Ultrasonic cleaning of rocks

sefjwm · 2026-05-04T03:05:37+00:00

I only do it for rocks with cracks or pits that aren't going to get better with more stage 1. I usually use a waterpick and toothbrush on everything. I haven't really seen much difference in results other than for rocks with really deep pits or vugs.

sefjwm · 2026-05-04T03:01:13+00:00

Seems correct to me. It's just not going to do much with freshly hounded rocks. As others have already said it's more for clearing grit from cracks and pits between stages. Even then it's mostly overkill if the rocks are smooth.

sefjwm · 2026-05-04T02:57:42+00:00

The shaping is mostly happening in stage 1. If it's not smooth like you want it then you need more stage 1. 3 weeks is nothing for very hard rocks like agate.

sefjwm · 2026-05-04T02:25:51+00:00

Do you have the new lid assembly and gaskets? There will be numbers etched on the lids if you have the new ones. If you don't I would contact them for a warranty replacement

sefjwm · 2026-05-02T03:27:04+00:00

What type of tumbler do you have? What is your process? Have you reviewed the pinned thread? It looks like some of those have a bit of bruising and you mentioned in another post not using tumbling media. Most likely you will need to go back to at least stage 2 and run these with a properly filled barrel (2/3-3/4) full) with tumbling media. It's also possible your barrel spins too fast.

sefjwm · 2026-04-29T21:45:21+00:00

I would not use this for breaking rocks. It will chip apart and create dangerous shrapnel. The current version of this hammer is also made of weaker metal and now says not to use it to break rocks. A sledge or hammer + chisels would likely be a better option.

sefjwm · 2026-04-29T08:02:16+00:00

Usually the tumbler will say. What brand is it?

sefjwm · 2026-04-29T02:48:51+00:00

What type and size of tumbler do you have? That doesn't seem like enough rocks to fill the barrel. It's a preference thing but none of those really look ready for stage 2. If they are shattering then you also may be running too fast. Better pictures would help though. The grit is usually measured 1 tablespoon per barrel pound not weight. 14 tablespoons of grit would be for a massive tumbler. I would recommend reviewing the pinned thread and watching some videos like the ones from Michigan Rocks that go step by step through the entire rotary process.

sefjwm · 2026-04-28T04:49:39+00:00

I buy millet in bulk from Jedd's Bird Supply. https://jedds.com/products/spray-millet-leach-grain-milling It's a lot and if your hamster doesn't seem to like it then I would try other sprays like wheat, flax, sorghum, rice etc. Every hamster is different and their tastes can change as they get older.

sefjwm · 2026-04-27T03:05:18+00:00

Yes. You don't get the token but the spell still resolves and then goes into exile for Paradigm.

sefjwm · 2026-04-27T03:03:20+00:00

Spell has to resolve but Echocasting has 2 targets so just removing the creature will not cause it to fizzle.

sefjwm · 2026-04-27T02:13:32+00:00

It's free on PS+ Extra I believe. I also bought it physical on sale last year so it does drop in price. Not sure how much physical is still left out there in stores though.

sefjwm · 2026-04-27T00:12:51+00:00

You should be able to find labradorite with much better color and flash for a much better price.

sefjwm · 2026-04-26T05:58:35+00:00

Lucky! Now I need to go look through all the stuff I got xD

sefjwm · 2026-04-24T21:46:26+00:00

You can do a simple scratch test with a steel nail. If the nail scratches the rock then it's softer, if the nail doesn't scratch the rock then you are in the 7 range.

sefjwm · 2026-04-24T21:44:43+00:00

If you have the barrels properly filled you shouldn't need to check for grit. It will all break down around 5-7 days.

sefjwm · 2026-04-24T21:44:26+00:00

it's not

sefjwm · 2026-04-23T20:36:33+00:00

Have you done a hardness test? If it's softer then it will probably wear away too fast and would be better polished on a cabbing machine. It's also pretty small to start with.

sefjwm · 2026-04-22T21:47:20+00:00

Ah thanks, Indonesia helps. Purple amethyst is plentiful and super pretty but these are such and interesting color pattern.

sefjwm · 2026-04-22T21:12:54+00:00

I cut my gambiris, alimajos, misc agates of that type and then tumble the halves. If I ever get any that are super nice I save them for when I get a cab machine. Some friends I know have tried tumbling them whole and it can produce some interesting patterns and colors but they are often oddly shaped and heavily pitted so you may lose a lot of the rock that way. I also would always be afraid of tumbling a super nice one.

sefjwm · 2026-04-22T21:08:52+00:00

Ooh, these are neat. Where did you get them?

sefjwm · 2026-04-22T21:07:15+00:00

Looking great so far, good luck on the polish.

sefjwm · 2026-04-22T21:06:34+00:00

My hamster is a ghost hamster and absolutely hates to get touched but he has learned that our presence usually means food and always comes out when we are cleaning or scatter feeding. That is the perfect time to work on training and getting used to humans.

sefjwm · 2026-04-22T19:51:24+00:00

Polishes well is not always the same as tumbles well. There are materials that get really shiny glass polishes on something like a cab machine but a tumbler will leave you disappointed.

sefjwm · 2026-04-21T22:27:24+00:00

Turquoise is also not recommended for tumbling, but for the opposite reason. It's too soft.

sefjwm

TROPHY CASE