Wow, I love this, I have been collecting colorful stones during my daily walk on my dirt road just because I thought they were so pretty then I stumbled upon your site, Now this takes my stones to another level. Thank you and I subscribed.
Years ago, I was in north Georgia to buy some prospecting equipment from a fellow who ran a camp and gold mine. He was expanding into collectable stones (by the gallon) that people staying that the camp could wash and separate. Originally, he was selling the same crushed rock from his gold mining operation for driveway gravel. He learned that local people were finding some great rocks and semiprecious stones in the stuff he was selling cheap and by the dump truck full. So the roads are not just paved in gold sometimes.
Really enjoy your videos. Its been said that you might be the Bob Ross of Lapidary artists! Id say that is fitting. Thanks for these awesome tutorials.
I've tried this baking soda and sugar trick during polish twice with two different results. The first time, it went mostly fine. The second time I found my tumbler had popped and almost all the rocks and slurry had fallen out. I'm no stranger to chemistry, so I know the carbonate would be cause for gas buildup; however, I have a pretty good idea what made the difference between the two results. On the first batch I tightened the lid the way I had been on every round, something like a good 3-and-a-bit hand twists after the nut catches the washer. I did notice gas buildup from the bottom of the barrel bulging, and when I opened it up, the rubber seal had been weeping a little liquid. Not a significant amount, but enough to make it evident that it was burping every now and again. So on the second batch my bright idea was the tighten the lid down way more to avoid the weeping. Had my brain been more engaged, I'd have realized I had created a bomb. I'm not sure when the lid blew off, but it was within 8 hours. I did clean them up (thankfully the tumbler was sat in a container, but it was still a big mess) and reset, sans the baking soda, but I did find that I had some rocks that had chipped. When that popped, there were still a handful of rocks inside smacking against each other. Next time I get to the polishing stage I'll retry the baking soda trick, but with the 3-and-a-bit twist. Hopefully someone finds that useful. No CO2 bombs!
Great comment. I have used baking soda many times without any issue. One time was awful with the bottom of the barrel bulging and I had to release the gas many times throughout the run. I suspect there is a reaction with the minerals in one of the rocks.
Maybe whenever that happens you can make a note of what kinds of rocks you were using, that might help get to the bottom of what rocks may be causing that to happen.
I have a 12 pound Lortone tumbler and have worked the daylights out of it and she's still going strong after many years of service. As far as fractured specimens go, I find lots of those and also the rocks that have lots of gas pocket cavities to.... I just clean em up and run on through! I hate to get rid of a rock just because of a fracture, some of those add a fair amount of character to a rock! Great video and Thank you for it!
Rock tumbling, dogs, and chickens. My kind of guy! If I wasn’t married I’d love to have someone who gets as excited about tumbling as I do! I’m a first-time-tumbler and this vid helped me a lot. Thank you sir!
Agates are my favorite! I stumbled onto your channel by accident. Happy Accident. A total fan because you don't speak over folks head, explain why you use some items over others. Thank you
No worries about the dislikes or nasty comments. Sometimes, the negative comments are warranted and provide constructive feedback. I am still learning. Thanks.
I love rocks I mean its a big hobby of mine so this is just satisfying to watch ever rock has its on personality and beauty so really man I'm going to subscribe just for that!
Thank you for this great video. I've wanted a rock tumbler since I was a kid (I asked EVERY Christmas) and never got one. Mine's arriving Monday. The sugar makes a lot of sense and I think I'll throw it in on my polish phase too. Also thank you for the tips on making sure to remove the broken and cracked ones and making sure everything is completely clean before the polish!
I have a great deal of fun making them. Hopefully, they are getting better as I learn to video and edit. I really struggled on the earlier ones, but they were from the heart. ;-)
When I was a kid, I wanted a rock tumbler. Of course I never got one, so I am now a big kid fulfilling earlier dreams. For sure, tumble again my friend..
Love all your vids!! Your timing is perfect with this one... My first batch is in stage 4, and I was wondering how to burnish them to bring out that shine after this stage. One miner to another, many thanks for sharing your knowledge!! Peace and blessings to you and yours.... :)
Wow! Thank you so much for posting this! Beautiful rocks! Baking soda and sugar..Who knew (well you did, but I certainly didn't) I was disappointed with my first round of rock tumbling, but after watching this, I am excited to try again. Thanks again!
Adding sugar makes a lot of sense, I imagine it helps by making a gelatinous buffer while simultaneously helping the polish adhere to rocks. I'm going to try that next tumble
Love the first one you pulled out with the streak running across. Have picked up plenty of agates as a kid and my younger brother ended up with them for his tumbler. They are still my favorite stone
I really enjoyed the video thank you so much for all of this useful information and I would also like to thank you for your enthusiasm and enjoyment I can feel your energy through my telephone while watching the video that's unique and motivating thank you
Wait until you see the next batch that I am tumbling. I have really high hopes for it. It is in polish now and is probably done, but I will leave it in a while longer, just to be sure. Thanks for the nice comment. It means a lot.
It is a fun hobby, but not for everybody. Quite a few machines are only used once or twice before being hidden away in a cupboard in frustration. Which reminds me, I have to cut up some rock and get a new tumble started. My tumbler has been sitting idle for a week...totally unacceptable. ;-)
Any location with agate in the name sounds like a good place. This weekend, I will be driving by a gravel road named "Blue Rock Road". I can find no info on it so will give it a look-see, maybe there are in fact blue rocks.
Thank you for making this. I have been tumbling, but I couldn't get a shine. I will try the way u did and cross ur fingers it might work. I'll send picks if it does.
Let me know if it works out. The key to a good polish is making sure your barrel and rocks are completely clean. Even make sure the spoon that you use to scoop your polish is clean (no grit from earlier round). Then time. Hard rocks take a while to polish. Followed by burnishing.
Enjoyed seeing this video. I will be looking for agates along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior this summer. I have a rock tumbler and look forward to taking the agates through the steps you show here. I also have a diamond grinding wheel that I use to shape pudding stones and petoskey stones. Thanks for the info. Fran
For your rinsing, use a plastic colander as the metal screen will leave tiny scratches on the stone. It won't be quite as noticeable on the hard agate/jasper stones you are using but if you tumble something soft like apache tears (obsidian) it will look awful.
Hey there buddy, I just stumbled upon your channel as I was searching on how to properly polish rocks. I went out and bought myself a rock tumbler a few months back. But, I didn't buy polish. Lol. Oh, how was I supposed to know? After all, I've never don't this before. So, I when out and got some about a month ago. The tumbler, course grit, fine grit, prepolish and polish have all been in their boxes. I never opened the boxes, in fact, up until a few hours ago, the tumbler and polish kit both been stowed away in my coat closet. Lol. Anyway, I gave you a thumb's up and I clicked on that subscribe button. Thank you for the vid. Thanks to you, I can now finally go find some really cool rocks to toss into my tumbler. I'm excited, can't wait too see how they turn out.
For sure, start tumbling! I just finished the polish tumble of the petrified wood and am loading the video of the result. It should be live in the next hour.
You are so motivating! I cannot wait to build my own tumblers! Hmmm first I gotta find a place to do it. Here in Las Vegas I’m facing limited options. That looks like so much fun.
thanks so much for the soda and soap additions, im going to start my final polish right now.. will let you know how it worked out..Ive tumbled for years but ive never got to the point of finish like the ones i bought..my final polish was 1200 grit and made them pretty but not quite there..????
The absolute basics are a hammer (and eye protection), a tumbler and grit. You can crack the rocks to the size you want with the hammer. Usually, a tumbler comes with some sample rocks and small packages of grit. Enough to get started. Good luck!
Its amazing all the "procces" these little rocks go throu to look as good... But... You started a bit after so... What were the 1st steps and where can we get those products and holder?
That's really cool. 👍 I have a collection of white and white with pink quartz or that's what I "think" it is. I live near a quarry so it could be marble, I suppose. Anyway, I'd love to see it polished but not sure I have that much patience. LOL! You have some really fantastic colors in your collection! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Any advice on how to pre shape the rough rocks that aren’t uniform or full of sharp edges/out of shape, before starting them in the tumbler? I’d like to make some wire wrapped pendants. Thanks and GREAT video!!!
I have used the side of the tile saw blade. I know people who use a Dremel. Others a flat lap or grinder. Best advice is do it wet, so you don't get the dust into your lungs.
did you know where to pick these in your specific area??? I live in Scotland and found some fascinating stones but id no idea where to begin tumbling them etc
These kind of stones are not available where I live. I would have to drive 17 hours for the first decent rockhounding location on Lake Superior. I also know some some spots on the west coast of Canada. Good agate is for sale at rock shops from Mexico and Brazil. Unfortunately, it is easier for me to buy agate than find it.
So we don’t want to use the plastic pellets in the burnish stage to help cushion? I have the used plastic sorted by stage (3, 4 and 5). I’ve been adding the sugar to the polish stage, forgot the bicarbonate. I rewatched and took notes 🤓. Those stones are gorgeous. Me like!
Use plastic beads in any stage. Probably not a good idea to move them from stage 3 to 4 and instead use fresh or only beads used in prior stage 4. The grit from earlier stages might imbed in them. I stopped using sugar and/or baking soda because I had a problem with some rocks getting gassy.
Yes. Petrified wood polishes excellent! I have done it in a tumbler. I want to try some in my vibratory lap. I have seen some museum quality specimens that knocked my socks off. I tend to think roosters make noise basically anytime, especially if they think they want a treat.
You can also take those saw blade ridges off with the edge of the saw blade , rub it agains the side wall with the diamond grit on it . It’ll flatten right out
Have u ever found any tigers eye stones there my favorite. I have one in my pants pocket at all times .when im stressed or worried i pull it out and hold it then i feel better
I used to carry a gold nugget as my "worry stone". Kinda dumb of me. I lost it. Someday, someone will find it outside of the head office of a large computer services company and wonder how it got there. LOL I have never found a tiger eye (or if I did, I didn't recognize it). There is a slightly known spot for facitable moonstone that I want to explore this summer.
The chatoyancy of tiger's eye is due to amphibole (asbestos, but mostly decomposed to limonite) alteration in cherty material. If you rub it a LOT, you might wash your hands before eating or smoking. Overall, it's not especially (asbecially?) dangerous.
Thank you for the tumbling overview! I have a double two-pound rock tumbler that I plan to set up soon, and definitely benefited from a refresher course. I have a question, though - could you use laundry powder instead of Ivory Soap for burnishing? It seems like it would be easier - and I would be less likely to cut myself chopping soap. :))
Some people use Borox. I have not tied laundry soap and wonder if the additives are a bad idea for rocks? Alternatively, I think you can get powdered Ivory Soap, or you can get burnishing powder from a rock shop.
Where did you get the green/brown/white banded agates, or what are they called? I need to get my hands on one to tumble. The color variation is fantastic.
If the rocks that have defects in them get taken out when you run a brand new batch, do you throw them in on the first stage to buff out the issue areas?
For sure that is something that can be done. It is a good idea to rerun rocks that you are not happy with. Sometimes, I also cut them again to expose the flaw.
Here is a random question. I started tumbling a batch it’s in stage 3 and I should go to stage 4 the final polish in two days. But due to unexpected circumstances have to leave out of town and don’t want to leave my tumbler going unattended while I’m out of town. What should I do? Take out the rocks in stage 3, as they will have done a week tumbling and put them in distilled water for 3 days until I return and put them in tumbler to do the final stage 4? What are my options? Didn’t expect or plan for emergencies and don’t want a tumbler running when I am 300 miles from home
I'd leave it running, but since that isn't an option, take them out and clean everything. You don't want to leave rocks in slurry for very long or the slurry might harden.
I noticed you do not have acrylic beads in your first tumble. Does letting the rocks grind against each other (with no beads) yield a better polish? I was taught to fill the tumbler 1/3 full of the rocks you are tumbling, add beads equaling about another 1/3 of the barrel, then pour in the water just to the top of the rocks. I was also told to let them tumble for one week, and the same with the remaining three steps. He said nothing about a water tumble or burnishing tumble. Has anyone had better luck with one method over the other? Many thanks for your help!
I don't usually use beads until stage 3. I don't mind the rocks rubbing each other in stages 1 & 2. You will know that a burnish will help if you rub one of the rocks on a soft cloth for a while ... and see a difference. Usually, it helps.
@@meMiner , when you add beads to the 3rd and 4th tumble, do you do what I have seen others do; add enough beads to fill the barrel 3/4 full? Sorry for all the questions. I have asked others on their youtube channel about this, but have gotten no response.
I just finished a tumble of rocks that I collected from a beach in the Yukon. Some of the rocks out of the tumbler look OK. One that I had high expectations was a bit of a disappointment. Still, my favorite thing to do is self collect.
Very nice pretty rocks! I know there are different kinds, but where did you get your rocks from? The reds & greens are so pretty! Love the green with white stones too.
I have used automotive ArmorAll sometimes, because it will wash off. I hate doing it, unless it is for my own collection, because I feel the need to state that I used something.
You are kind of the Bob Ross of rock tumbling...... keep on rockin' man!!
Bill Wunderlich Hahaha, doesn’t he though! Too funny!😂😂👍🏼
Dude, you so need to start an ASMR soap cutting channel. Your soap cutting skills are legendary. 7:48
LOL I saw my first soap cutting video last night and wondered WTF?
Campbell Lloyd YESSSS
Agreed!!!!
Wow, I love this, I have been collecting colorful stones during my daily walk on my dirt road
just because I thought they were so pretty then I stumbled upon your site, Now this takes
my stones to another level. Thank you and I subscribed.
Years ago, I was in north Georgia to buy some prospecting equipment from a fellow who ran a camp and gold mine. He was expanding into collectable stones (by the gallon) that people staying that the camp could wash and separate. Originally, he was selling the same crushed rock from his gold mining operation for driveway gravel. He learned that local people were finding some great rocks and semiprecious stones in the stuff he was selling cheap and by the dump truck full. So the roads are not just paved in gold sometimes.
I have found so many colorful stones and wonder if they are precious such as emerald
or jade even the white ones are awesome.
Thank you for the reply
You are in the area for it.
The kinda mint green one in your hand at 11:31 is absolutely gorgeous! 😍
Like a piece of candy. ;-)
Nice editing skills my man, keep up.
It takes a while to edit, but is satisfying when it pulls together. Thanks for the nice comment. It means a lot
The black and white stones are incredible! Killer video brother. Thanks
Really enjoy your videos. Its been said that you might be the Bob Ross of Lapidary artists! Id say that is fitting. Thanks for these awesome tutorials.
I'm watching you check on your tumbler.... as I check on my tumbler LOL. Lovely results, as always
LOL Good luck with your tumble. I need to start one up today as I have been away for a while.
I've tried this baking soda and sugar trick during polish twice with two different results. The first time, it went mostly fine. The second time I found my tumbler had popped and almost all the rocks and slurry had fallen out. I'm no stranger to chemistry, so I know the carbonate would be cause for gas buildup; however, I have a pretty good idea what made the difference between the two results. On the first batch I tightened the lid the way I had been on every round, something like a good 3-and-a-bit hand twists after the nut catches the washer. I did notice gas buildup from the bottom of the barrel bulging, and when I opened it up, the rubber seal had been weeping a little liquid. Not a significant amount, but enough to make it evident that it was burping every now and again. So on the second batch my bright idea was the tighten the lid down way more to avoid the weeping. Had my brain been more engaged, I'd have realized I had created a bomb. I'm not sure when the lid blew off, but it was within 8 hours. I did clean them up (thankfully the tumbler was sat in a container, but it was still a big mess) and reset, sans the baking soda, but I did find that I had some rocks that had chipped. When that popped, there were still a handful of rocks inside smacking against each other. Next time I get to the polishing stage I'll retry the baking soda trick, but with the 3-and-a-bit twist. Hopefully someone finds that useful. No CO2 bombs!
Great comment. I have used baking soda many times without any issue. One time was awful with the bottom of the barrel bulging and I had to release the gas many times throughout the run. I suspect there is a reaction with the minerals in one of the rocks.
Maybe whenever that happens you can make a note of what kinds of rocks you were using, that might help get to the bottom of what rocks may be causing that to happen.
I have a 12 pound Lortone tumbler and have worked the daylights out of it and she's still going strong after many years of service. As far as fractured specimens go, I find lots of those and also the rocks that have lots of gas pocket cavities to.... I just clean em up and run on through! I hate to get rid of a rock just because of a fracture, some of those add a fair amount of character to a rock! Great video and Thank you for it!
I have to get my 12 lb tumbler working again. I cannot believe that I ran all winter and now that the weather is nice that it is idle.
A nice peaceful video... This guy loves what he does.
Rock tumbling, dogs, and chickens. My kind of guy! If I wasn’t married I’d love to have someone who gets as excited about tumbling as I do! I’m a first-time-tumbler and this vid helped me a lot. Thank you sir!
Have fun with your projects. I am putting a tumble or rose quartz from polish to burnish today. I am excited to see how the rocks look.
meMiner I will be watching! Thanks for the reply! 👍🏻
That was good to see. I just bought a tumbler and have a few pounds of beach rocks I collected - can't wait for the results!
Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.
See you in 4 weeks :)
Those rocks are too good to be thrown at anyone, that's for sure! Great job!!
LOL and thanks
My kind of ASMR. that soap bit though! And the rocks are stunning! Nice job.
You are just too cool for school man, I absolutely dig your vids ,Keep rocking !
I appreciate that!
Agates are my favorite! I stumbled onto your channel by accident. Happy Accident. A total fan because you don't speak over folks head, explain why you use some items over others. Thank you
Very nice. I have been collecting stones for a few years now and have decided to get a tumbler and see what I have. Quite excited about it too.
I wish you the best of luck with your new hobby. I hope you enjoy it.
For some biased reason I always hit the like button even before the video begins .
Sounds like a good thing. LOL
It's a good habit to get into because you know you're going to like the videos anyways.
A vote of confidence. Thanks
lmao me too :) and ready to throw down some whit to a couple of these thoughtless comments I read, trying to keep myself in check :)
No worries about the dislikes or nasty comments. Sometimes, the negative comments are warranted and provide constructive feedback. I am still learning. Thanks.
I love rocks I mean its a big hobby of mine so this is just satisfying to watch ever rock has its on personality and beauty so really man I'm going to subscribe just for that!
*every
just love it dont know why i waited 15yrs and still have not started … your video though is the push i need ...
Good luck with your project
Thanks for the video. I'm about to try my first batch in a tumbler ever. Wish me luck.
Montana Treasure Hunter Good luck!🍀🍀🙏🏼
Thank you for this great video. I've wanted a rock tumbler since I was a kid (I asked EVERY Christmas) and never got one. Mine's arriving Monday. The sugar makes a lot of sense and I think I'll throw it in on my polish phase too. Also thank you for the tips on making sure to remove the broken and cracked ones and making sure everything is completely clean before the polish!
really nice thanks for documenting that process. I wouldn't have known it takes over a month to tumble rocks.
The harder the rocks, the longer it takes. Thanks for dropping by.
Nice to learn tips I hadn't heard of before. Good stuff, great job!!
This is very educational. And the chicken vocal accompaniment was gold.
I started to hate him when he made too much noise and immediately missed him when he was gone (fox got him).
I really enjoy your videos. Someday I would like to do Rock tumbling. Those agate's were beautiful.
Warning. Rock tumbling is addictive. ;-)
I love this video. I am new to being a rockhound and your video makes me want to go explore plus invest in a rock tumbler.
Thanks Cara
Awesome! Thank you so much for the time spent on your videos! Going to binge watch your channel now lol!
I have a great deal of fun making them. Hopefully, they are getting better as I learn to video and edit. I really struggled on the earlier ones, but they were from the heart. ;-)
First timer here. WOW! You have inspired me to look at rocks in a different light. Thanks
Welcome. Have fun. Warning...rocks can become a passion. ;-)
Thanks for all the tumbler information. That was the best info on how best to use our time and resources for a great outcome!
thanks
Thanks for posting this, now I want to tumble rocks again. I used to as a kid, dad hooked up a lawn mower motor to a coffee can and of i went!
When I was a kid, I wanted a rock tumbler. Of course I never got one, so I am now a big kid fulfilling earlier dreams. For sure, tumble again my friend..
I think they are puuurty nice also! I am so inspired now to create some crazy sculptures! Thank you sir for this video. I'm Fan .
Good luck with your projects Chantal
Gyönyörűek! Mást nem tudok mondani rájuk! Minden egyes darabnak megvan a maga gyönyörűsége! Szebbek az aranynál, legalább is nekem!
LMAO that rooster 🐓 he's got something to say and we're gonna listen!😃
Love all your vids!! Your timing is perfect with this one... My first batch is in stage 4, and I was wondering how to burnish them to bring out that shine after this stage. One miner to another, many thanks for sharing your knowledge!! Peace and blessings to you and yours.... :)
Hope yours turn out amazing.
First time watching and really amazed. Going to get a rock tumbler now I have so many stones that will look great. Thanks I really enjoyed your video.
Awesome! Thank you!
I love explosion of color as you rinse them!
Me too. The great reveal. ;-)
Wow! Thank you so much for posting this! Beautiful rocks! Baking soda and sugar..Who knew (well you did, but I certainly didn't) I was disappointed with my first round of rock tumbling, but after watching this, I am excited to try again. Thanks again!
With the baking soda, make sure you watch for gas build up in the barrel. You may have to release the gas once in a while.
Good to know! Thanks!
Those turned out fantastic! Great stuff.
Thank you! Cheers!
Awe man this video is so cool. I used to pick rocks as a kid all the time. This makes me want to take it to the next level like this cool guy🤟🏼
Just do it! Thanks for the kind words.
Anytime! Thanks for the video
Adding sugar makes a lot of sense, I imagine it helps by making a gelatinous buffer while simultaneously helping the polish adhere to rocks. I'm going to try that next tumble
I like using sugar. I am no longer so keen on baking soda because sometimes it seems to cause gas in the barrel.
Its so much fun polishing rocks. The end results is exciting.
I agree wholeheartedly. ;-)
The amount of excitement he has at the end is so endearing!
Thanks for such a nice comment
@@meMiner :-) No problem
Thanks for sharing your talents.... Enjoyed the chicken and trees in Canada, our northern neighbor.... Brad from West Michigan....👍🎄
Love the first one you pulled out with the streak running across. Have picked up plenty of agates as a kid and my younger brother ended up with them for his tumbler. They are still my favorite stone
I really enjoyed the video thank you so much for all of this useful information and I would also like to thank you for your enthusiasm and enjoyment I can feel your energy through my telephone while watching the video that's unique and motivating thank you
Wait until you see the next batch that I am tumbling. I have really high hopes for it. It is in polish now and is probably done, but I will leave it in a while longer, just to be sure. Thanks for the nice comment. It means a lot.
You are so good at what you do I am learning so much from your videos thank you so much I appreciate your videos God bless
So nice of you
I love your enthusiasm! Had some nice giggles with you in this vid! Beautiful rock babies as I tend to say!!! ☮♾
Thanks. I like your saying "rock babies".
Nice video, nice you got your Grit from Robert Halls in St.George, great place! Rocks looks nice!
I never knew you could do this to rocks. this is about the coolest thing I've seen in a while. I'm into it for sure. Thanks !
I never realised it was such a long process 'not another hobby' I need to get into, but sure appreciate your video it was mesmerizing :)
It is a fun hobby, but not for everybody. Quite a few machines are only used once or twice before being hidden away in a cupboard in frustration. Which reminds me, I have to cut up some rock and get a new tumble started. My tumbler has been sitting idle for a week...totally unacceptable. ;-)
I live near Agate Lake in Oregon and I have a duel drum 6 pound rock tumbler 😀 , great video !
Any location with agate in the name sounds like a good place. This weekend, I will be driving by a gravel road named "Blue Rock Road". I can find no info on it so will give it a look-see, maybe there are in fact blue rocks.
Thank you for making this. I have been tumbling, but I couldn't get a shine. I will try the way u did and cross ur fingers it might work. I'll send picks if it does.
Let me know if it works out. The key to a good polish is making sure your barrel and rocks are completely clean. Even make sure the spoon that you use to scoop your polish is clean (no grit from earlier round). Then time. Hard rocks take a while to polish. Followed by burnishing.
Also if you have rocks that vary too much in hardness together
They’re so beautiful and pretty. Love it your works.
Enjoyed seeing this video. I will be looking for agates along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior this summer. I have a rock tumbler and look forward to taking the agates through the steps you show here. I also have a diamond grinding wheel that I use to shape pudding stones and petoskey stones. Thanks for the info. Fran
Agate, Pudding and Petoskey stone are all excellent rocks for polishing. On your trip, also keep your eye open for copper along those lakes. ;-)
Man that is alot of work. Love seeing these.
It takes some patience for sure. Thanks for the feedback.
For your rinsing, use a plastic colander as the metal screen will leave tiny scratches on the stone. It won't be quite as noticeable on the hard agate/jasper stones you are using but if you tumble something soft like apache tears (obsidian) it will look awful.
Really good advice! I was using plastic, but misplaced it. Probably in the same place as all those single socks that seem to disappear. ;-)
Hey there buddy, I just stumbled upon your channel as I was searching on how to properly polish rocks. I went out and bought myself a rock tumbler a few months back. But, I didn't buy polish. Lol. Oh, how was I supposed to know? After all, I've never don't this before. So, I when out and got some about a month ago. The tumbler, course grit, fine grit, prepolish and polish have all been in their boxes. I never opened the boxes, in fact, up until a few hours ago, the tumbler and polish kit both been stowed away in my coat closet. Lol.
Anyway, I gave you a thumb's up and I clicked on that subscribe button. Thank you for the vid. Thanks to you, I can now finally go find some really cool rocks to toss into my tumbler. I'm excited, can't wait too see how they turn out.
For sure, start tumbling! I just finished the polish tumble of the petrified wood and am loading the video of the result. It should be live in the next hour.
meMiner ok great. I will keep a look out for your new video, I'll receive a notification on my phone. Mood luck with your rocks...
You are so motivating! I cannot wait to build my own tumblers! Hmmm first I gotta find a place to do it. Here in Las Vegas I’m facing limited options. That looks like so much fun.
Good luck with your project
meMiner wow thank you, I dig your videos, they’re never dull, informative and you have a very positive mellow vibe. Have a good one!!
Very informative and detailed video. Thank you very much.
Love the one in the center of the finished batch shaped like a triangle. I love triangle shaped tumbles!!
WOW!! It's like magic, They look so beautiful.
thanks so much for the soda and soap additions, im going to start my final polish right now.. will let you know how it worked out..Ive tumbled for years but ive never got to the point of finish like the ones i bought..my final polish was 1200 grit and made them pretty but not quite there..????
1200 should do the job on most rocks. There are some super ultra aluminum or cerium oxide polishes also available (3000 grit).
Been enjoyin your videos on rock polishin I figured out real quick I don’t have enuff rocks to tumble. Lol
Can never have enough
I love the dark green agate that 's my favouite nice video
Thanks!
Delightful! Thank you! Can’t wait to see more!
I have some rock and empty tumblers. I just need to get my act together to get them rolling...
Good video. I may start tumbling rocks. I live near Lake Michigan. I could try this out on beach rocks. What would I need to start this for a hobby?
The absolute basics are a hammer (and eye protection), a tumbler and grit. You can crack the rocks to the size you want with the hammer. Usually, a tumbler comes with some sample rocks and small packages of grit. Enough to get started. Good luck!
Its amazing all the "procces" these little rocks go throu to look as good... But... You started a bit after so... What were the 1st steps and where can we get those products and holder?
That's really cool. 👍 I have a collection of white and white with pink quartz or that's what I "think" it is. I live near a quarry so it could be marble, I suppose. Anyway, I'd love to see it polished but not sure I have that much patience. LOL! You have some really fantastic colors in your collection! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thanks, this video helped me a lot. I had no idea why my rocks weren't getting shinier. It turns out I was doing the process all wrong lol
I am pleased that you found it helpful.
Super cool. Super pretty rock, real rocks wow.
1:07 Can you please tell me What this rock is ?
I have one and would like to know
agate
Does dumping the freshly polished rocks onto a wire mesh make scratches?
It cannot do them any good.
That’s why I thought. Maybe a rubber mat or plastic.
Robert Hall should sponsor you - great video
Any advice on how to pre shape the rough rocks that aren’t uniform or full of sharp edges/out of shape, before starting them in the tumbler? I’d like to make some wire wrapped pendants. Thanks and GREAT video!!!
I have used the side of the tile saw blade. I know people who use a Dremel. Others a flat lap or grinder. Best advice is do it wet, so you don't get the dust into your lungs.
did you know where to pick these in your specific area??? I live in Scotland and found some fascinating stones but id no idea where to begin tumbling them etc
These kind of stones are not available where I live. I would have to drive 17 hours for the first decent rockhounding location on Lake Superior. I also know some some spots on the west coast of Canada. Good agate is for sale at rock shops from Mexico and Brazil. Unfortunately, it is easier for me to buy agate than find it.
So we don’t want to use the plastic pellets in the burnish stage to help cushion? I have the used plastic sorted by stage (3, 4 and 5). I’ve been adding the sugar to the polish stage, forgot the bicarbonate. I rewatched and took notes 🤓. Those stones are gorgeous. Me like!
Use plastic beads in any stage. Probably not a good idea to move them from stage 3 to 4 and instead use fresh or only beads used in prior stage 4. The grit from earlier stages might imbed in them. I stopped using sugar and/or baking soda because I had a problem with some rocks getting gassy.
meMiner gassy rocks. Who’d a thunk it? 🤣. Thanks!
seems like such a dope hobby
My rooster is crowing too. He might have heard yours in the video. What is it with rock polishers and barnyard fowl?
post script: question - can I polish petrified wood?
Yes. Petrified wood polishes excellent! I have done it in a tumbler. I want to try some in my vibratory lap. I have seen some museum quality specimens that knocked my socks off. I tend to think roosters make noise basically anytime, especially if they think they want a treat.
You can also take those saw blade ridges off with the edge of the saw blade , rub it agains the side wall with the diamond grit on it . It’ll flatten right out
cool
Amazing! Your videos just keep getting better and better!!!
Thanks so much!
Man you got some cool rocks and thanks because I just got a rock tumbler (:
Have fun with your tumbler.
Thanks so much for posting these videos, I'm learning a lot! :D
Thanks so much. I am still learning too.
Have u ever found any tigers eye stones there my favorite. I have one in my pants pocket at all times .when im stressed or worried i pull it out and hold it then i feel better
I used to carry a gold nugget as my "worry stone". Kinda dumb of me. I lost it. Someday, someone will find it outside of the head office of a large computer services company and wonder how it got there. LOL
I have never found a tiger eye (or if I did, I didn't recognize it). There is a slightly known spot for facitable moonstone that I want to explore this summer.
There was an old timer in Montana he always carried a gold nugget and a note for the undertaker he said it would be enough to pay for his funeral.
こういう研磨用機械、私も欲しかったなぁ
The chatoyancy of tiger's eye is due to amphibole (asbestos, but mostly decomposed to limonite) alteration in cherty material. If you rub it a LOT, you might wash your hands before eating or smoking. Overall, it's not especially (asbecially?) dangerous.
meMiner IP
Thank you for the tumbling overview! I have a double two-pound rock tumbler that I plan to set up soon, and definitely benefited from a refresher course. I have a question, though - could you use laundry powder instead of Ivory Soap for burnishing? It seems like it would be easier - and I would be less likely to cut myself chopping soap. :))
Some people use Borox. I have not tied laundry soap and wonder if the additives are a bad idea for rocks? Alternatively, I think you can get powdered Ivory Soap, or you can get burnishing powder from a rock shop.
@@meMiner Or, I could stop being such a wimp and start chopping. :) Thanks!
Where did you get the green/brown/white banded agates, or what are they called? I need to get my hands on one to tumble.
The color variation is fantastic.
I bought them at a rock and mineral show. They had them in bags at one of the booths. It think I paid about $20 for 3 lbs.
@@meMiner Thank you. Any idea what they were calling them?
Yes! I definitely enjoyed watching. Thanks.
Thanks Stephen
If the rocks that have defects in them get taken out when you run a brand new batch, do you throw them in on the first stage to buff out the issue areas?
For sure that is something that can be done. It is a good idea to rerun rocks that you are not happy with. Sometimes, I also cut them again to expose the flaw.
That was awesome! Beautiful rocks!
Wow, it also so beautiful! What the products to use and the process,?
Just used a rock tumbler in a 4 step process.
Here is a random question. I started tumbling a batch it’s in stage 3 and I should go to stage 4 the final polish in two days. But due to unexpected circumstances have to leave out of town and don’t want to leave my tumbler going unattended while I’m out of town. What should I do? Take out the rocks in stage 3, as they will have done a week tumbling and put them in distilled water for 3 days until I return and put them in tumbler to do the final stage 4? What are my options? Didn’t expect or plan for emergencies and don’t want a tumbler running when I am 300 miles from home
I'd leave it running, but since that isn't an option, take them out and clean everything. You don't want to leave rocks in slurry for very long or the slurry might harden.
Thank you. You are so awesome to help
Thanks for shearing I think the rocks looks very good
Happy Hunting to you
Thanks much!
I noticed you do not have acrylic beads in your first tumble. Does letting the rocks grind against each other (with no beads) yield a better polish? I was taught to fill the tumbler 1/3 full of the rocks you are tumbling, add beads equaling about another 1/3 of the barrel, then pour in the water just to the top of the rocks. I was also told to let them tumble for one week, and the same with the remaining three steps. He said nothing about a water tumble or burnishing tumble. Has anyone had better luck with one method over the other? Many thanks for your help!
I don't usually use beads until stage 3. I don't mind the rocks rubbing each other in stages 1 & 2. You will know that a burnish will help if you rub one of the rocks on a soft cloth for a while ... and see a difference. Usually, it helps.
@@meMiner , when you add beads to the 3rd and 4th tumble, do you do what I have seen others do; add enough beads to fill the barrel 3/4 full? Sorry for all the questions. I have asked others on their youtube channel about this, but have gotten no response.
Have you ever used the stones and pebbles you find in the fields that are not agates?
I just finished a tumble of rocks that I collected from a beach in the Yukon. Some of the rocks out of the tumbler look OK. One that I had high expectations was a bit of a disappointment. Still, my favorite thing to do is self collect.
Very nice pretty rocks! I know there are different kinds, but where did you get your rocks from? The reds & greens are so pretty! Love the green with white stones too.
These were agates from a (somewhat) local rock shop
Bro, these look SO AWESOME!!!
Thanks much!
All rocks look good coming out of the tumbler when wet, but when dry they loose their kuster. do you ever use a spray on finish to make them shine?
I have used automotive ArmorAll sometimes, because it will wash off. I hate doing it, unless it is for my own collection, because I feel the need to state that I used something.
Awesome. I have had garnets tumbling for 3days now and the slurry looks like cement. Is this normal
Yep. I had the same with red garnet from River Valley, Ontario
Great job Sir