Tumbling question

[blueskyminer]

Just a thought. Would the soft plastic caps off of water bottles be alright to use as fill media ? The drawback that comes to mind is the irregular shape might be disruptive to the tumbling process. What do most of you use, beads, ceramic ?

 

[gunsil]

What are you tumbling?? Your post is in the rock section so I would think rocks. I don't do a lot of tumbling but I have never used any media, just rocks, grit, and water. Works just fine. All rocks must be of the same hardness naturally. My buddy just cracks up some brazilian agate with a hammer and tosses it in in all weird shapes with just grit and water and it works just fine.

 

[Tpmetal]

If you want media for tumbling small rocks try airsoft bbs or kids plastic craft beads

 

[blueskyminer]

Thanks for the replies. I would like to start a load of rough rock without having to wait until I have 3lbs.I was thinking I might be able to use the caps on the first coarse step. I am probably being too cheap here, it may be time to buy enough ceramic pellets to cover short loads on all the steps.

 

[gunsil]

Just because one has a three pound tumbler doesn't mean one has to fill it all the way up for it to work. You could always just toss in some river gravel too if not having it full worries you.

 

[WoodSoup]

Just because one has a three pound tumbler doesn't mean one has to fill it all the way up for it to work. You could always just toss in some river gravel too if not having it full worries you.

just learning...but wouldn't hardness be a concern if you add another rock type?

when adding pellets/bbs, do you fill up the tumbler or try to get to the weight(3lb)?

 

[blueskyminer]

I believe the drum is supposed to be 2/3-3/4 full to get the desired action.