Page 8
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SKU 67632
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 Lids. It is
important 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 Barrels 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 Barrels.
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
Rubber Barrels. If Rubber Barrels are less
than 1/2 full, add plastic pellets (not included)
to make up the difference. 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 Bar-
rels adding the correct amount of pre-polish
and plastic pellets (not included) if necessary,
and water. 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 Barrels and you are ready
for the last step. If not, pre-polish and check
in 24 hours.
polish:
Gently set stones in the Rubber Bar-
rels. Charge the tumbler with fresh water, pol-
ishing compound, and plastic pellets to help
cushion the stones. 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 Barrels and remove and recover the
plastic pellets (set aside). Place the stones
back in the Rubber Barrels 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 Barrels Tumble for four days,
and clean the Barrels.
