ROCK TUMBLING CLINIC
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FREE Rock Tumbling Clinic Thursday Morning at 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Bring your rocks and questions, stay for refreshments and enjoy the 7th Annual Rock Shop Rock Show |
Showing posts with label Rock Tumbling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rock Tumbling. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 06, 2016
Free Rock Tumbling Clinic
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Rotary Tumblers Vs. Vibrating Tumblers
Rotary Tumblers vs. Vibrating Tumblers
Rotary tumblers and vibrating polishers are two different types of polishers. They don’t do the same thing but each has its own usefulness and their pros and cons.
This chart shows the differences comparing quality rock tumblers such as Covington, Thumlers, and Lortone. Lesser quality tumblers like Smithsonian, Harbor Frieght, Rolling Stones, and other cheap tumblers aren’t included because their quality is so bad they don’t usually last more than a month.
Rotary Tumbler
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Vibrating Tumbler
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Rounds a rough rock with sharp edges to a smooth nugget.
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Does NOT remove the sharp edges.
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Takes 4-6 weeks start to finish.
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Takes 6 days.
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Uses less expensive grit per pound.
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Uses more expensive grit per pound of rock.
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The tumblers last longer. Sometimes decades.
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The tumblers tend to not last as long. Usually less than a year.
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Easier to maintain and clean.
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Takes more effort to clean and maintain.
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Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Rock Tumbling YouTube Videos
Rockpick Legend Co. Presents:
How To Choose A Rock Tumbler, How To Maintain Your Rock Tumbler, and Just How Loud Are Rock Tumblers now on YouTube!
We filmed a few short videos and uploaded them onto our YouTube channel for your viewing pleasure!
Our Videos are designed to help you decide which rock tumbler to choose based on your personal need.
How to maintain a rock tumbler, including how to oil your rock tumbler!
And, just how loud are our rock tumblers?
To purchase rock tumblers from the rock tumbling experts here at Rockpick Legend Co. visit our shopping cart here... or call us at 888-762-5746 ! Our rock tumblers come with an exclusive 2 Year Warranty, everything you need to get started (except water and an outlet) and rock tumbling customer service via phone, e-mail, and through our forums.
Shop Rock Tumblers & Rock Tumbling Supplies Here
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
An effective substitute to plastic pellets
An effective substitute to plastic pellets.
With the volatility of oil prices these days, plastic pellets have become difficult to come by.
We have found a great substitute for them that actually works better! Rubber bands.
I prefer the wider style (#64) as they are easier to work with. In reality, all sizes will work great.
Like the pellets, they are reusable in the same grit or polish they were originally used in.
Unlike pellets, they don’t float. But because of their size they are easily separated from the stones.
Good Luck Tumbling!
Monday, July 30, 2012
How to choose rocks for your tumbler
How to choose rocks for your tumbler:
Not all rocks will tumble and not all rocks that will tumble will tumble together.
Here are a few basic rules to pick the rocks.
One method is to use only the same type of rock. For example, use just jade. Or you can use all the same agates.
If you are going to mix types of rocks the first step is to make sure they are all the same hardness. To do this is simple. Scratch the rocks together. If they scratch each other equally, they are the same hardness and should tumble together.
When you are scratching the rocks together, use a clean, fresh surface on each rock.
Avoid sharp points OR use sharp points on both rocks.
After you have made your selection based on hardness, place your rocks in a shallow, plastic tray or dish and pour white distilled vinegar on them. Any rocks that effervesce (fizz) need to be removed. Don’t confuse fizzing with air bubbles escaping from the rocks. This process eliminates carbonate rocks that cause excessive foaming and gas build up in the tumbler, which can cause the lids to pop off.
Some people like having the rocks all the same size. This is fine but it may take longer in the first step. Sometimes 2-3 extra runs in the first step are required to get the rocks rounded out enough to be ready for step 2.
Mixing sizes may eliminate the need for extra runs in the first step. Pea-sized rocks mixed with 1.5” rock will ensure that the smaller rocks work grooves and divots out of the larger rocks.
Avoid rocks with spongy spots & cracks. Remove any that crack or break during any stage.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Maintaining Your Rock Tumbler
When you purchase a high quality rock tumbler you can perform a few small maintenance steps that will insure it lasts for decades.
1. Oil all 4 bushings once a week. This one step alone will extend the life of a tumbler by years. Use light weight oil. We use Zoom® brand and it works great. Do NOT use WD-40.
2. Keep it covered so dust doesn't get in the bushings and motor when not in use.
3. If the lid comes off the barrel and gets grit or polish in the bushings, REMOVE them and wash them with warm soap and water. This may seem excessive but it is not. A clean machine will last a lot longer than a dirty one.
4. Do not put harsh chemicals in the barrels. Vinegar is about as strong of something you want to put in the barrel. If you plan on running acid or harsh detergents use a glass jar or metal can with a lid instead of the barrel.
5. Do not let your tumbler freeze in the winter. Move it to a warmer place to run or empty it and restart it in the spring.
1. Oil all 4 bushings once a week. This one step alone will extend the life of a tumbler by years. Use light weight oil. We use Zoom® brand and it works great. Do NOT use WD-40.
2. Keep it covered so dust doesn't get in the bushings and motor when not in use.
3. If the lid comes off the barrel and gets grit or polish in the bushings, REMOVE them and wash them with warm soap and water. This may seem excessive but it is not. A clean machine will last a lot longer than a dirty one.
4. Do not put harsh chemicals in the barrels. Vinegar is about as strong of something you want to put in the barrel. If you plan on running acid or harsh detergents use a glass jar or metal can with a lid instead of the barrel.
5. Do not let your tumbler freeze in the winter. Move it to a warmer place to run or empty it and restart it in the spring.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Grit Contamination
Contamination is a major problem when it comes to getting that polished wet look on your rocks. It doesn’t matter if you are tumbling, faceting, cabbing, or cutting spheres. Here are a few tips on eliminating contamination.
*If you use sanding belts or discs you can store them in zip-lock type bags when you are not using them.
*If you are doing tumbling, keep the grits away from each other and never open more than one at a time. Even the dust from one floating in the air will contaminate a finer grit.
*Make sure you wash your hands between handing belts, discs, cups, wheels, barrels, lids, bags of grit, etc.
*When you are done washing your rocks, cups, barrels etc. re-rinse your tools, rocks and hands once last time.
It is paying attention to these small details that will help you get that final wet-look polish on all your rocks. It not only saves time it will save money.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Harbor Freight vr. Lortone Tumblers
Here are real customer comments sent to us at rockshop@rocks4u.com.
About the middle of August, I purchased a 3-lb rock tumbler from Harbor Freight Tools and have broken four belts in the process of tumbling and polishing one batch of agates. The particular model I purchased would be equivalent to a Lortone having only one 3-lb barrel. I did read one web site that warned about the poor quality of the Harbor Freight tumblers, but I wondered how I could go wrong for $22. I had my answer when I spent $16 on two replacement fans (the first two belts broke a blade off the plastic fan when they failed), four replacement belts, and shipping (close to half of the cost). The belts are difficult to replace and don't seem to last very long. I even tried a rubber band while waiting for the new belts to arrive. The rubber band did last for most of the pre-polish step, but was sticky and gummy at the end of that cycle. I'd have to be really desperate to try that again.
Near the end of September, my wife and I visited your shop in Salt Lake City (while visiting friends in Salt Lake), and I saw that you run multiple tumblers seemingly on a continuous basis. How long do the belts typically last on the Lortone tumblers? What is the diameter of the Lortone tumbler belts? Would I get more service life out of the Harbor Freight tumbler if I replaced the fan with a Lortone fan and used a Lortone belt?
I live in (city), WA so I don't visit Salt Lake City very often. I was impressed with your shop when we visited because of the assortment of tumblers, tumbler parts, grit, and rough rocks. Thank you in advance for your help.
RK
Our reply:
Hi RM,
Thank you for your compliments to the shop. I’m glad you stopped in. We have a number of customers that use Lortone replacement parts for their Harbor Freight Tumblers. Specifically, we send out a lot of belts. I believe the Harbor Freight sizes correspond to the Lortone sizes, so you can base belts on your tumbler size. I’m not sure about the fan. That may be a gamble.
We send out shipments via FedEx and USPS everyday, so it is no problem to send you parts if you want to give that a try. Either order on-line athttps://shop.rocks4u.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=86 or give us a call at 1-888-762-5746. (Please Note: Our online store has moved to www.erockshop.com 11/08/2010.)
May we use your comments and my response on our blog—with no identifying information, of course?
I hope that was helpful. Please let me know if I can answer anything else.
Sincerely,
Anita
RM replies:
Yes, you may use my comments in your blog. I will order later this week, after pay day.
I based my question about the capability of swapping parts on your web catalog. The entry for the cooling fan indicates it can be used in the Harbor Freight tumbler. I was wondering if you knew of anybody who had successfully interchanged the parts.
You didn't answer my question about the service life of the Lortone belts (i.e., how long do they last?). I want to find out if the belts break frequently and I have to accept that lot in life, or whether the Lortone belts are made of better material and will last for several tumbling phases or for several batches of rock. I think that the material in Harbor Freight belts doesn't hold up to the heat generated by the flexing and the transfer of energy (to turn the tumbler drum). When they fail, they are usually cracked in several places, as if the rubber became brittle. I've removed the top guard plate to facilitate air flow for cooling to see if that helps.
And we reply again:
Hi RM,
I asked our lapidary people and they said you could swap parts between Harbor Freight and Lortone. Also, Lortone belts are much better than the one you have. They last a year or more in our machines. The trick to keeping them running is to not over tighten. Also, don't get the oil on them.
Thank you for allowing us to use your comments. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with!
Sincerely,
Anita
About the middle of August, I purchased a 3-lb rock tumbler from Harbor Freight Tools and have broken four belts in the process of tumbling and polishing one batch of agates. The particular model I purchased would be equivalent to a Lortone having only one 3-lb barrel. I did read one web site that warned about the poor quality of the Harbor Freight tumblers, but I wondered how I could go wrong for $22. I had my answer when I spent $16 on two replacement fans (the first two belts broke a blade off the plastic fan when they failed), four replacement belts, and shipping (close to half of the cost). The belts are difficult to replace and don't seem to last very long. I even tried a rubber band while waiting for the new belts to arrive. The rubber band did last for most of the pre-polish step, but was sticky and gummy at the end of that cycle. I'd have to be really desperate to try that again.
Near the end of September, my wife and I visited your shop in Salt Lake City (while visiting friends in Salt Lake), and I saw that you run multiple tumblers seemingly on a continuous basis. How long do the belts typically last on the Lortone tumblers? What is the diameter of the Lortone tumbler belts? Would I get more service life out of the Harbor Freight tumbler if I replaced the fan with a Lortone fan and used a Lortone belt?
I live in (city), WA so I don't visit Salt Lake City very often. I was impressed with your shop when we visited because of the assortment of tumblers, tumbler parts, grit, and rough rocks. Thank you in advance for your help.
RK
Our reply:
Hi RM,
Thank you for your compliments to the shop. I’m glad you stopped in. We have a number of customers that use Lortone replacement parts for their Harbor Freight Tumblers. Specifically, we send out a lot of belts. I believe the Harbor Freight sizes correspond to the Lortone sizes, so you can base belts on your tumbler size. I’m not sure about the fan. That may be a gamble.
We send out shipments via FedEx and USPS everyday, so it is no problem to send you parts if you want to give that a try. Either order on-line athttps://shop.rocks4u.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=86 or give us a call at 1-888-762-5746. (Please Note: Our online store has moved to www.erockshop.com 11/08/2010.)
May we use your comments and my response on our blog—with no identifying information, of course?
I hope that was helpful. Please let me know if I can answer anything else.
Sincerely,
Anita
RM replies:
Yes, you may use my comments in your blog. I will order later this week, after pay day.
I based my question about the capability of swapping parts on your web catalog. The entry for the cooling fan indicates it can be used in the Harbor Freight tumbler. I was wondering if you knew of anybody who had successfully interchanged the parts.
You didn't answer my question about the service life of the Lortone belts (i.e., how long do they last?). I want to find out if the belts break frequently and I have to accept that lot in life, or whether the Lortone belts are made of better material and will last for several tumbling phases or for several batches of rock. I think that the material in Harbor Freight belts doesn't hold up to the heat generated by the flexing and the transfer of energy (to turn the tumbler drum). When they fail, they are usually cracked in several places, as if the rubber became brittle. I've removed the top guard plate to facilitate air flow for cooling to see if that helps.
And we reply again:
Hi RM,
I asked our lapidary people and they said you could swap parts between Harbor Freight and Lortone. Also, Lortone belts are much better than the one you have. They last a year or more in our machines. The trick to keeping them running is to not over tighten. Also, don't get the oil on them.
Thank you for allowing us to use your comments. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with!
Sincerely,
Anita
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Apache Tears & How To Tumble Them
Feature Article:
Apache Tears. There are many legends credited with how Apache tears got their name. Some involve the U.S. Army and volunteers hunting down a band of rouge Apache warriors and killing them. One legend says that the warriors jumped off a cliff to their death to keep from being killed by the “white man” and that their bones were imbedded in the cliffs. Another legend states that it was two feuding bands of Indians, one Apache, who fought and killed each other off.
It doesn’t matter which legend you start with. They all seem to end with the wife’s and loved ones grieving for their lost men. Their grieving was so horrible that their tears were petrified, solidified, or preserved as brown transparent drops of glass by the Earth Father.
These legends all form around the Apache from Pinal County, Arizona.
The legend of the Apache tears forming from tears has given way to a more practical genesis. They are obsidian that has formed in white or clear glassy rhyolite. They are abundant in many places, but the most prolific and famous is those from Superior, Arizona where they have been mined with large front-end loaders and hauled by dump trucks.
Good Apache tears look black but when hold up to the light they are really translucent smoky brown. The ones from Utah are almost solid black and opaque.
Because they are a type of glass they are very difficult to tumble. Many tumbling experts consider them the most difficult stone to tumble. But there are some tricks…
First step is to tumble them in step 1 (60/90 grit) for 5 days and then step 2 (120/220) for 5 days.
Then tumble them in pre polish for 3 to 5 days.
It’s the polishing step that is different. Load the barrel like you would with the stones, add CLEAN plastic pellets, Tin Oxide! and instead of water use corn syrup. Don’t add any water.
Run them this way for about 5 days and then start checking them every day until you have that wet-gloss look on them. It can take up to 10 days in the polish.
Apache Tears. There are many legends credited with how Apache tears got their name. Some involve the U.S. Army and volunteers hunting down a band of rouge Apache warriors and killing them. One legend says that the warriors jumped off a cliff to their death to keep from being killed by the “white man” and that their bones were imbedded in the cliffs. Another legend states that it was two feuding bands of Indians, one Apache, who fought and killed each other off.
It doesn’t matter which legend you start with. They all seem to end with the wife’s and loved ones grieving for their lost men. Their grieving was so horrible that their tears were petrified, solidified, or preserved as brown transparent drops of glass by the Earth Father.
These legends all form around the Apache from Pinal County, Arizona.
The legend of the Apache tears forming from tears has given way to a more practical genesis. They are obsidian that has formed in white or clear glassy rhyolite. They are abundant in many places, but the most prolific and famous is those from Superior, Arizona where they have been mined with large front-end loaders and hauled by dump trucks.
Good Apache tears look black but when hold up to the light they are really translucent smoky brown. The ones from Utah are almost solid black and opaque.
Because they are a type of glass they are very difficult to tumble. Many tumbling experts consider them the most difficult stone to tumble. But there are some tricks…
First step is to tumble them in step 1 (60/90 grit) for 5 days and then step 2 (120/220) for 5 days.
Then tumble them in pre polish for 3 to 5 days.
It’s the polishing step that is different. Load the barrel like you would with the stones, add CLEAN plastic pellets, Tin Oxide! and instead of water use corn syrup. Don’t add any water.
Run them this way for about 5 days and then start checking them every day until you have that wet-gloss look on them. It can take up to 10 days in the polish.
Monday, January 04, 2010
A Short History of Lapis
Lapis
Part of the large shipment of beads we just received included lapis beads. The correct name for lapis is lapis lazuli and it’s not a mineral but a rock composed of lazulite, calcite, and pyrite (and some other minor minerals). It has been used in jewelry for over 6,000 years making it one of the oldest gemstones known.
The main source for lapis is in the rugged mountains of the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan. This is not the only location for lapis around the world but it is by far the best.
The Taliban and other similar groups have controlled the mountains where lapis comes from. They have used the sale of lapis (and other gemstones found from those mountains like emeralds and aquamarines) to fund their organizations for over 200 years. (Please note we do not fund the Taliban with modern purchases of Lapis, the mines were seized by the United States Government and given back to the people in Afghanistan as part of a project to increase the economy and well-fare of the people.)
It is difficult to get lapis to take a good polish by tumbling so it is hand polished. Large pieces have been obtained for carving including a 10.5 foot high vase on display in the Hermitage museum in
We don’t have anything like that in our store, but we do have some beads from the highest gem-grade lapis available from
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
New Bulk Rock & Lapidary Material Just In!
Tumbling & Lapidary Rock Shipment Just in From Overseas!
We just received a large rock shipment from overseas. It includes super-high-grade gem Tiger’s Eye, spectacularly colorful Labradorite, Sodalite, Amethyst, Unakite, Aventurine, Fucshite, two-toned striped Red Jasper, rare blue/yellow dichroic Cordierite, and Polychromatic Jasper--polychomatic means multi-colored!This material is so good people were stopping in off the street and buying it as we were trying to unpack it from the shipping crate yesterday.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Class Schedule, March 2009
Current Class Schedule
Fossil Prep Emphasizing Trilobites, Wednesday, March 25th@5pm
Classes especially to help teachers with State Core Requirements
Elementary School Teacher Classes, Saturday, March 28th
9 am, Teacher Series: Volcanoes and Earthquakes
10 am, Teacher Series: How to Teach Rocks & Minerals
11 am, Teacher Series: Forces of Erosion
12 pm, Teacher Series: Geologic Features
Rock Tumbling for the Novice & Expert, Saturday, March 28th@2pm
Cost: FREE, but you must pre-register, 801-355-7952. Classes are limited to 15 people each. You may register for one or all classes, however, out of respect for our teachers and other students, no-shows will be restricted from future registration.
Fossil Prep Emphasizing Trilobites, Wednesday, March 25th@5pm
Classes especially to help teachers with State Core Requirements
Elementary School Teacher Classes, Saturday, March 28th
9 am, Teacher Series: Volcanoes and Earthquakes
10 am, Teacher Series: How to Teach Rocks & Minerals
11 am, Teacher Series: Forces of Erosion
12 pm, Teacher Series: Geologic Features
Rock Tumbling for the Novice & Expert, Saturday, March 28th@2pm
Cost: FREE, but you must pre-register, 801-355-7952. Classes are limited to 15 people each. You may register for one or all classes, however, out of respect for our teachers and other students, no-shows will be restricted from future registration.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Lortone vs. Harbor Freight Rock Tumblers
Here are real customer comments sent to us at rockshop@rocks4u.com.
About the middle of August, I purchased a 3-lb rock tumbler from Harbor Freight Tools and have broken four belts in the process of tumbling and polishing one batch of agates. The particular model I purchased would be equivalent to a Lortone having only one 3-lb barrel. I did read one web site that warned about the poor quality of the Harbor Freight tumblers, but I wondered how I could go wrong for $22. I had my answer when I spent $16 on two replacement fans (the first two belts broke a blade off the plastic fan when they failed), four replacement belts, and shipping (close to half of the cost). The belts are difficult to replace and don't seem to last very long. I even tried a rubber band while waiting for the new belts to arrive. The rubber band did last for most of the pre-polish step, but was sticky and gummy at the end of that cycle. I'd have to be really desperate to try that again.
Near the end of September, my wife and I visited your shop in Salt Lake City (while visiting friends in Salt Lake), and I saw that you run multiple tumblers seemingly on a continuous basis. How long do the belts typically last on the Lortone tumblers? What is the diameter of the Lortone tumbler belts? Would I get more service life out of the Harbor Freight tumbler if I replaced the fan with a Lortone fan and used a Lortone belt?
I live in (city), WA so I don't visit Salt Lake City very often. I was impressed with your shop when we visited because of the assortment of tumblers, tumbler parts, grit, and rough rocks. Thank you in advance for your help.
RK
Our reply:
Hi RM,
Thank you for your compliments to the shop. I’m glad you stopped in. We have a number of customers that use Lortone replacement parts for their Harbor Freight Tumblers. Specifically, we send out a lot of belts. I believe the Harbor Freight sizes correspond to the Lortone sizes, so you can base belts on your tumbler size. I’m not sure about the fan. That may be a gamble.
We send out shipments via FedEx and USPS everyday, so it is no problem to send you parts if you want to give that a try. Either order on-line at https://shop.rocks4u.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=86 or give us a call at 1-888-762-5746.
May we use your comments and my response on our blog—with no identifying information, of course?
I hope that was helpful. Please let me know if I can answer anything else.
Sincerely,
Anita
RM replies:
Yes, you may use my comments in your blog. I will order later this week, after pay day.
I based my question about the capability of swapping parts on your web catalog. The entry for the cooling fan indicates it can be used in the Harbor Freight tumbler. I was wondering if you knew of anybody who had successfully interchanged the parts.
You didn't answer my question about the service life of the Lortone belts (i.e., how long do they last?). I want to find out if the belts break frequently and I have to accept that lot in life, or whether the Lortone belts are made of better material and will last for several tumbling phases or for several batches of rock. I think that the material in Harbor Freight belts doesn't hold up to the heat generated by the flexing and the transfer of energy (to turn the tumbler drum). When they fail, they are usually cracked in several places, as if the rubber became brittle. I've removed the top guard plate to facilitate air flow for cooling to see if that helps.
And we reply again:
Hi RM,
I asked our lapidary people and they said you could swap parts between Harbor Freight and Lortone. Also, Lortone belts are much better than the one you have. They last a year or more in our machines. The trick to keeping them running is to not over tighten. Also, don't get the oil on them.
Thank you for allowing us to use your comments. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with!
Sincerely,
Anita
About the middle of August, I purchased a 3-lb rock tumbler from Harbor Freight Tools and have broken four belts in the process of tumbling and polishing one batch of agates. The particular model I purchased would be equivalent to a Lortone having only one 3-lb barrel. I did read one web site that warned about the poor quality of the Harbor Freight tumblers, but I wondered how I could go wrong for $22. I had my answer when I spent $16 on two replacement fans (the first two belts broke a blade off the plastic fan when they failed), four replacement belts, and shipping (close to half of the cost). The belts are difficult to replace and don't seem to last very long. I even tried a rubber band while waiting for the new belts to arrive. The rubber band did last for most of the pre-polish step, but was sticky and gummy at the end of that cycle. I'd have to be really desperate to try that again.
Near the end of September, my wife and I visited your shop in Salt Lake City (while visiting friends in Salt Lake), and I saw that you run multiple tumblers seemingly on a continuous basis. How long do the belts typically last on the Lortone tumblers? What is the diameter of the Lortone tumbler belts? Would I get more service life out of the Harbor Freight tumbler if I replaced the fan with a Lortone fan and used a Lortone belt?
I live in (city), WA so I don't visit Salt Lake City very often. I was impressed with your shop when we visited because of the assortment of tumblers, tumbler parts, grit, and rough rocks. Thank you in advance for your help.
RK
Our reply:
Hi RM,
Thank you for your compliments to the shop. I’m glad you stopped in. We have a number of customers that use Lortone replacement parts for their Harbor Freight Tumblers. Specifically, we send out a lot of belts. I believe the Harbor Freight sizes correspond to the Lortone sizes, so you can base belts on your tumbler size. I’m not sure about the fan. That may be a gamble.
We send out shipments via FedEx and USPS everyday, so it is no problem to send you parts if you want to give that a try. Either order on-line at https://shop.rocks4u.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=86 or give us a call at 1-888-762-5746.
May we use your comments and my response on our blog—with no identifying information, of course?
I hope that was helpful. Please let me know if I can answer anything else.
Sincerely,
Anita
RM replies:
Yes, you may use my comments in your blog. I will order later this week, after pay day.
I based my question about the capability of swapping parts on your web catalog. The entry for the cooling fan indicates it can be used in the Harbor Freight tumbler. I was wondering if you knew of anybody who had successfully interchanged the parts.
You didn't answer my question about the service life of the Lortone belts (i.e., how long do they last?). I want to find out if the belts break frequently and I have to accept that lot in life, or whether the Lortone belts are made of better material and will last for several tumbling phases or for several batches of rock. I think that the material in Harbor Freight belts doesn't hold up to the heat generated by the flexing and the transfer of energy (to turn the tumbler drum). When they fail, they are usually cracked in several places, as if the rubber became brittle. I've removed the top guard plate to facilitate air flow for cooling to see if that helps.
And we reply again:
Hi RM,
I asked our lapidary people and they said you could swap parts between Harbor Freight and Lortone. Also, Lortone belts are much better than the one you have. They last a year or more in our machines. The trick to keeping them running is to not over tighten. Also, don't get the oil on them.
Thank you for allowing us to use your comments. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with!
Sincerely,
Anita
Saturday, August 25, 2007
How Do I Polish Lake Stones in My Rock Tumbler?
Attached are pictures of rocks I attempted to polish in a tumbler, I am not getting the results I would like. I would like a glossy polish to the rocks. Also is there a way to remove the so called polish that is on there now? Thanks in advance for any help.
Judith
Hi Judith,
I think your problem is contamination. The photo shows a rock with "caves" in the surface. This rock and others like it (including some with less extreme "caves") will carry grit from one stage to the next, even with careful cleaning. Set aside all rocks like this one, and start again in step 3. That should solve your problem. Also, make sure you're cleaning your barrel very carefully.
Some people get stones like these to polish by running them through a soap stage in between the regular stages. You could try that as well. For a soap stage, we recommend Ivory bar soap shredded with a cheese grater, and water.
If all else fails, take comfort in knowing that some stones just won't take a polish.
Anita
Rockpick Legend Co.
Can I Polish Petosky Stones in my Rock Tumbler?
We recently received this question from a customer. Here is our answer:
Petosky stones are really hard to polish.
In the polish step, replace the water with corn syrup. Use Tin oxide polish only with clean plastic pellets.
You should also add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar.
If this doesn’t work, nothing will in a tumbler.
Most petosky stones are polished by hand and not in a tumbler.
Petosky stones are really hard to polish.
In the polish step, replace the water with corn syrup. Use Tin oxide polish only with clean plastic pellets.
You should also add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar.
If this doesn’t work, nothing will in a tumbler.
Most petosky stones are polished by hand and not in a tumbler.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
I Can't Find "Soap Flakes"--What do I use as the final step in my rock tumbler?
Here's a rock tumbling tip:
Use a bar of Ivory soap as your final burnish, but shred it with a cheese grater first.
Many name brand laundry detergents are harsh enough to remove the polish. Some generic brand detergents have been used successfully, but on a trial and error basis.
Happy Rock Tumbling!
Use a bar of Ivory soap as your final burnish, but shred it with a cheese grater first.
Many name brand laundry detergents are harsh enough to remove the polish. Some generic brand detergents have been used successfully, but on a trial and error basis.
Happy Rock Tumbling!
Just What Are The Plastic Pellets in The Rock Tumbler Grit Kits For, Anyway?
I have a quick question pertaining to previous orders. I am new to the whole lapidary process and do not understand what the little plastic beads are for. The rock polishing unit I purchased from you makes no mention of them, we are curently using Tide for step five. Any help is appreciated. Thanks, John H
We've been getting this question a lot lately. Here is the response we've been sending out:
The plastic pellets are volume fillers for steps 3 and 4. When the rocks fill less than 1/2 the barrel, use the pellets to increase the volume to 2/3 or so. You can reuse the pellets, but only in one step. So place the used pellets in a bag and mark them either step 3 or step 4 (depending on which stage you used them in). Don't cross contaminate. Retrieve the pellets by pouring the contents into a bucket of water. The pellets will float, and you can scoop them off for reuse. Scooping with a colander works well.
Tide is not the best choice of a "soap." It is actually harsh enough to remove polish. Use a bar of Ivory soap, but shred it with a cheese grater first.
Happy Rock Tumbling!
We've been getting this question a lot lately. Here is the response we've been sending out:
The plastic pellets are volume fillers for steps 3 and 4. When the rocks fill less than 1/2 the barrel, use the pellets to increase the volume to 2/3 or so. You can reuse the pellets, but only in one step. So place the used pellets in a bag and mark them either step 3 or step 4 (depending on which stage you used them in). Don't cross contaminate. Retrieve the pellets by pouring the contents into a bucket of water. The pellets will float, and you can scoop them off for reuse. Scooping with a colander works well.
Tide is not the best choice of a "soap." It is actually harsh enough to remove polish. Use a bar of Ivory soap, but shred it with a cheese grater first.
Happy Rock Tumbling!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Be on the level and not carried away with the Karo!--Rock Tumbler Tip
Here is a rock tumbler tip from a customer--Thanks, Duane!
Hi Rick, I've had two bad experiences with my Thumbler double tumbler recently. Both of these bad experiences were my fault.
I came home to find the tumbler stopped (good thing the motor has heat protection!). This was the first time this had happened and luckily my wife asked if it could have been the Karo I used. Turns out she was right, I had cleaned the tumbler off from what had leaked out but never cleaned the barrels. In my hurry to start a batch of Picture Jasper and Burro Creek Agate, I just reused the sticky tumblers.
The sticky tumblers would climb up the retaining washer and jam between the rollers. No problem, clean up some more and let the motor cool and I'd be off again.
Sure enough, the tumbler went into service just as it always does.
However, I get home from work the following night and find the same thing, the tumbler over heated and shut off.
This time I restart the tumbler and watch it for several minutes only to see one barrel climb up over the retaining washer. It didn't take long to realize that I had moved the tumbler off of a level surface. This was making both barrels gravitate to the retaining washer. The tumbler was moved back to a level spot and has been happily tumbling for quite a while now.
Lessons learned, wash your barrels if they get dirt built up on them and make sure the tumbler is on a level surface before starting the motor.
Just thought I'd send you an update on using Karo and suggest a word of advice about making sure the tumbler is level (you might find out your garage floor or work bench isn't as level as you thought they were).
:)
Duane
Hi Rick, I've had two bad experiences with my Thumbler double tumbler recently. Both of these bad experiences were my fault.
I came home to find the tumbler stopped (good thing the motor has heat protection!). This was the first time this had happened and luckily my wife asked if it could have been the Karo I used. Turns out she was right, I had cleaned the tumbler off from what had leaked out but never cleaned the barrels. In my hurry to start a batch of Picture Jasper and Burro Creek Agate, I just reused the sticky tumblers.
The sticky tumblers would climb up the retaining washer and jam between the rollers. No problem, clean up some more and let the motor cool and I'd be off again.
Sure enough, the tumbler went into service just as it always does.
However, I get home from work the following night and find the same thing, the tumbler over heated and shut off.
This time I restart the tumbler and watch it for several minutes only to see one barrel climb up over the retaining washer. It didn't take long to realize that I had moved the tumbler off of a level surface. This was making both barrels gravitate to the retaining washer. The tumbler was moved back to a level spot and has been happily tumbling for quite a while now.
Lessons learned, wash your barrels if they get dirt built up on them and make sure the tumbler is on a level surface before starting the motor.
Just thought I'd send you an update on using Karo and suggest a word of advice about making sure the tumbler is level (you might find out your garage floor or work bench isn't as level as you thought they were).
:)
Duane
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Why Physicists, Chemists, and Engineers Should Oppose “Abandoned” Mine Closures
Many important discoveries, inventions, and modern technological devices depend upon principles learned from mineral specimens. According to William D. Callister, Adjunct Professor at the University of Utah, “Historically, much of understanding regarding the atomic and molecular arrangements in solids has resulted from x-ray diffraction investigations; furthermore, x-rays are still very important in developing new materials.”1 Some of the first x-ray diffraction experiments were performed by William Lawrence Bragg (1890-1971). In 1914 Bragg published the earliest information about crystal structures determined by x-ray diffraction.2 Bragg’s work with mineral structures was later used by physicists, chemists, and engineers. Physicists used Bragg’s work in the study of optics (diffraction patterns) and the “light as a wave” model. Chemists studied the atomic structure of materials based on information provided by Bragg. And material scientists and engineers use atomic structure information provided by Bragg in the study of material properties and new materials development.
Despite the historical importance of mineral specimens for the promotion of many sciences, government agencies are eliminating public access to known and new mineral species. Mining operations are closed because they are no longer commercially viable. But many of the mines still have scientific value in the form of mineral specimen deposits. In the past, a mining operation closed, but the mine itself was left accessible. The U.S. Department of the Interior summarizes the collective governmental position on mine closure in its 1998 Utah Abandoned Mine Land Oversight Report. It says, “The primary goal of the national Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program is to mitigate the effects of past mining by reclaiming abandoned mines, with a primary emphasis on correcting the most serious problems endangering public health, safety, general welfare, and property.” 3 Public safety is a reasonable concern. However, government agencies are not simply “protecting” the general public from accidentally stumbling upon an old mining operation. They are bulldozing, cement capping, and rebar gating access to old mines still rich in mineral specimen material. It is arguable that if governmental concern is public safety, the government could do more good (in terms of injuries and deaths per year) by closing ski resorts and other generally accepted hazardous activities.
Amateur mineralogists and mineral collectors regularly collect, preserve, and even discover mineral species. Efforts of these collectors are shared in publications such as Mineralogical Record, www.mindat.org, Rock & Gem, and in rock clubs and rock shops around the country. Allowing government agencies to destroy access to scientifically rich material demonstrates overconfidence in current knowledge, and limits future knowledge. After reviewing significant discoveries made using mineral specimens, scientists and engineers should be alarmed by “abandoned” mine closures and the increasing difficulties in starting a mining operation in the United States.
A major development in atomic theory utilized gold, a mineral. In 1909 Hans Geiger and Ernest Mardsen measured the deflection of alpha particles directed at a sheet of thin gold foil. The lab run by Ernest Rutherford was able to prove that atoms contain a central nucleus. Their work led to the Bohr atomic model. This step was critical to the development of modern atomic models.4
In 1904, Paul Heinrich von Groth (1843-1927) theorized about internal crystal structures. He said, "A crystal consists (1) of a number of interpenetrating point systems, each made up of similar atoms; (2) each point system consists of a number of interpenetrating space lattices made up of similar atoms arranged in a parallel manner; and (3) all space lattices of the resulting structure are congruent, that is, possess the same elementary parallelpiped."5 By creating a crystal structure model, Groth was theorizing about how atoms connect to create solids. In his 1914 work, Bragg confirmed early theories about how atoms form crystal structures and thereby allowed scientist to theorize further about atomic connecting mechanisms and even atomic structure. Scientists and engineers still use Bragg's equation to measure the space between lattice planes in a crystal. Bragg's equation is mλ = 2dsinθ, where m is a positive integer, λ is the wavelength of the x-ray, θ is the angle at which the x-ray strikes the crystal face as measured from the face, and d is the distance between lattice planes.
Bragg's diffraction experiments also proved that light acts like a wave. Throughout Albert Einstein's (1879-1955) life, scientists debated about the nature of light and quantum mechanics. Some scientists claimed that light was made up of photon particles. Others believed light was a wave. These debates wouldn't have been possible without Bragg's proof that light diffracts like a wave. Most scientists today accept both the wave model and the particle model of light. No one has yet created a cohesive model that explains all of light's properties and behaviors.
Minerals have been used to learn about polarized light. Polarized light's wave motion is confined to one plane. Light can be polarized by double refraction, absorption, or reflection. All three types of polarized light can be demonstrated with crystals. William Nicol (1770-1851) invented the first polarizing prism.6 The Nicol prism uses a rhombohedral crystal of calcite, cut at 68°, split diagonally, and then joined again with Canada balsam (a turpentine that is used as a glue and is almost invisible when dried). The prism refracts one plane of light with an index of refraction of n = 1.658, and another plane of light with an index of refraction of 1.486. This prism was once used extensively.
Tourmaline is used to demonstrate polarized light by absorption.7 Tourmaline crystals are anisotropic (they have different material properties in different directions). They absorb light in some directions, and reflect it in others. Polarizing sheets are made with an acetate base using this same principle. Polarized lenses are used in consumer products such as sunglasses and scientific instruments like microscopes.
Light is polarized when it reflects from a smooth, nonmetallic surface. The extent of polarization depends on the angle of reflection and the index of refraction of the reflecting material. The angle at which light with one particular polarization cannot be reflected is called Brewster's angle after Sir David Brewster (1781-1868). While Brewster wasn't the first to discover this phenomenon, he does get credit for independent discovery. He also discovered crystals with two axes of double refraction and made connections between optical structure and crystalline forms.8 Brewster's angle is calculated with Snell's law, n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2, where n1 is the index of refraction of the material in which the light is coming from, θ1 is the angle from which the light enters the second material measured from the normal to the plane, n2 is the index of refraction of the material being entered, and θ2 is the direction of travel in the second material measured from the normal to the plane. Brewster's Law is calculated as θ1 = θB = arctan(n2/n1).
There are many more examples of how rocks, minerals, and crystals have demonstrated general scientific principles. For instance, the element phosphorous phosphorescences. Phosphorescence is used in many electronic devices, including televisions. It is shortsighted to close access to rocks and minerals which are scientifically valuable natural resources. It may be argued that only trained scientists should maintain access to abandoned mines since it was trained scientists making these example discoveries. There are two arguments against that course of action. First, mineral collectors regularly provide museums with quality mineral specimens. Second, as Adam Smith suggested in The Wealth of Nations, the layman may be in the best position to invent things to improve his condition. For the advancement of scientific knowledge and technology, all levels of government in the United States should allow access to abandoned mines and facilitate the distribution of new mining permits.
Anita Dalrymple
Physics 123, Spring 2007
(modified for Rockpick Legend Co.)
Comments about this article should be directed to rockshop@rocks4u.com.
References
1 Callister, William D., 2007, Materials Science and Engineering, An Introduction, 7th ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, p.67.
2 Klein, Cornelis, 1985, Manual of Mineralogy, 20th ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, p. 7.
3 1998 Utah Abandoned Mine Land Oversight Report, U S Department of the Interior, INTERNET source available at http://www.osmre.gov/utahaml98.htm, accessed June 9, 2007.
4 Geiger-Mardsen Experiment, Wikipedia, INTERNET source available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geiger-Marsden_experiment, accessed June 12, 2007.
5 Kraus, Edward Henry, 1936, Mineralogy: An Introduction to the Study of Minerals and Crystals, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., New York, NY, p. 146.
6 Nicol Prism, Wikipedia, INTERNET source available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicol_prism, accessed June 12, 2007.
7 Klein, Cornelis, 1985, Manual of Mineralogy, 20th ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, p. 236.
8 David Brewster, Wikipedia, INTERNET source available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Brewster, accessed June 12, 2007.
Despite the historical importance of mineral specimens for the promotion of many sciences, government agencies are eliminating public access to known and new mineral species. Mining operations are closed because they are no longer commercially viable. But many of the mines still have scientific value in the form of mineral specimen deposits. In the past, a mining operation closed, but the mine itself was left accessible. The U.S. Department of the Interior summarizes the collective governmental position on mine closure in its 1998 Utah Abandoned Mine Land Oversight Report. It says, “The primary goal of the national Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program is to mitigate the effects of past mining by reclaiming abandoned mines, with a primary emphasis on correcting the most serious problems endangering public health, safety, general welfare, and property.” 3 Public safety is a reasonable concern. However, government agencies are not simply “protecting” the general public from accidentally stumbling upon an old mining operation. They are bulldozing, cement capping, and rebar gating access to old mines still rich in mineral specimen material. It is arguable that if governmental concern is public safety, the government could do more good (in terms of injuries and deaths per year) by closing ski resorts and other generally accepted hazardous activities.
Amateur mineralogists and mineral collectors regularly collect, preserve, and even discover mineral species. Efforts of these collectors are shared in publications such as Mineralogical Record, www.mindat.org, Rock & Gem, and in rock clubs and rock shops around the country. Allowing government agencies to destroy access to scientifically rich material demonstrates overconfidence in current knowledge, and limits future knowledge. After reviewing significant discoveries made using mineral specimens, scientists and engineers should be alarmed by “abandoned” mine closures and the increasing difficulties in starting a mining operation in the United States.
A major development in atomic theory utilized gold, a mineral. In 1909 Hans Geiger and Ernest Mardsen measured the deflection of alpha particles directed at a sheet of thin gold foil. The lab run by Ernest Rutherford was able to prove that atoms contain a central nucleus. Their work led to the Bohr atomic model. This step was critical to the development of modern atomic models.4
In 1904, Paul Heinrich von Groth (1843-1927) theorized about internal crystal structures. He said, "A crystal consists (1) of a number of interpenetrating point systems, each made up of similar atoms; (2) each point system consists of a number of interpenetrating space lattices made up of similar atoms arranged in a parallel manner; and (3) all space lattices of the resulting structure are congruent, that is, possess the same elementary parallelpiped."5 By creating a crystal structure model, Groth was theorizing about how atoms connect to create solids. In his 1914 work, Bragg confirmed early theories about how atoms form crystal structures and thereby allowed scientist to theorize further about atomic connecting mechanisms and even atomic structure. Scientists and engineers still use Bragg's equation to measure the space between lattice planes in a crystal. Bragg's equation is mλ = 2dsinθ, where m is a positive integer, λ is the wavelength of the x-ray, θ is the angle at which the x-ray strikes the crystal face as measured from the face, and d is the distance between lattice planes.
Bragg's diffraction experiments also proved that light acts like a wave. Throughout Albert Einstein's (1879-1955) life, scientists debated about the nature of light and quantum mechanics. Some scientists claimed that light was made up of photon particles. Others believed light was a wave. These debates wouldn't have been possible without Bragg's proof that light diffracts like a wave. Most scientists today accept both the wave model and the particle model of light. No one has yet created a cohesive model that explains all of light's properties and behaviors.
Minerals have been used to learn about polarized light. Polarized light's wave motion is confined to one plane. Light can be polarized by double refraction, absorption, or reflection. All three types of polarized light can be demonstrated with crystals. William Nicol (1770-1851) invented the first polarizing prism.6 The Nicol prism uses a rhombohedral crystal of calcite, cut at 68°, split diagonally, and then joined again with Canada balsam (a turpentine that is used as a glue and is almost invisible when dried). The prism refracts one plane of light with an index of refraction of n = 1.658, and another plane of light with an index of refraction of 1.486. This prism was once used extensively.
Tourmaline is used to demonstrate polarized light by absorption.7 Tourmaline crystals are anisotropic (they have different material properties in different directions). They absorb light in some directions, and reflect it in others. Polarizing sheets are made with an acetate base using this same principle. Polarized lenses are used in consumer products such as sunglasses and scientific instruments like microscopes.
Light is polarized when it reflects from a smooth, nonmetallic surface. The extent of polarization depends on the angle of reflection and the index of refraction of the reflecting material. The angle at which light with one particular polarization cannot be reflected is called Brewster's angle after Sir David Brewster (1781-1868). While Brewster wasn't the first to discover this phenomenon, he does get credit for independent discovery. He also discovered crystals with two axes of double refraction and made connections between optical structure and crystalline forms.8 Brewster's angle is calculated with Snell's law, n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2, where n1 is the index of refraction of the material in which the light is coming from, θ1 is the angle from which the light enters the second material measured from the normal to the plane, n2 is the index of refraction of the material being entered, and θ2 is the direction of travel in the second material measured from the normal to the plane. Brewster's Law is calculated as θ1 = θB = arctan(n2/n1).
There are many more examples of how rocks, minerals, and crystals have demonstrated general scientific principles. For instance, the element phosphorous phosphorescences. Phosphorescence is used in many electronic devices, including televisions. It is shortsighted to close access to rocks and minerals which are scientifically valuable natural resources. It may be argued that only trained scientists should maintain access to abandoned mines since it was trained scientists making these example discoveries. There are two arguments against that course of action. First, mineral collectors regularly provide museums with quality mineral specimens. Second, as Adam Smith suggested in The Wealth of Nations, the layman may be in the best position to invent things to improve his condition. For the advancement of scientific knowledge and technology, all levels of government in the United States should allow access to abandoned mines and facilitate the distribution of new mining permits.
Anita Dalrymple
Physics 123, Spring 2007
(modified for Rockpick Legend Co.)
Comments about this article should be directed to rockshop@rocks4u.com.
References
1 Callister, William D., 2007, Materials Science and Engineering, An Introduction, 7th ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, p.67.
2 Klein, Cornelis, 1985, Manual of Mineralogy, 20th ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, p. 7.
3 1998 Utah Abandoned Mine Land Oversight Report, U S Department of the Interior, INTERNET source available at http://www.osmre.gov/utahaml98.htm, accessed June 9, 2007.
4 Geiger-Mardsen Experiment, Wikipedia, INTERNET source available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geiger-Marsden_experiment, accessed June 12, 2007.
5 Kraus, Edward Henry, 1936, Mineralogy: An Introduction to the Study of Minerals and Crystals, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., New York, NY, p. 146.
6 Nicol Prism, Wikipedia, INTERNET source available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicol_prism, accessed June 12, 2007.
7 Klein, Cornelis, 1985, Manual of Mineralogy, 20th ed., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY, p. 236.
8 David Brewster, Wikipedia, INTERNET source available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Brewster, accessed June 12, 2007.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Many Uses for a Rock Tumbler--Some Better Than Others...
Dear Rock Friends,
We often get asked if a rock tumbler can be used for other things besides
tumbling rocks.
Here are some of the other uses we have encountered.
A restaurant in Park City uses a couple of larger tumbler for marinating
meat overnight (inside the cooler).
Auto shops use them for cleaning carburetor parts.
Auto restoration shops use them for cleaning original parts like nuts and
bolts.
A local medical manufacture uses them to burnish needles for syringes.
A local aerospace manufacture use the to de-bur metal fittings and parts.
Many artists use them to manufacture beach glass for art.
Bottle collectors use them to remove dirt and crud from antique bottles.
Gold prospectors use them for crushing gold-bearing rocks so they can
amalgamate the gold.
Jewelers use them to clean jewelry castings.
Coin collectors and many with coin fountains use tumblers to clean the coins
so banks will take them.
A grad student at Berkeley is currently using one to create a specific
weather condition with sensors inside the barrel to measure the effect of--I
didn't really understand it but it sounded interesting.
A custom paint maker uses them to mix paint.
Some restaurants use them to clean utensils. It will put a pitted but clean
look on metal utensils really fast.
I know at least one clay artist who uses one to mix her own clay for
ceramics and another tumbler to mixing her own pigments for her ceramics.
These are just some of the more interesting uses. If you have some you would
like to share please let me know.
Rick Dalrymple
888.762.5728
We often get asked if a rock tumbler can be used for other things besides
tumbling rocks.
Here are some of the other uses we have encountered.
A restaurant in Park City uses a couple of larger tumbler for marinating
meat overnight (inside the cooler).
Auto shops use them for cleaning carburetor parts.
Auto restoration shops use them for cleaning original parts like nuts and
bolts.
A local medical manufacture uses them to burnish needles for syringes.
A local aerospace manufacture use the to de-bur metal fittings and parts.
Many artists use them to manufacture beach glass for art.
Bottle collectors use them to remove dirt and crud from antique bottles.
Gold prospectors use them for crushing gold-bearing rocks so they can
amalgamate the gold.
Jewelers use them to clean jewelry castings.
Coin collectors and many with coin fountains use tumblers to clean the coins
so banks will take them.
A grad student at Berkeley is currently using one to create a specific
weather condition with sensors inside the barrel to measure the effect of--I
didn't really understand it but it sounded interesting.
A custom paint maker uses them to mix paint.
Some restaurants use them to clean utensils. It will put a pitted but clean
look on metal utensils really fast.
I know at least one clay artist who uses one to mix her own clay for
ceramics and another tumbler to mixing her own pigments for her ceramics.
These are just some of the more interesting uses. If you have some you would
like to share please let me know.
Rick Dalrymple
888.762.5728
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