Start with a coarser grit, and progress to a finer grit as necessary. , Wait several minutes.
Listen to the tumbler to check for any aggressive sounds that would indicate malfunction.
A steady, shifting noise means that the tumbler is working properly. , Some experts recommend several days, but depending on the rock type, a one-day cycle may be sufficient.
Check stones after one day to see if they need more tumbling. , Every 24 hours, check the stones, and also filter out any built up material that has accumulated.
Pros call this mix “slurry.” It is composed of sloughed off bits from rocks.
For finer tumbling, replace the grit after several days with a finer variety up to several hundred mesh. -
Step 3: Assemble a batch of stones with similar properties.
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Step 4: Add stones to the tumbler
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Step 5: along with some grit
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Step 6: a specialty item sold at geology stores
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Step 7: and some cushioning material such as plastic pellets or beads to prevent stones from being chipped or broken during sustained impact.
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Step 8: Start the tumbler
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Step 9: and check for appropriate function.
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Step 10: Run the tumbler for a long period of time.
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Step 11: Periodically sift out waste materials on a multiple day tumbling.
Detailed Guide
Cleaner stones mean less upkeep during the tumbling process.
Stones should be of roughly the same material hardness, and, for optimal results, the same basic size (though for convenience, multiple sizes can be tumbled at once). , Experts recommend filling the tumbler up to about 50% to 60% of volume for most loads.
Start with a coarser grit, and progress to a finer grit as necessary. , Wait several minutes.
Listen to the tumbler to check for any aggressive sounds that would indicate malfunction.
A steady, shifting noise means that the tumbler is working properly. , Some experts recommend several days, but depending on the rock type, a one-day cycle may be sufficient.
Check stones after one day to see if they need more tumbling. , Every 24 hours, check the stones, and also filter out any built up material that has accumulated.
Pros call this mix “slurry.” It is composed of sloughed off bits from rocks.
For finer tumbling, replace the grit after several days with a finer variety up to several hundred mesh.
About the Author
Larry Price
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow home improvement tutorials.
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