Rock Tumbling 101 | A Guide for Beginners
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- Опубликовано: 1 ноя 2021
- Learn to tumble rocks like a pro! This video was so fun to make and took a really long time! I have included the process I used below to help you out! A big shout out to Ragnar Rocks for his awesome tumbling guide that gave these gorgeous results! Please go check out his channel! Enjoy!
How to Tumble Rocks
1. Fill tumbler 2/3 full of rocks and ceramic media.
2. Add water to just under the level of the rocks.
3. Add one scoop of grit 1 per pound of rock (I did 2 scoops).
4. Tumble for 8 days.
5. Rinse rocks throughly.
6. Tumble rocks for one day in water and a drop of dish soap (you can use shaved ivory soap or borax too).
7. Continue the above steps through grit 4 (polish).
8. Woohoo! Cool shiny rocks!
My Must Have Rockhounding Items:
(These are affiliate links. Engaging, clicking, and purchasing items helps to support this channel :))
Books:
Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks & Minerals: amzn.to/3jo3H1h
Minnesota Rocks & Minerals: amzn.to/3lwmeem
Lake Superior Agates: Identify Agates and Imposters!: amzn.to/37eTDlA
Rockhounding:
Cooling Towel: amzn.to/2WKdY0n
Fanny Pack: amzn.to/3kHESy2
Rock Tumbling:
Rock Tumbler Grit: amzn.to/3DEDvbS
Double Barrel Rock Tumbler: amzn.to/3yuQ6uA
Double Barrel Rock Tumbler (cheaper option): amzn.to/2VbCOWk
Filming Equipment:
Microphone (for iPhone): amzn.to/2WHZei4
Filming Device: amzn.to/3kJWol9
Phone Tripod: amzn.to/3mT667y
Microphone Mod for (GoPro Hero 9): amzn.to/3t9Rr8X
Other GoPro Accessories: amzn.to/3yF7EUO
Follow me on Tik Tok: vm.tiktok.com/ZMdTdS79y/
Follow me on Instagram: / agateariel
#agateariel #thefinders #rocktumbling #rockhounding
Happy Hounding!
Cracks me up knowing I'm not the only one who gets excited and sings out "Who wants to see some rocks?!"
Tumbling is a great beginning hobby. Remember, that joining a local rock club may be the best next step in your journey of this exciting hobby. It will give you more insight about rocks in general and how they formed as well as access to equipment and likeinded new friends to go hunt with. (40 years member of a Texas Gem and Mineral Club) you won't be sorry !
You are so right! How do I go about finding a local rock club?
I travel the country. And I’m new to this. Would love to link up around the country to learn and work together. Nature really has beautiful things to show us
@@AgateAriel did you ever find a rock club? I'd love to be part of it! If not maybe we can start one😎
Just don't fall for the atheist beliefs.
Do you earn from this ? time is gold for traveling hobby ?
Tumbling rocks was one of the few fun things I did in Iraq. The rocks we polished were used on the roads at Camp Victory. They came from the Tigris and Euphrates river.
Wow I’m glad you were able to do that in Iraq-such a relaxing and fun hobby!
Do you still have any!?
@@freeleonardpeltier4148Yes, what is interesting is that I found 2 naturally heart shaped stones. I gave the rest of my unpolished stones to my old college Geology dept.
I’m new at rock tumbling (at the age of 58). Your video gave me some great information for tumbling that I appreciate. Thank you for sharing your passion with all of us!
Any age is a great age to start rockhounding! Glad your joining the hobby! 😊
I'm 57 and want to get into tumbling, it looks like a fun hobby. 🪨👍🏻
This is a great introduction to tumbling. I've thought about doing a similar channel, but life decides I have other priorities. I would add some notes to anyone finding this video as they prepare to tumble for the first time. First, NEVER dump the waste water in a sink or drain. The ground rock and grit turns into a cement that will cause your plumbing issues in a hurry. The second thing I do is keep tumbling media for recycled use by the step. That is, I keep my step 1 ceramic and reuse it on step 1 in the future. That way there is absolutely no way grit will travel with the ceramic. I use plastic filler material for pre-polish and polish. Lastly, I found some polish I can use with a Dremel or similar tool to add some finishing shine. Mineral oil will also fill in any scratches and nicks to make your rocks extra brilliant.
Thank you so much for the extra tips!! Tumbling is such a fun hobby but there are definitely lots of things to remember so I really appreciate it! 😊
You to nice
When you say keep step 1 ceramic and reuse on step one. Please can you explain a little more because I think it's a brill tip and I mostly understand but just want clarity. Lol. I got s tumbler yesterday, so am beyond a newbie!
@@NorthernAuburn Basically, if you use filler media during step 1, keep it once the run is complete. The next time you polish rocks and need filler to do step 1, you can reuse it. Do NOT use your filler media from step 1 in step 2+, as you may inadvertently carry over some of the harsher grit. I personally user ceramic on steps 1 and 2 for filler. I have a jar for each once the run is done. For steps pre-polish and polish, I have plastic filler, and again I have a jar of each so my pre-polish filler never mixes into the polish stage.
Great explanation rock garden!
I never put media in the 1st step. I also use 46/70 grit as my 1st step grit. You can shave about 4 days off your 1st step. I use ceramic media from the 2nd step & on. I do 5 steps instead of 4, plus I burnish after every step is complete & I use Borax powdered soap, never dish soap. I'm a very picky person when it comes to tumbling, so I figure if you're going to go through weeks, sometimes months of waiting, the rocks might as well come out as perfect as they can. Love the agates. Great video, Ariel
Love it! I may have to try the 46/70 grit! We definitely all have our own way to tumble and some of my ways have changed since this video as well! I agree, that borax is definitely a better cleaner!
@@AgateAriel If you switch to the 46/70 grit, you'll be amazed by how much better it works than the 60/90 grit. I get my grit from The Rock Shed, as well
Wow, I could never wait for 1+ months to get them finished. Your have a lot of patience.
Haha it definitely is a patient hobby!
Great tumbling. Love the rocks and your cheery personality. To be as excited about rocks as we all are is something not everyone understands. A strong bond with nature I bet. I've been a proud rock nerd since I was a kid. Truly a great hobby and pastime and to have a host with enthusiasm is even better. I love to pop them back in if they need a little more love. Keep the videos coming and happy polishing!
Thank you so much! Yes it really is a great hobby and everyone is so friendly and welcoming in the hobby! I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something fun to do! 😊
I'm 11, and I just started a Rock tumbling channel! You video helps a lot! Although, what I am currently using is sand from the beach, rocks I can find anywhere, and a small tumbler. It would be great we we could get a one on one and I could get some extra tips from you! Stay Safe, Devin
I'm not into rocks or anything. But every time I pass by your video, and it starts playing automatically, I get distracted... mesmerized... captivated.
When I use to tumble rocks and the polish was in the nooks, I would use a toothbrush to remove the residue. That way I didn't make the rock any smaller nor worry about breakage. Love your video's!
Great idea!! Thank you! 😊
I too clean them with a toothbrush between stages. It's all a preference thing though.
Definitely! I have started using a toothbrush now and it’s been working really well!
I’ve never seen someone so excited about rocks.
Just got my first tumbler a few days ago and am so glad i found your video!! Thanks for all the information.
Thank you Ariel very cool
Thank you!
Ben???
* screams while holding a small lemon tree *
I just wanted to say that I absolutely LOVE this video! I’ve probably watched it 10 times lol. It’s the best tumbler tutorial I’ve seen! And your happiness/excitement is contagious! I can’t wait to get started tumbling myself! Thank you for sharing! ❤
Oh wow thank you so much!! I’m so glad you liked it and it could be useful! 😊
I'm on my first pre polish I'm so glad I found this before the last step thank you
This video just appeared in my feed. I’ve been interested in how the rock tumbling process is done. So very interesting the results plus your great personality and enthusiasm for your craft made me want to see more of what you do. Live long and prosper 🖖.
Thank you so much! I’m glad I could introduce you to rock tumbling-it’s a great hobby!
Great job! Love the split screen with before & after. Thanks for a great video.
Thanks so much!
Awesome looking rocks!! I love the progression between stages..it's very cool watching rocks transform into gems👌
Right it is definitely my favorite part! So cool how different they look when they are done!
Thank you so much for a family friendly and…wait for it…polished video!
I just started tumbling rocks and used this video for a guide. Thanks for the video!
Your channel has made me keep going back to my tumbled rock collection and sift through them. I collect tumbled rocks mainly because of the smoothness of them and also the way some of the rocks come out in different shapes. I really look for ones with interesting crevasses that I can run my fingers through them and hold in my hands nicely. They help me with focusing and staying calm when I get anxious, so seeing people tumble rocks always makes me smile 💜
I am new at this, so I didn't wash between step one and step 2. Plus I have to get ceramic. This is a fun hobby, I never knew it took so long to tumble. Thank you for this video, super helpful.
Yes it is definitely a patient persons hobby! 😅 ceramic media isn’t always needed until step 3 and 4 so no worries there! I’m sure not washing them between will be okay too, just try to remember to do it next time 😊
i would of forgotten to record half of this, props to you for not getting too excited and skipping steps haha
Haha well thank you!! It definitely took a lot of patience and time but I was so worth it in the end!
My daughter is getting into rocks and tumbling and she loveddd this video. We are newbies and i personally liked how you explained it! Thank you and i cant wait to go through more videos and just learn about rockhounding and such. Thanks again!
Thank you for the walk through, as someone who had no idea how much time it would take. I have so many rocks and thinking about getting a tumbler.
Great before and afters, wow. Great video on tumbling. Love your process, good tips. Your rocks really shine!
Thank you!! I have definitely learned a lot since I started!
since this is tumbling 101 i thought there would be more explaining of what’s happening, what’s being used, why steps are taken etc.
She's using different grades of grit, sort of like sandpaper but without the paper. the first stage is more aggressive/abrasive, and as they get smoother, the other stages use smaller/finer grit which removes less rock from the stones being tumbled.
OMG 😀 We will use this video through our first rock tumbling journey 👍 You were pleasant, easy to understand and thorough. Great video Roxi & Aaron
This is an awesome video. thanks!! My 6-year-old boy collects rocks and I've had a Tumblr that I've wanted to use for a long time. I bought it years ago cuz I always throw 'interesting' rocks in my pocket when I'm out gold panning. Weeee!!🤠
Oh that’s awesome! It is a great hobby you can enjoy at any age! 🙌😊
I just got a rock tumbler after considering for a long time- so excited to use it once i get my grit and ceramic media ! Ive been watching as many videos as i can so my first vatch has a good chance of being successful
This is wild. I have been collecting rocks for a long time, and my wife had the idea of a rock tumbler this christmas. This is great stuff. My second set of rocks didn't come out as shiny as I had hoped. You have beautiful rocks. Thanks for compressing your headaches into a tutorial so I dont have to struggle.
I'm a surface Driller, in Scotland, I love your patience , and how you hold back wee guys that you feel need more attention,
Thank you Ariel, I took your advice and I am in the process or re-tumbling and I will also ensure I wash them really good. Thank you again!
Of course-glad I could help! 😊
Looks like a collection from Lake Superior. Nice video as I needed a reminder of grit amounts and time tumbling. Thanks
Yes I definitely had several in there from Lake Superior! Glad I could help! 😊
A friend of mine does FaceTime and repairs for Ben Bridge. He got me started in rockhounding and tumbling/polishing. One of the greatest tricks he taught me was using high quality two part resin. It fills cracks and holes, gives a deeper look and adds to shine. Cracks are less apt to break. Holes disappear and don't look like they were ever there. I stress high quality, which won't be cheap, but if it's good enough for use at jewelry stores its good enough for me.
This is for smaller (gold ball sized or smaller is easiest until you get used to it) as you have to avoid over runs that will be harder to sand away. If you use a heat release glue, like a UV glue and a wooden skewer you can brush the resin on easily leaving a very small hole in it. I set them into cork board for drying. When the resin has completely cured I use a hair dryer to heat the UV glue and release it. Fill the hole left from the skewer, let it cure and sand with high grit wet/dry and done.
Im up to rocks that take half inch dowels and a vice to hold them while they cure. Idk how conventional this is in the rockhounding world but their my rocks so I do with them as I do. Same for you.
Wow that is so interesting and I have never heard of doing rocks this way before! I will have to look into that as it might be fun to experiment with. Thanks for sharing! 🙌
Thank You! They look beautiful!
Thank you! 😊
I learned so much. I learned so many important steps other channels just don’t teach. Thank you so much.
Valuable info
Thank you! Glad it was helpful!
I'm about to start my rock tumbling journey TODAY!! and checked out your video for any last minute info I may need to incorporate! Anyway, LOVE IT! You and your rocks are super cool! I'm so freaking excited lol
Yay! That is so cool!! I hope your rock tumbling journey is successful! 🙌😊
She Really loves tumbling rocks. ☺
Well the rocks do look nice.
Makes me want to run to the beach ⛱️ while it's still warm and collect some interesting rocks 🪨- I'll have something to do when the snow ❄️ is on the ground!
I've always liked rocks and wanted to take up the hobby.
I like the red/black banded one and the green/white one (reminds me of a turtle 🐢)
I am planning on getting a rock tumbler soon.
Tyfs and be blessed 🙌
Great video thanks for the intro- convinced me to buy my first tumbler kit!
That is so awesome good luck on your tumbling journey! 😊
Thank you for showing how you tumble rocks. I got lots of cool rocks that will be amazing when I can do this.
Of course-I hope your tumbling journey is successful! 😊
@@AgateAriel thank you. I’ve already found some cool rocks and cannot what to tumble them.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video
Of course! 😊
Great video! I have collected a lot but never polished any before!
Thank You for the video.great job explaining.
Thank you!
I'm really happy you made this video, now I know what I did wrong with my last set of tumbles, I'm excited to re-tumble them the right way :)
Yay! So glad I could help! Let me know if my tips and tricks helped once your batch is done! 😊
This has been the best video to watch…my aunt used to have one of these and I have always wanted one…I am a rock lover thanks to my aunt (good memories collecting rocks) and I could spend days collecting and looking at them…my husband asked what I wanted for Christmas and now I can give him an answer…☺️. Thanks for this video great video …plus it will be a fun project to do with my two little grand sons . I have given them love of rocks to them and we collect.
That’s so awesome! I’m glad you have great memories with your aunt! I hope your tumbling journey goes well! 😊
Great Lakes rocks are so awesome! I'm taking a vacation there to rock hunt in September with my mom. That green red rock and the galaxy stone are awesome! 💎
They really are! I absolutely the north shore for rockhounding!
This is The very BEST tutorial that I've seen!!! Thank you so much!!
Wow, thanks so much!
Lovely video, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching! 😊
Cool. I just moved to upstate SC and there are so many places to find cool rocks. Coming from florida..So everything looks so unique to me. Just got a tumbler. Subbed to learn more. Thanks!
Oh that’s awesome! Yes new places are always so fun to check out because the geology can be so different!
sooooo helpful! i adore rocks and i’m just starting to tumble so this showed me what i was doing wrong lol
Thank you-I’m glad I could help! 😊
I LOVE tumbling! I have the same dual 3lb timber setup you have and I got me a 15lb Thumblers Tumbler a fee months ago that I absolutely love! I've never used the ceramic pellets before nor have I tumbled with water and dish soap before in between either. Both are going to be added to my process! Thanks!
Tumbling is so much fun! I have never used the Thumbler Tumbler. Love that it’s a 15lb barrel! Would be great for larger rocks!
@@AgateAriel absolutely! I did bigger rocks a few times but I mainly use it now to do a whooooole bunch of smaller ones 😁
Great tumble job Ariel! Love that galaxy stone! Eventually, you'll have a variety of rocks sitting around in various stages to throw in so you don't have to use as much media!
So true!! Thank you again for the guide! Can I mention you in my video info?
@@AgateAriel yes of course!
Perfect done! 😊
Very nice video and you’re a wonderful woman. Your neighbors are fortunate.
Great video!! Thanks for the tips!
Thank you!
This video was soo helpful!! My boyfriend and I just got into rockhounding, were definitely investing in a tumbler 😊
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome ❤
Wonderful rocks.
Thank you!
I am such an amateur. Need to step up, love your work x.
I love the Tiger’s eye
love your accent made the whole video quite fun to watch
Thank you! Glad you liked the video! 😊
Nice! You are getting me in the mood for prettying up some myself.
That’s awesome-I hope you do!
@@AgateAriel I have a 12 pound single barrel, Lortone brand. I used to make rocket motor propellent in it. Then, 2 of my grand children came along, I bought the 3 or 4 compounds, a few bags of suggested rocks and we made a couple of quarts of nice stones. Took a month with changing compound once a week. Those 2 kids have went from 10 years old to 22 and 23 years old now. I have great grand children now and last summer I went to the "rock shop", and bought more compound and rocks. I also did some landscaping with river rock and I think I will get the 2 girls, 4 and 5 yrs old to help pick out some nice rocks. All compounds and rocks are in brown paper bags in the garage. Typing this long comment kicked me in gear to get the 2 girls and get started.
Jox Rox
4825 North Franklin Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Entertaining video. My daughter wouldn't let me skip ahead.
I’m so glad you two liked it! 😊
allright!
you found some rocks!
wow very nice , good video too
Just got a Lortone as a second hand gift. It had no instructions so I’m here 🤣
I love my lortone!!
So I have always thought tumbling rocks was so cool. I had a tumbler as a kid, but as an adult I haven't really put any time into the hobby. Getting older I do find alot of joy in the things Mother Nature gives us. I just found your channel, and will definitely subscribe. I do have one question for you or any of your subscribers: " Where can I go *in-store* to find tumbler, and supplies at an affordable price"?
You look happy doing these.. Its so cool how sometimes its the smallest things, and the most "boring" things to others that are actually very calming and amazingly interesting. 👍🔥💯
Yes tumbling is so much fun and such a great hobby! I’m not entirely sure about places in store. I would search for rock stores near your area to start. 😊
Oh wow! Im a rock hound! I stayed in alaska with my husband while he was working up there …i collected stones and ended up with buckets of them…..my husband boxed em up in if it fits it ships boxes…the large size..had to duck tape the boxes…and sent about 22 boxes home to michigan….im going to,get a tumbler and start tumbling these babies!
I like it and enjoy it and I have 3 harbor freight tools dulal drum tumblers
Tip: the polish is UV reactive you can find out how much is left still with a UV flashlight.
Whaaat I didn’t know that!!! Totally going to try that out!
@@AgateAriel what did you find out?
Always wanted a rock tumbler :)
They are so awesome! I definitely recommend it!
Great video. I live in central Oregon and looking to buy that same model tumbler so thank you for all the info
Of course! Yes I really like mine! It’s very durable and high quality!
Thank you for your content! I got the clearance 11 dollar max Tumblr from Walmart and you have me definitely wanting a better one since that only tumbles 4oz.
Yes it is such a great hobby! I hope your rocks turn out awesome!
My kid got a rock tumbler. It's on my kitchen counter and very driving me insane. But the quarts are looking awesome every grit change
Great job!!
Nice video Ariel!!
Thank you!!
Nice
Thanks!
A. Women
@@AgateAriel you won't to look at my Rocks
Good job,lm learning ✋
That’s awesome!
nice. just got dual one from harbor freight yesterday. they didn't have grit tho, so gotta wait for that from ebay. just want the kids to tumble some kool ones they find. thank you
After watching your video, I finally figured out that for my entire life i've been saying "agate" all wrong...
Oh I totally get it! I I have said a lot of the the rocks names wrong at the start! Glad I could help!!
Thank you! 😊
I just got a rock tumbler for Christmas something I enjoy starting doing
That’s awesome! Rock tumbling is a great hobby!
I live in a apartment though
I have heard of some people putting it under a styrofoam cooler which can help with the noise
Not only great for jewelry... But also can be great for gardens and ponds and aquariums.
I got my 6 year boy one !!! He loves Rocks!!
I love this
Thank you!
When you rinse the rocks off and the water is dirty it pays to rinse again till water is fairly clean, I also add a teaspoon of borax for cleaning. Thx for sharing and stay safe and rock on. 👍🇦🇺
That is very true! I have definitely learned that the cleaner the water, the better!
I just purchased my rock tumbler. I love agate hunting.
Just found your channel . I'm new to rock collecting
Just bought a tumbler! Unfortunately I didn't know about those white pellets to help the process so need to order some. It came with 4 step trial packets of grit so will need to buy more! On its second day of tumbling!
Very interesting
Just got a tumbler for Christmas and I heard not to use the grit that comes with it so I'm here to hopefully find out!
Pretty cool. Would like to get into rock tumbling. Just not a lot of nice rocks in my area. Have to drive three hours in any direction to get out of corn fields. Thanks for the video
Oh bummer! Depending on where you are at, corn fields (after plowing) can be a great place to look-just make sure to ask the farmers first!
@@AgateAriel my neighbor let's me look through the field stone. Some conglomerates with mica and some granite. One I need to split to identify. Just semi retired and have more time for Rockhounding and my other million hobbies 🙂
I liked the 'egg over ez' that you called the 1st one.
Agreed that one looks cool!
You are so bubbly and happy when you are exploring all of the new depth and dimensions in the processing of your rocks that the entire sequence becomes intriguing. Your personality is as beautiful as your smile. I'm not trying to run any pickup lines by you as I am in a relationship with a young lady who is the world to me (she may not feel as lucky as she makes me feel but that's understandable. I got the better deal out of the relationship definitely). Also I feel like that would be disrespectful to you as well. This is not a dating site but your passion and excitement are contagious and therefore you are deserving of compliment
Well thank you I appreciate it and I’m glad you like my content! 😊
@@AgateAriel absolutely like the content. I'm an incorrigible rockhound and the OCD and ADHD together would have definitely been focused on rocks and minerals for most of my 48 years. Thank you for sharing the content
Thank you,I am starting out ,to make a collection for my Great Grandchildren . R.
Oh that is awesome!
@@AgateAriel Thank you, **shy Smile** They are both awesome too. Best wishes from Albany Western Australia. Captain Robert
good job.
Thanks!
They look good alreaddy
Agreed!
It's 2:20am and I'm watching this
Brand new at this. Really helpful video thank you. Can you reuse the ceramic?
You definitely can just make sure it’s really clean before you’re next use!
Do you save your ceramic pellets between batches? If so, do you just let them dry and store them in the original container with the unused pellets?