Finish Rock Tumbling 12x Faster!

[@zantose5611]

Little trick I picked up cleaning my carburetor in the ultrasonic, put just the rocks in a zip lock baggie with some water and cleaning solutions. Place the baggie in the ultrasonic and cover with water. Doing this makes it so you don't have to use as much cleaner. Less waste :) cheers love your videos

[@ItsVideos]

How will the carburetor be cleaned if you don't put it in the baggie?

[@KnightsAdventures]

Thanks for sharing - that's a great tip

[@paulcoupe1964]

Hi Arial. Like you I have been experimenting and using this method for a few months now. It really is a game changer! Have been telling people in some of the facebook groups about how well it works. Keep up the great vidios you are posting! I learned so much from you when I first got into Tumbling! Thank you do much.

[@AgateAriel]

That is so great to hear! I’m glad I could be helpful!!

[@pambifoss948]

Ariel! I just found ultra sonic cleaner baskets! 3 sizes, 1.7", 2.5", and 4.3" all for $9.99 on Amazon for your smaller stones. I just got my ultrasonic cleaner today, and I just ordered these little baskets! Thank you for your ideas!

[@AgateAriel]

What!!! That is so awesome! I will have to check it out!!

[@ChiChisWorld]

I saw your videos & was mesmerized. I bought a tumbler, then ordered a double barrel one & then ordered an ultrasonic cleaner. 😅 I'm now obsessed with my new hobby.

[@antonypalmer5804]

I have an ultrasonic cleaner and never thought about using it when I tumbled rocks. Thanks for the tip .

[@AgateAriel]

Thank you so much for watching! If you found this content helpful-I would love if you liked, and subscribed! **Please also see the video description for an update on using rocks in an ultrasonic cleaner.

[@Saer-s9u]

ha ha ha! such a newbie to this and your channel...I've been mentioning Dove dish soap in comments. I figured out on my own. Self taught here...trial and error on zero budget. I've been known to put a few stones in my husband's vibrating dry tumbler with walnut shells...for tumbling bullet casings

[@JetSkiBuyFixPlaySellChannel]

Nice. I have an ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning Jet Ski carburetors. I was wondering if it would work for rocks. We just got a rock tumbler for Christmas for our 8 year old daughter. Two things to keep in mind when using the ultrasonic cleaner. You don't want the objects that are getting cleaned to be in direct contact with the tub of the cleaner. Always use the basket and make sure the rubber feet are on the basket. Things that are hard that come in direct contact with the tub can wear through it. I picked up a plastic basket that I use. Another think to know about the ultrasonic cleaners is that the temperature will keep climbing. That don't stop at the temperature set point. Unless they fixed it. So people that are used to putting their rocks in a machine and leaving them for days might find that it boils the water out if you leave the heat side on. You can also put the rocks in a zip lock bag full of water and set them in the basket with water in the machine and it will work. For some items this means you can use less cleaner. Can save you money on cleaner for small parts that you clean in expensive cleaners.

[@sirlawrencet]

Wow thanks for the idea. I have a lawnmower with a gunky carb, so when I buy my ultrasonic cleaner for rocks I'm doing that carb as well.

[@Jakereviewsall]

This inspired me to shop for an ultrasonic cleaner for a few projects including my new love of rock tumbling.

[@JeffSutton-r3g]

Hi Ariel, I'm totally new at this rock tumbling and collecting, and have learned SO much in the 2 weeks that I've known about your instructional videos! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us all!

[@AncientNovelist]

Hi Ariel, I hope this works for you. You shouldn't ever place anything on the very bottom of an ultrasound tank. Why? You run the real risk of working a hole through the metal bottom, especially with rigid items such as rocks. That should have been mentioned somewhere in your owner's manual, which you should read very carefully. If you do a five-minute search, you will find occasional mentions of glass shattering. This is more often than not due to imperfections in the glass. Many of your rocks will behave like imperfect glass, and especially along those fracture lines that you point out in your video. The danger seems to me either remote or at least unlikely, but the danger is real, and reported in the scientific technical literature. I routinely used ultrasonic cleaners in my 40+ years in the laboratory, and most of the items I cleaned were glass BUT I was using very expensive laboratory-grade Pyrex and the equivalent, never ordinary borosilicate glass, which would have concerned me. If I were ever presented with the option of running regular borosilicate, I probably would have declined to subject it to ultrasound. I would not run any of my tumbled rocks in my ultrasonic cleaner (yes, I have an expensive unit with timer, heater, multiple frequency settings, etc., for my fountain pens). When I feel I need to clean my rocks, I just give them a couple of hours in shaved Ivory soap. PM 2023

[@AgateAriel]

Oh wow! I did not know all of this and appreciate you reaching out. I will include this information in my video description so others can see it as well.

[@chrisregpick]

Soap made from Elephant is illegal, he is an imposter and most definitely an intruder. I truly believe this Ancient invented LSD in his pyrex boil at work too. Like who the hell has Fountain pens other than Capitalist.@@AgateAriel

[@pambifoss948]

What if you put the rocks in a mesh bag and made sure the bag is tucked into the basket?

[@CacklingChick]

​@pambifoss948 The mesh bag could carry grit, though, and just more surfaces that could cause cross-contamination. Just my opinion! TUMBLE ON! 😁👍🏻🪨💦

[@orionterron99]

​@@AgateAriel the Imperfect Glass effect was the first thing that occurred/terrified me as I watched (though I imagined it more like a mineral de-lamination). I recommend keeping any stones you cleaned in this way separate from others in case the process created microfractures or whatnot. (I'd also love a geologist to chime in about long term effects like that. I'm very curious)

[@virginiahudson3827]

My suggestion is that you remove the ceramics, so they don't fall to the bottom of the cleaner. I have also heard that transferring from cold water to hot water quickly will further compromise any fractures. Let the heater in the cleaner gradually increase the heat. Additionally, some rocks will fracture in the ultrasonic, so I keep the timer at 5 minutes initially so I can have a look at them before going further. Don't get me wrong, I love watching the grit leave the rock; something so satisfying about that 😊 . But I still don't bypass the toothbrush/dental pick cleaning before submersing them.

[@AgateAriel]

Yes I think I will remove the ceramics for next time! I do have to do better with not going from hot to cold and vice versa!

[@LTGuitar51]

I purchased this Ultra-Sonic cleaner and with just water was amazed how my stage 4 and 5 rocks cleaned up. I’m going to try Ivory soap and Borax next. Thanks for sharing and Happy polishing😊

[@AgateAriel]

That is awesome! I hope you like it!!

[@Shazzamm1971]

That was my suggestion about 14 months ago. My big Branson actually blew up its transducers because of doing exactly what you just did. Hot water thermal expansions over and over and once the garage got cold 🥶 the cracks appeared. Let the internal heater slowly change water temperature. That’s my this year advice.

[@AgateAriel]

Oh good to know! Thank you!

[@LTGuitar51]

Thanks for your video. I can’t believe the large amount of fine grit that is in the bottom of the cleaner! Awesome!!!

[@stephaniephilp7337]

Hello from Australia! I love your videos and am learning so much! I am a beginner with absolutely 0 experience but tumbling is definitely something I’d love to get into! I hope you’re working on another tumble with me series soon - they’re my favourites!

[@AgateAriel]

I will have to start one again! It has definitely been a while!!

[@RockHoundingAdventures]

This is a super cool tip. I took a break from tumbling but with winter her I’m going to give it another go. I may even try out this method. Thanks 😊

[@sylar5373]

Ultrasonic cleaners are wonderful tools of the modern era and grossly under appreciated. I use mine for nuts, bolts, brass and Coober Pedy opal but I killed my first one by letting items go through the mesh basket, they vibrated around and wore through the tank wall! Be careful with those ceramic beads as they would be abrasive when on the tank floor.

[@mariemccann5895]

Good advice, thanks for sharing.

[@nevadaminer5977]

I just bought one of these units. Have a fine copper mesh I can place in the basket to avoid objects on the pan bottom. Great video and your experiments and how to videos are great. Been tumbling for years and love learning new things.

[@DougMilholin]

I’ve been using the same ultrasonic cleaner for the last two months also. Works great 👍

[@peggydavis2323]

Thanks!

[@AgateAriel]

Thank you so much for the super thanks Peggy!!

[@VersaiOnline]

I think its good to tumble wash them too if the stones can handle it. I ultrasonic, tumble wash, then ultrasonic again. I feel like the rubbing action of tumbling washes them in a different way that neither could be best at both.

[@AgateAriel]

That is a good point! Maybe I’ll try that next time!

[@TheRealDanBell]

My wife and I just purchased the ultrasonic cleaner you put a link to in the description. Should be here later this week. Thank you for this tip. We, no lying, probably have 1 or 2 years of rocks to turn running our tumbler 24/7 so this will remove a week or 2 of cleaning them the old way.

[@AgateAriel]

That is awesome! I’m so glad I could help!

[@FASKY2788]

Thank you for this recommendation - It does make sense and I'm looking fwd to picking one up. It will be very handy for cleaning cartridges and components for reloading ammo, as well as jewelry etc - so I guess I'll 'pull the trigger' and get one. THANX!

[@tinaaldrich3168]

Oh thank u so much. That is a great idea. I will have to try and get one. Because the it would be quicker in between tumbles. Thank u again

[@AgateAriel]

Of course! I love how much time it saves!

[@lithgowlights859]

It's funny I have been watching rock tumbling for a few weeks and wondered why nobody used an ultrasonic cleaner for this stage, and maybe an initial dirt removal clean as well. I'm still looking at getting a tumbler, but since I already have the ultrasonic cleaner, this saves me purchasing one additional item. I thought rocks in resin, my other hobby, would look great, so I'm toying with the idea of getting a cheaper one and giving it a go.

[@atariforever2002]

I love the idea and will definitely put it to use. I'm not sure of the "danger" others have mentioned. I mean really, how many thousands of batches of rocks are you going to go thru before you actually wear a hole in the tank? And then what? A leak? I guess you could step in the water and slip... My question is why are you using the ceramics? I thought the pea gravel was the way to go like you said in a recent video

[@AgateAriel]

Yes it is! I had left over ceramic media from before I made the switch and I had heard labradorite is a really difficult tumble so I figured I’d use the ceramic. I have been using only the pea gravel ever since I discovered it though for my normal tumbles!

[@atariforever2002]

@@AgateAriel awesome I was hoping you were. I can't wait to try it this winter when I ramp back up again! Thanks for all the great tips. I really enjoy your enthusiasm in your vids!

[@danmc3369]

Thank you Ariel for sharing such valuable information. After watching your superb video I ordered one without delay and I rhave already eceived it. I'm looking forward to some fabulous results. You're a rare and precious gem! I subscribed and "liked" your terrific video.

[@Tullerion]

Just have to be a little careful.. its possible to shatter the rocks with the ultrasonic cleaner if there's imperfections in the stone. Had it happen a few times..

[@peggydavis2323]

I have learned so much from your video,thank you for everything you do..❤

[@outbackfirefly1154]

Thank you for sharing. Great results.

[@timtalksaboutrocks....most6644]

That was super interesting and that was a great idea to try such a thing.

[@KELLYCHILDERS-wh1lu]

Is it ok to soak rocks in vinager

[@GraniteBuffalo]

Great video! I might try this when I’m glass tumbling.

[@sydposting]

I'm from Minnesota and my collection is made up of rocks (including many agates!) that I've found in parking lots. 😂 I'm only just getting into tumbling now that I've built up a decent collection, and your videos have been so useful in getting me started. I bet an ultrasonic cleaner would be perfect for rocks I don't want to tumble, since scrubbing and vinegar-soap baths can only do so much. What do you think?

[@AgateAriel]

I really like it! It seems to do such a great job getting off all the extra grit!

[@LouinVB]

As mentioned you should be careful about placing objects directly on the bottom, or for that matter the sides too, of an ultrasonic cleaner. There's a high risk of wearing through the metal interior.

[@thetunefultech]

You can also add your tumbler barrel & lid to the UC if it fits.

[@modernfossil8866]

great idea, I will get one too, Idea, why not put the rocks back into the barrel and put the barrel and all into the sonic? seems like you can get birds on this one

[@AgateAriel]

That actually might not be a bad idea!!

[@landoncustomclassics]

Very cool!

[@AgateAriel]

Thank you!

[@kentbodin2897]

Very nice I've used this method be for it works nice thanks for the video. Thinking out of the box can be fun 😊

[@AgateAriel]

Definitely!!

[@-Ok2024]

Good idea, How about buying several sieves, one for each grid, so you don't have to clean them every time? When they are dry, the residue can easily be knocked out. Also, remember to wear a mask, as it can be dusty.

[@KnightsAdventures]

Thanks for sharing! I'm new to tumbling. I thought about getting an ultrasonic, and your video confirms my suspicion. Have you been happy with the Vevor?

[@sandmaker]

If there's a better way, you will find it. Thanks for sharing great tip. Be happy, safe and stay healthy 😊 😷⚒

[@AgateAriel]

Thank you!! You too sandmaker!

[@TheKegtwo]

An ultrasonic cleaner is also good to remove the polishing compound when finishing the opal polishing process, especially boulder and matrix opal.

[@Taxi2TheMoon]

Ariel, those are so beautiful! I am a noob who tried tumbling laboradorite and they turned out not so good. Any other tips besides the sonic cleaner? I think this will be a game changer for tumbling most stones. Thanks for the tip!

[@StefanKaizur]

nice!! ill spend more money for more equipment. i cant wait for results! tyvm ily

[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

We are Tumbling over 21+ pounds of Rocks and using a 5lb vibratory tumbler . What is your preference on Polishing polish- cerium oxide, tin oxide, or ___?

[@AgateAriel]

I actually really love Polly plastics!!

[@martha4747]

Dear Mz Ariel as a newbie to the rock/glass tumbling hobby, where do you suggest I start? I’m landlocked so no way to acquire materials. I’d really like to know more. Do you have a FB pg and/or email? Love the videos you’ve shared and your way of presentation. A big THANK YOU !!!

[@AgateAriel]

I love buying rocks from the rock shed! I don’t have a fb but do have an email if you check my bio!

[@AntonMoquin-vg1sy]

A better idea is to have a separate barrel for each step. That way you only have to rinse the rocks.

[@dewaynemccamey5103]

That is so awesome I've heard of it but to see it working is too cool.

[@AgateAriel]

It’s really cool to watch it in action!

[@brucedenton5379]

Have you used the cleaner before 1st tumble???..

[@tracymarcero2592]

Why do you need the porcelain in the ultra sonic cleaner?

[@rb-ek3el]

Hi Ariel I just wondering what kind situation agates can be created? Like volcanic activities must be existed?

[@hooplakids785z]

What rock tumbler are you using mine tumble for 4 to 5 days at once around and I add usually about 2 3 if not for grits at once and my rock tumbler somehow exploded twice do you know why is there a problem with the barrel or the seal?

[@scotts1356]

Great video! I'm new to all of this stuff. My question is, when do you use the ultrasonic cleaner? Is it after your 1st step is completed? If not, then after which cycle? I use 3 different grits and then the polishing agent (white powder).

[@philstover2422]

Awesome information!! Thank you!

[@AgateAriel]

Of course! Hope it was helpful!

[@ambitionforge5020]

Vinegar to get that burn out. Just rub it with basic white vinegar. I use this to clean maple sap pans.

[@ZhionRoberts]

Hi Ariel, would it be possible if I tumble my Jade Bead Bracelet which already have holes in the middle ?

[@jaspercats]

Great video, looks like it works great, I’m new to tumbling, I have a 12lb tumbler and I have for my four stages of grit 60/90 then 220 then 600 then 1200 but heard from many to finish with 8000 grit, what is your thoughts, and if so do I go from 600 right to 8000? Also seen your video on using aquarium gravel instead of ceramics when tumbling, how has that test worked out, thanks again you videos are very helpful.

[@AgateAriel]

I haven’t experimented much with different grit sizes other than poly plastics and 1000grit! I probably wouldn’t do that big of a jump though, but you could always try it! I really like using the pea gravel! This video I went with the ceramic media since I had some left over and labradorite is known to be a difficult tumble!

[@MrTurtleMontana]

One of the flaws with Polly Plastics is the polish is only 1,200 grit. 1,200 is a great pre-polish, but it's never going to give you a great shine-it's simply not small enough... Real polish isn't measured in "grit," it's measured in "micron." With grit, the larger the number, the smaller the particle size. Whereas with micron, the larger the number, the larger the particle size. You want your final polish to be 3 or 4 micron, or lower (8,000 - 5,000 grit, respectively). The grit progression that I use is as follows (SiC = Silicon Carbide, AO = Aluminum Oxide): 60/90 SiC 120/220 SiC 600 AO 1,000 AO 3 micron AO (TXP) .3 micron AO (#61 Rapid Polish) Burnishing between stages is a myth. The only time you need to clean more than just a quick rinse, is right before you run final polish. Running cleaning cycles put your rocks at greater risk of being fractured / chipped / cracked. The longer they're in the tumbler, the more of a chance to incur damage. Also, grit wears down over time. You may start out with 60/90, but as time progresses, the particles fracture, and get smaller and smaller. The grit then wears down to 120/220 size, then 400, then 800, etc... So if a few pieces of grit were stuck in a crack, and then got loose in the next stage, it won't be long before they fracture so small that they basically dissapper. They certainly won't be around long enough to hurt your batch of rocks.

[@nh4759]

I love rocks. Rocks rocks.🎉

[@roman11469]

I wonder if a finer mesh in the basket would work so nothing is touching bottom?

[@AgateAriel]

That might be the best idea! I’m hoping to try to find something like that I can use!

[@pambifoss948]

Would a cloth mess work?

[@pambifoss948]

Mesh

[@topheem2200]

I am curious. Can we use a Deburr Vibratory Machine to polish rocks?

[@joeb9135]

i live in oregon I have found a great red quartz. if i mail some to you will you tumble?

[@GrimFilth]

Could end up with nerve damage when putting in fingers in the active ultrasonic cleaner

[@suep9445]

Have you ever used this to clean rocks after you've washed them by hand (ie from the beach), and before you begin the tumbling process?

[@ShaneSlade-w9i]

Can u use a chip dip fryer to do the same as that

[@EyesWideOpenPraiseYah]

Have you had any issues with surface cracks after using that?

[@deriklfixit]

I love your voice

[@staceysarian7444]

That's cool

[@AgateAriel]

Agreed! I love watching the bubbles too!

[@anthonyiocca5683]

Amazing Ultrasonic cleansing bubbles. Why don’t somebody make a ultrasonic swimming pool?

[@KaldonMmmmp]

How do I get this device? I am from Iraq

[@SilentPokéTuber]

i love your smile :)

[@kwpalms]

What type of cleaner do you use?

[@coledesjardins]

Have you tried this with cleaning dirty raw specimens?

[@AgateAriel]

I have! I actually have a video on it if you want to check it out!

[@AgateAriel]

Can you Clean Rocks in an Ultrasonic Cleaner? kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6W6o2ipZbicnaM

[@coledesjardins]

Sorry must have missed that video! Thanks

[@kristofwanderer1]

Barkeeper's Friend will likely remove that burned area in the ultrasonic cleaner... It's a miracle worker on stainless!! (Especially cookware)

[@Algoldprospecting]

Good idea😊

[@jaspercats]

What size cleaner is that, link shows 3 sizes. Thanks

[@AgateAriel]

3L!

[@vonbomb333]

NICE! Thank you! I don't have an ultrasonic cleaner, but I do have an electric deep fryer, and the cleaning method for that is the same as this method. Therefore, with reductive reasoning, the deep fryer should work for cleaning rocks just as well. Let the experiemnt commence!

[@gotgold4590]

Sorry but that's not even close to ultrasonic cleaning.

[@JGFurgie]

Have you seen my email on getting you the Slag Glass and Horn Corals?

[@AgateAriel]

Oh my gosh yes! Sorry! I read it and then forgot to respond. I am still interested!

[@solrwavz]

labradorite is soft and can get damaged by ultrasound, other stones are much harder and safe in an ultrasound... anyways

[@AgateAriel]

Oh good to know!!

[@txwaterbird6115]

I've been doing this for years. So far, no problems. May be due to the rocks I tumble, or it could be dumb luck.

[@michaeltrimble7680]

Gosh I love labradorite ❤

[@SelectCircle]

I'm sold.

[@AgateAriel]

Love it! Let me know what you think!!

[@bradleerecore4408]

Hold on, stop. I thought aluminum oxide was the polishing step. Is there another finer polish out there I should be looking for?

[@AgateAriel]

It is! There are different grit sizes though. So that was I believe 1000 grit aluminum oxide, then I do 1200 grit aluminum oxide 😊

[@troelsersking101]

Alumina oxide come i various grits (and qualities) just like SIC do. I usually go from 80 grit silicium to 1200 grit silicium and polish with a finer alumina oxide.

[@lv4tmnt90]

Blue bunnie polish? I use creamed honey polish. 😊

[@KELLYCHILDERS-wh1lu]

Thank you

[@WizardKitty723]

Some stones shouldn’t be put in ultrasonic cleaners because they can crack

[@Naomi-San]

Bought mine and it was on sale today lol

[@AgateAriel]

Yay! That’s awesome!

[@kronosis2767]

why do you want the rocks to stay wet inbetween the cycles?

[@CacklingChick]

Water keeps any grit still on the rocks from hardening and ruining your tumble batch! You don't want any grit transferring to the next stage as it will scratch the rocks.

[@kronosis2767]

@@CacklingChick is there any way to get it off once it has hardened?

[@CacklingChick]

​@kronosis2767 You can try soaking, then scrubbing them with a wire brush, but not sure that will get it all. You could also try the ultra sonic machine, but I think once it's hardened, it's done. I hope that helps!

[@AgateAriel]

Yes @cacklingchick is correct!

[@CacklingChick]

​@@AgateArielLove your community, Ariel!!! 😁👍🏻🪨⛏️

[@mikek4443]

Great idea, and thanks for shoeing us how much grit really bunnies out. I'll be ordering this cleaner today.

[@AgateAriel]

That’s awesome! Let me know what you think!

[@AgateAriel]

That’s awesome! Let me know what you think!

[@Batfan83]

I've pit my hand in a ultra sonic.cleaner while.on nothing happens other than dirt coming off your hand

[@dylanmckinley9685]

Click bait. A more accurate title would be burnishing rocks faster. But I get it. I barely heard of an ultrasonic cleaner so thanks for the video

[@keepontruckin4084]

It's not clickbait. She hasn't claimed anything that isn't true. Try her method before commenting next time.

[@ShimLunglore]

Please make next episode on black diamond

[@idkidk8278]

Give us a close up of them in a pile at the end..

[@JinxedJax]

I left my tumble on for a whole week once. When I opened it up, I had marbles.

[@user-pd2gu6li2n]

looks like the rocks you put in were already cleaned in tumbler.

[@matthewhursh86]

You can put your hand in the cleaner while runny it will feel weird or almost like your getting poked but the amount of dirt or dead skin that comes off even a clan hand will surprise you

[@AgateAriel]

Really! I’m too scared to try it haha

[@JonathanRicher-k3c]

De très belle opale du nord

[@TacoViolator872]

If you put Dwayne the ....... Johnson in that, would he be shiny?

[@dewaynemccamey5103]

I you have a P.O. box id send you some rocks from Mississippi

[@AgateAriel]

I do! You can send me an email if you like and I can get it to you!