2026 Rock Tumbling Contest (Part 8): Why I HATE This Ceramic Media

It’s Week 7 of the 2026 Worldwide Rock Tumbling Contest! After another week in the barrel, it's time for a cleanout to see how the Dead Camel Jasper is shaping up. With no more fresh rough to add, I’m making some choices regarding ceramic media sizes and addressing a common question: what do you do with those tiny "scrap" stones? I’m also sharing my process for managing the tumblers when I have to head out of town. More of This Batch Part 7:    • Video   Part 9:    • 2026 Rock Tumbling Contest (Part 9): An Ol...   Video Summary We are officially seven weeks into Stage 1 for the Feather River Lapidary Rock Tumbling contest. This week, I’m inspecting the progress on the in-process rocks, including the "big ass rock" which has already shrunk by about 20% but still needs some deep cracks tumbled out. I also dive into a comparison of ceramic media sizes, explaining exactly why I prefer large cylinders over the small ones. Finally, I discuss my "anxious person" protocol for what to do with your rocks and equipment when you're away from home for an extended period. In This Video Week 7 Clean Out: Checking in on the rocks to see if any are ready for stage 2." [00:20] The Tiny Rock Dilemma: What I do with the small fragments that make their way through the full process. [03:11] Media Size Comparison: Why 5/8" ceramic is vastly superior to 3/8" cylinders. [04:09] Filling the Barrel: Using pre-tumbled media to maintain volume without mixing hardness. [05:49] Traveling with Tumblers: My method for hitting "pause" on a batch while away. [06:56] Join the Fun Feather River Lapidary & Mineral Society: https://www.featherriverrocks.org/ Equipment Rotary Tumbler: Dual 3lb Central Machinery tumbler from Harbor Freight Stage 1 Grit: 60/90 Silicon Carbide from The Rock Shed 20 Mule Team Borax Ceramic Media: Comparing 5/8" vs 3/4" cylinders (Go Large!) Subscribe to follow my progress in the 2026 Worldwide Rock Tumbling Contest!#frlms #RockTumbling #FRLMS #Jasper #Lapidary #RockHounding #CeramicMedia #Geology More updates and past batches at   / eyetumbleforya