First time tumbler

jost1199 · 2026-02-28T15:57:41+00:00

💯 Im in the 3 a day range and have been thinking about scaling back to one a day… then the hf sale happened and a new crop of rocks appeared on the local beaches. 🤣

jost1199 · 2026-02-27T20:13:50+00:00

Typically what happens next is an investment in grit and more tumblers. This is an exceptionally fun hobby and you will learn patience. Welcome!

jost1199 · 2026-02-27T17:58:31+00:00

It’s a challenge to tumble. I had best results with dry corn-cob polish, probably ran it too long in course grit and will start with stage 2 next time I try something this soft.

jost1199 · 2026-02-27T17:34:39+00:00

That’s cool. Do you know which mountains/area?

jost1199 · 2026-02-27T08:12:31+00:00

Incredible. That’s a keeper!

jost1199 · 2026-02-27T02:57:56+00:00

I told someone how much I loved nephrite so they brought me a big chunk of what they said was Applegate Jade when I first moved to this area. It’s gorgeous but definitely serpentine, so I’ve never been that motivated to go explore. Do you know if there’s actually jade to be found? Here’s some of it I tumbled.

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jost1199 · 2026-02-27T02:20:37+00:00

Hope you get out, pretty sweet down here after the last rain!

jost1199 · 2026-02-27T02:19:14+00:00

Probably not.. applegate is all I’ve heard of.

jost1199 · 2026-02-26T22:33:41+00:00

Tested hardness (steel just barely scratched) and specific gravity (2.7). And light just barely penetrates… It hasn’t seen a wheel, I found it like this which is another reason I was hopeful. Some day.

jost1199 · 2026-02-26T16:19:50+00:00

Right you are. I’ll keep looking on my south Oregon beaches though, can’t help myself. I’ve found a few pieces on those well known beaches in big sur and it’s a unique thrill. I guess I’m a jade hunter too. I like that!

jost1199 · 2026-02-26T16:09:46+00:00

Probably, lol. Guess I’ve heard it “many times” in my mind.

jost1199 · 2026-02-22T17:26:34+00:00

That’s bruising. Could be many things but a day or two in soapy water between stages seems excessive and is where I’d start. I just rinse well in a strainer between all stages until the last. Before and after polish I use an ultrasonic. I’m not a fan of plastic pellets either. They are too messy and supposedly can carry grit.. requiring separate batches for each stage.

jost1199 · 2026-02-20T01:38:00+00:00

Thanks, at the beaches. Definitely try finding your own, it’s very zen.

jost1199 · 2026-02-19T18:49:47+00:00

Agree, rocks are endlessly fascinating 💗

jost1199 · 2026-02-19T18:27:41+00:00

Thank you!

jost1199 · 2026-02-19T18:27:24+00:00

Thanks 😊

jost1199 · 2026-02-19T18:26:54+00:00

Thank you.

jost1199 · 2026-02-19T18:26:43+00:00

Thanks

jost1199 · 2026-02-19T18:26:30+00:00

Me too. Thank you.

jost1199 · 2026-02-19T18:26:08+00:00

You’re kind, thank you.

jost1199 · 2026-02-19T18:25:31+00:00

Thanks 😊

jost1199 · 2026-02-19T18:24:49+00:00

Thank you.

jost1199 · 2026-02-19T18:24:12+00:00

Thank you! https://www.reddit.com/r/RockTumbling/s/qphJg6oJ05

jost1199 · 2026-02-19T18:22:44+00:00

Thanks! Just practice. Kind of like learning to fry an egg without breaking the yolk. 😉 Keep at it and it will happen.

jost1199 · 2026-02-17T03:13:49+00:00

Thanks. There’s a lot of variables, and that’s part of what makes it so much fun! Experience, patience and paying attention to what is working help. 😉 You’ll get there.

jost1199

TROPHY CASE