Batch 73: Ready for Stage 2

Using the QT12 (12lb barrel) for Stage 1 (F60grit) means that the Stage 2 (220grit) readies drawer for Gemstone Beach stones fills up very quickly. Batch 73 is made up of stones that have already tumbled once or twice in F60grit (Stage 1) and are ready for Stage 2.

The 6lb barrel can easily fit over 200 stones in one go so is a good option for clearing the readies drawer when it becomes so full I can’t close it! If you read this post however, you’ll see that my thinking is beginning to change when it comes to using these bigger barrels for polishing. This may be the last batch that polishes in the 6lb barrel.

Batch 73: 6lb Tumbler 2

Stage 2: 220grit

Number of Stones: 221
Weight in: 2445grams
6 Tbspns of F60grit
1 Tbspn Borax
No ceramic media added
Days Tumbling: 10
Weight out: 2102g – loss of 343 grams

Stage 3: 400grit

Number of Stones: 221
Weight in: 2102g
6 Tbspns of 400grit
1 Tbspn Borax
Plastic pellets added
Days Tumbling: 8
Weight out: 1913g – loss of 189grams

Combined

Removed 7+1 stones that weren’t ready to polish. Added Batch 75 (from 3lbT1 – 44 stones) to make up a ⅔ full barrel

Number of Stones: 21
Weight in: 2495grams

Batch 73: After Stage 3

Ready to Polish

Batch 75 (44 stones) completed Stages 1-3 in 3lbT1 and were transferred to this 6lb barrel to help make up the load to ⅔ full along with Batch 73. Before adding the polish mix all the stones were tumbled in soap (2 tspns of grated sunlight soap bar) for 4 hours to ensure they were free of any grit remnants.

Stage 5: Polish Mix

Number of Stones: 213+44=257
Weight in: 2495g
Polish Mix (2nd use)
Plastic Pellets added for cushioning
Days Tumbling: 10
Weight out: Not weighed

No borax burnishing as the polish finish was pretty good for the majority of stones.