Rock tumblers are the ideal solution for turning ordinary stones into beautifully polished works of art. These polished rocks can then become jewelry or can be turned into various other craft projects. Two different models are available, each with their own unique way of being used.
The rotary style is the one that is most commonly used. This type allows you to seal the stones into a rubber barrel. Tumbling grit and water is added to the barrel which then rolls around for a minimum of one week while the stones roll around inside.
The rotary unit is a process that requires four steps. Each step uses a different type of grind from very coarse to very fine. These steps will each take approximately one week to complete. To obtain a superb shape stone, some people use the coarse grind for two weeks or more. Beginners may choose to check their stones after the first week and then rerun the machine with the coarse grind for any that they would like to see the shape improved on.
The alternate model, the vibratory unit works by vibrating so much that it shakes the rocks to create a friction that will remove the dirt and grime. After 24 hours or less they can be rinsed clean of the dirt and used grit. These steps are then repeated until the dirt has been removed and the stones all have the look you desire.
When all is said and done, the vibratory model takes from three to seven days to complete. Due to the fact that it is a much quicker process, many wonder why it is not more commonly used. The biggest reason is the price. It can cost up to 50 percent more than the cost of the rotary unit.
Another reason it remains second in popularity is that it does not have the same ability to round out the stones the way the more popular rotary unit can. Some people choose to use both models to achieve a rounded stone in a quicker amount of time. The rotary unit will round out the rocks while the vibratory model will polish them quicker saving several weeks worth of time.
They type of rock is an important factor in determining how long the process will take. Softer stones including calcite, obsidian, fluorite, and marble can change within three days when placed in a coarse grit. Harder stones will of course take longer. Harder stones include petrified wood, jasper, quartz, and agate. These types can take several weeks longer than the softer ones do.
A fun hobby or money making hobby, rock tumblers can turn any rock into a treasured gem within a few weeks to a couple of months. Although it may take a while, the wait is well worth the rewards. You can polish nearly any stone you find and should. You never know what you might find underneath the dirt.
The rotary style is the one that is most commonly used. This type allows you to seal the stones into a rubber barrel. Tumbling grit and water is added to the barrel which then rolls around for a minimum of one week while the stones roll around inside.
The rotary unit is a process that requires four steps. Each step uses a different type of grind from very coarse to very fine. These steps will each take approximately one week to complete. To obtain a superb shape stone, some people use the coarse grind for two weeks or more. Beginners may choose to check their stones after the first week and then rerun the machine with the coarse grind for any that they would like to see the shape improved on.
The alternate model, the vibratory unit works by vibrating so much that it shakes the rocks to create a friction that will remove the dirt and grime. After 24 hours or less they can be rinsed clean of the dirt and used grit. These steps are then repeated until the dirt has been removed and the stones all have the look you desire.
When all is said and done, the vibratory model takes from three to seven days to complete. Due to the fact that it is a much quicker process, many wonder why it is not more commonly used. The biggest reason is the price. It can cost up to 50 percent more than the cost of the rotary unit.
Another reason it remains second in popularity is that it does not have the same ability to round out the stones the way the more popular rotary unit can. Some people choose to use both models to achieve a rounded stone in a quicker amount of time. The rotary unit will round out the rocks while the vibratory model will polish them quicker saving several weeks worth of time.
They type of rock is an important factor in determining how long the process will take. Softer stones including calcite, obsidian, fluorite, and marble can change within three days when placed in a coarse grit. Harder stones will of course take longer. Harder stones include petrified wood, jasper, quartz, and agate. These types can take several weeks longer than the softer ones do.
A fun hobby or money making hobby, rock tumblers can turn any rock into a treasured gem within a few weeks to a couple of months. Although it may take a while, the wait is well worth the rewards. You can polish nearly any stone you find and should. You never know what you might find underneath the dirt.
About the Author:
For those who enjoy making jewelry from stones and need supplies such as those found at www.jerrysrockandgem.com, rock tumblers are an important piece of equipment to own. These devices can polish stones until they gleam, for more information check out http://www.jerrysrockandgem.com.
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