Does anybody tumble their own rocks/stones?
By blondbat
@blondbat (503)
United States
April 9, 2007 4:05pm CST
I have a rock tumbler that I bought to tumble/polish my polymer clay stuff and have a pretty good idea how to do that. Although I am still experimenting with different methods - wet/dry, lining the drum with sandpaper vs. cut up pieces, etc.
Doe anybody tumble rocks/stones you collect yourself? Last time I went beachcombing I picked up some shells and some rocks. Unfortunately all the stuff I have for the tumblers is for the clay stuff.
Any tips on tumbling rocks & stones?
2 people like this
2 responses
@agwbabycakes (188)
• Canada
10 Apr 07
When I was 10 for my birthday my dad bought me a small hobby rock tumbler, I used to love it. Since then I don't tumble stones but I do tumble my sterling jewelry in steel shot and detergent to harden and clean it.
@blondbat (503)
• United States
10 Apr 07
I have heard that is a good use as well. I make jewelry and have wanted to try that. I had heard that tumbling jump rings and wire jewelry like that strengthens the wire, kind of toughens it up as well as cleaning it.
Where do you buy the steel shot, online?
1 person likes this
@grayangel (274)
• United States
9 Apr 07
I use a grit. I have been on the 2nd cycle for about 1 and half weeks now, the rocks have gotten better, but I am going to keep him in the drum for about another week and then go to the 3rd cycle, then they will be done!
@blondbat (503)
• United States
9 Apr 07
I have been doing a lot of internet research on the subject. It started as info on what else I could use to tumble with my Poly clay stuff, but now that I picked up some rocks/stones and shells that may end up in my jewelry, I am trying to figure out what to use.
I have a 2-barrel tumbler so the rocks are in 1 and the poly clay stuff is in the other. I am using the same polishing stuff for both - a LOT of sandpaper. I put 1/4 inch squares in as well as lined the barrels with it.
1 person likes this
