Rock tumbling is an art that transforms rough stones into polished gems. If you’re a rock hound or a rock tumbling enthusiast, you know how rewarding this hobby can be. However, achieving that perfect polish requires more than just grit and patience; it requires the right tumbling media. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of tumbling media, their benefits, and how to use them to get the best results from your rock tumbler.
What is Tumbling Media?
Tumbling media are materials used to cushion rocks during the tumbling process. They help prevent chipping and bruising by making the tumbling action gentler. This is crucial because rocks can easily damage each other when tumbling together. Tumbling media also act as fillers to maintain the correct volume in the tumbler barrel after the coarse stage.
The Role of Tumbling Media
The main goal of any tumbling media is to protect your rocks from hard impacts that can cause chips and bruises. This is why media is typically not used in the coarse stage but is essential from the second stage onwards. The two most commonly used types of tumbling media are plastic pellets and ceramic media.
Plastic Media
What Are Plastic Pellets?
Plastic pellets are small, lightweight beads that cushion your rocks by absorbing impacts between them. They are easy to use and can be reused within the same or earlier stages.
How to Use Plastic Pellets
Using plastic pellets is simple. Just alternate filling your barrel with rocks and plastic pellets until it is 3/4 to 2/3 full. Then add your grit and water as usual. Be aware that the grit will become embedded in the plastic, so you should only reuse them in the same stage or earlier stages of tumbling.
Limitations of Plastic Media
One downside of plastic pellets is that they cannot be used in vibratory tumblers. Additionally, plastic is too soft to aid in the grinding process.
Ceramic Media
What is Ceramic Media?
Ceramic media consists of small, cylindrical pieces that cushion your rocks by filling the voids between them. This increases the contact area between rocks and smooths out the tumbling action, making the overall process more efficient.
How to Use Ceramic Media
Ceramic media needs to be broken in before using in the pre-polish or polish stages. You can either start using it in the medium stage with your rocks or run the ceramics by themselves in 120/220 grit for a few days to round off the edges.
Advantages of Ceramic Media
Ceramic media can be rinsed off and moved to the next stage with your rocks, making cleanouts faster. It also helps with grinding, unlike plastic, which is too soft to be effective in this regard.
What Should I Use?
Ceramic media is generally recommended over plastic because it:
- Doesn’t require separating for different stages.
- Needs only one storage container.
- Can be washed and carried to the next stage.
- Aids in grinding.
If you’re purchasing ceramic media for the first time, buy a mix of large and small pieces. Over time, the larger ceramics will wear down, and you’ll only need to purchase large pieces in the future.
Conclusion
Tumbling media plays a crucial role in the rock tumbling process, helping to prevent damage and enhance the overall quality of your polished rocks. Whether you choose plastic pellets, ceramic media, or an alternative, understanding their benefits and how to use them will significantly improve your tumbling results.
