Instructions for Ultra-Vibe Industrial UV-10 & UV-18
Polishing rocks in the
ultra Vibe-10 and UV-18
When selecting rocks to tumble, remember, the
finished product is determined by the quality of rocks with which you
start. The rocks you use should be sorted by hardness and roughness. Your
rocks may vary in size to include a few up to 1 1/2" in diameter. Vibratory
tumblers are most successful on rocks where the shape does not have to be
changed a great deal or on rock which have been previously sawed or shaped.
Agates and other hard stones should not be tumbled with soft materials such
as opal. If you are planning to tumble beach-worn rocks, don't complicate
the process by mixing them with hammer-broken rocks.
The industrial Ultra-Vibe should be placed on a
firm, smooth, level surface - preferably on uncarpeted floor with ample
clearance around it. This allows proper air flow to the motor. DO NOT
cover unit with anything to dampen noise as this may block air flow and
cause the motor to overheat, or possibly create a fire hazard.
Place your tumbler where it will not be in the way
because tumbling takes a number of days of continuous operation and there is
a constant sound of rolling rocks connected with rock polishing.
The following are only general guidelines for
polishing rocks as most people make modifications in the methods to fit
their specific needs.
1. Fill Industrial Ultra-Vibe barrel with
enough rocks to fill up past the centerline - approximately 3/4 full.
Tighten wing nut in center of barrel securely.
2. Add GRIT (Check chart below for quantity
needed for the various size vibratory barrels.) Turn on Tumbler.
3. Begin adding water, a little at a time
until the grit starts to cling to the stones which is what it should do.
(Too much water will tend to rinse the grit back off the stones.)
4. Replace tumbler lid to prevent the water
from splashing and evaporating. This will also reduce some of the noise
connected with rock polishing.
5. The GRIND (120-220 grit) will be the
longest and will vary with the roughness and hardness of the stones - from 2
to 7 days. The rocks should be checked two to three times daily because the
build-up of "mud" (ground up rock, grit and water) will cause the action in
the tumbler to slow down. A small amount of water may be added to restore
the action. This is critical because if the action stops significantly, the
barrel could be damaged.
6. When desired results in the GRIND
(120-220 grit) are attained, the rocks and barrel should be rinsed
thoroughly. DO NOT wash grit into sink or drain pipe. Make sure all traces
of FINE grit are rinsed from the rocks and barrel. The rocks can then be
replaced in the barrel, ready for the next phase of polishing.
7. Follow Steps 2 - 6 for each of the next
two phases - PREPOLISH, and finally, POLISH. Use chart below for correct
amount of grit for each barrel. These grinds will take only 2 - 3 days
each. The stones and barrel should be washed thoroughly between grit
changes.
8. After the POLISH you may wish to run the
stones for a few hours in a solution of laundry detergent and enough water
to make a stiff suds. This will clean off any remaining polish and do a
final burnishing job on the stones.
Only the Industrial versions of the Ultra-Vibe
are suitable for rock polishing.
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