From Rough to Smooth: Rock Tumbling Guide - Stage 4 Pre Polish

In this video, we are tackling two of the most critical parts of the rock tumbling process: the cleaning phase and (Fine Grit) through Stage 4 (Pre-Polish). Skipping a thorough clean or rushing these stages is the number one reason rocks turn out dull. Let's make sure yours come out with that perfect, glass-like shine! If you're following along, here is exactly what we cover today: How to properly clean your barrel and rocks to prevent cross-contamination. Tips for using ceramic media to cushion your rocks during the finer stages. What your rocks should look like before they move on to the final polish. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Pre Polish Stage for Rock Tumbling. 00:35 The Cleaning After 3rd Stage 500 Grit Tumble. 07:30 Preping for Clean Cylce - Burnish. 16:19 Inspecting and Looking at the cleaned rocks. 16:50 Readying the Pre-Polish Stage. 25:10 Placing the barrel on the tumbler and Wrap up. 🛠️ TOOLS & SUPPLIES USED IN THIS VIDEO (Note: Replace these with your actual affiliate links if you have them!) Rock Tumbler: (Lortone Model 45 C)(Avialble from Lortone Inc or many other rock tumbler vendors) Silicon Carbide Grit: (1000 Grit Aluminum Oxide/Pre-Polish)(Found on Amazone or Rock Shop) Ceramic Tumbling Media: (Found on Amazone or Rock Shop) Borax Soap 100 Mule Team: (For Wash Cycle and the burnish)(Can be found at locar grocer or hardware store.) 💡 PRO-TIPS FROM THIS EPISODE Never skip the wash cycle: Even a single grain of coarse grit left over from can ruin your entire pre-polish batch. Wash your rocks and barrel with a little soap for 1-2 hours between stages. Use Ceramic Media: As the rocks get smoother, they have less grit to "grind" against and start slamming into each other. Ceramic cylinders act as tiny pillows to prevent bruising and chipping. The "Wet Test": When you take your rocks out of Step 4 (Pre-Polish), they should look completely smooth and have a satin sheen when wet. If you still see deep scratches, rerun them in pre-polish again or in one of the earlier stages, be patient. #jeffbutton #prepolish #lortone #rockpolishing #rocktumbler #rocktumbling #rockstar #semipreciousgemstone