Page 8
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SKU 67631
First grind, pre-polish, polish and
burnishing
First grind
: Run the Tumbler for 24 hours,
checking for gas build-up at the first twelve
hours. Slowly open the Barrel Lid, releasing
the small amount of gas that builds up during
the process. Check the stones, they should
show slightly rounded edges.
Clean the seals and close the Lid. It is im-
portant to release the gas, otherwise it will
thicken the abrasive slurry. After another 24
hours check again. If the slurry is thickening,
add a little water.
Run for one hour and check again. If it is still
thick, add some more water. Let the Tumbler
run continuously, but check daily. Continue
this process for 7-10 days to remove the
sharp edges and rough areas. Be patient.
This is the most important step. When all of
the edges are rounded you are ready for the
next step.
note:
Between steps you must clean the Rub-
ber Barrel and stones. Pour off the slurry into
a disposable container (such as a milk carton)
and take care that the stones remain in the
Rubber Barrel.
WaRning! never pour the slurry into your
home plumbing system.
Next, place the stones into a clean container
or plastic bag. Fill the Rubber Barrels 1/2 full
with water and clean out the remaining slurry
and grit. Wipe and dry with a paper towel. To
clean the stones, gently slosh them around
in clean water and remove them a few at a
time checking for breaks or cracks. Discard
broken or cracked stones. Place the stones
in a plastic colander, or old nylon sock and
rinse them completely off. There should be no
slurry or grit remaining on the stones.
Second grind:
Carefully replace stones into
the Rubber Barrel. If the Barrel is less than
1/2 full, add plastic pellets (not included) to
help cushion the stones. Then add medium
grit (see page 5) and water up to the bottom
of the top layer of rocks. Reseal and tumble.
Run it for 2-3 days before checking. They
will begin to smooth. After seven days they
should have a smooth finish. If not, let them
go another 2-3 days. Clean again as you did
after the first grind.
pre-polish:
Place stones into the Rubber
Barrel adding the correct amount of pre-
polish water and plastic pellets (not included)
if necessary. Let it run for a week, checking
every other day. After a week take out 2-3
stones to test the progress. On a dampened
piece of leather, old rug, or towel, sprinkle a
small amount of polishing compound, and rub
the stone vigorously with it. You should see a
definite shine in a few moments. If they shine,
clean the Rubber Barrel and you are ready for
the last step. If not, pre-polish and check in
24 hours.
polish:
Gently set the stones in the Rubber
Barrel. Charge the tumbler with fresh water
polishing compound and plastic pellets (if
needed). Make sure the volume is at least 1/2
full, preferably 3/4 full. Tumble for 5 to 7 days.
If they look the same dry as they do wet, then
they are finished. If they have a slight film,
they need to be burnished.
burnishing:
Remove the stones, clean the
Rubber Barrel and remove and recover the
plastic pellets (set aside). Place the stones
back in the Rubber Barrel and replace the
same pellets. Use powdered soap such as
Ivory
®
or White King
®
. Do not use liquid
detergents or dishwasher powders that have
bleach. Add water as in previous steps and
seal the Rubber Barrel. Tumble for four days,
and clean the barrel.
