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Buying a Rock Tumbler This Week, Any Tips ?
East-Auck-Fossicker  
Posted : Wednesday, 6 February 2013 8:09:33 AM(UTC)
East-Auck-Fossicker

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Hi Everyone,
Back again after having some computer problems. Buying a rock tumbler this week and also looking at a vibrating machine. Got piles of rocks at home with small spicks of gold in them, so thought they would look better tumbled and polished. So I would welcome any tips on using a tumbler.
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NUGGY  
Posted : Wednesday, 6 February 2013 9:50:41 AM(UTC)
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Hi EAF, You will probably find the tumbling action will knock or grind out the visible gold first, as when the rocks and grit are grinding together the softest material is always removed first.
Vibrating machines are faster than rotating tumblers at getting a good finish and for stones that suit tumbling it would be fine. Some rock specimens do not tumble well a book or on-line guide will tell you which.
You might consider getting a diamond wheel grinding set up, to use on your gold/rock samples. Further research and lapidary books will let you know which set up is best for what you want to do.
NUGGY
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