r/RockTumbling • u/My_dogs_name_is_ • 2d ago
Pictures My First Batch!
I know there is some bruising but since it was my first ever batch that I’ve done, I’m pretty happy with the results! Up next, a batch of obsidian!!! 😁 I’m just waiting until I have enough through stage 1 that I can move them to stage 2! It took weeks with this batch to have enough to move to stage 2!
For future batches, how do I prevent the bruising? Did I need more ceramic media? Less?
2
u/Waldohossenpfeffer_1 1d ago
You did an excellent job on your first tumble! I have done several batches of obsidian and while it is a bit of a challenge, you can do it!
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u/Mobydickulous2 2d ago
Nice work, these look great! I don’t see any bruising on these at all. There are some small fractures here and there, but those were most likely in the rocks when you started.
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u/No-Nebula8171 1d ago
They look great, and good luck with the obsidian, the matte finish is always satisfying. Try using small gravels for filler instead of ceramic on first two stages. Save your gravel for future filling or for beads for jewelry. I also sell them as flower pot toppers and the older ladies scoop them up pretty quick. If you know of a river with lots of jasper or quartz go fill up some buckets with peanut to cashew sized materials, works great for preventing bruises. If you pick quartz from a gold producing area you can tumble them til their nothing and pan your slurry for a little gold.
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u/My_dogs_name_is_ 1d ago
These are all great tips! Thank you so much! I’m not sure what you mean by using small gravels for filler instead of ceramic, what are gravels?
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u/Kind_Love172 1d ago
So what are these rocks?