Select stones for tumbling that are generally 3/4 inch diameter and smaller. A few larger stones may be polished in a load that consists primarily of smaller stones. Proceed as follows:
Keep notes, experiment, experiemt, experiment, these are guidelines only, with experience you'll come up with different formulas for your rocks. Not every load will turn out perfect.
For an excellent article with instructions, goto the About.com article explaining the benefits of vibratory tumbler technology.
> Step 1 (coarse-60/90 grit):
Fill tumbler barrel approx. 3/4 full of rock. Add 3/4 to 1 ounce of coarse grit for each pound of rock. Add water to within 1 1/2 inches of top of rocks (below not over). After a few hours of running, the grit and water should form a thick, creamy slurry (add or remove water as necessary to achieve this consistency). Run continuously for 2 to 3 days. Occasionally open the barrel to check and maintain the slurry.
Note: 1 ounce coarse = 4 level tsps.
> Step 2 (medium-150/220 grit):
Remove rock and slurry from barrel. Thoroughly clean and rinse rocks and barrel. If possible, use a separate barrel for each stage. Return rocks to barrel. Add 3/4 to 1 ounce of medium grit for each pound of rock. Add water to within 1 1/2 inches of top of rocks (below not over). After a few hours of running, the grit and water should form a thick, creamy slurry (add or remove water as necessary to achieve this consistency). Run continuously for 2 to 3 days. Occasionally open the barrel to check and maintain the slurry.
Note: 1 ounce medium = 4 level tsps. + a little
> Step 3 (fine-600 grit):
Remove rock and slurry from barrel. Thoroughly clean and rinse rocks and barrel. If possible, use a separate barrel for each stage. Return rocks to barrel. Add 1/2 ounce of fine grit for each pound of rock. Add water to within 1 1/2 inches of top of rocks (below not over). After a few hours of running, the grit and water should form a thick, creamy slurry (add or remove water as necessary to achieve this consistency). Run continuously for 2 to 3 days. Occasionally open the barrel to check and maintain the slurry.
Note: 1 ounce of fine = 8 level tsps.
> Step 4 (polish-cerium oxide):
Remove rock and slurry from barrel. Thoroughly clean and rinse rocks and barrel. If possible, use a separate barrel for each stage. Return rocks to barrel. Add 1/2 ounce of fine grit for each pound of rock. Add water to within 1 1/2 inches of top of rocks (below not over). After a few hours of running, the grit and water should form a thick, creamy slurry (add or remove water as necessary to achieve this consistency). Run continuously for 3 to 4 days. Occasionally open the barrel to check and maintain the slurry. Addition of plastic pellets will help cushion the tumbling action and provide a better polish.
Note: 1 ounce polish = 8 level tsps.
> Step 5 (high polish-Ivory soap):
For an extra high polish, clean rocks and barrel again and add some shavings of Ivory soap. Add water to within 1 inch of top of rocks and run for 3 to 6 hours. Addition of plastic pellets will help cushion the tumbling action and provide a better polish. Remove rocks; rinse and dry on toweling.
DO NOT empty slurry into household drains. It hardens into a concrete like substance!
For best results - Clean every speck of grit from rocks, barrel, lids, and gasket after each step, especially before rocks are put into polishing cycles. Clean and rinse each rock (a strainer is useful). Use a toothbrush to clean out the crevices.
