POLISHING PETRIFIED WOOD on a VIBRATING FLAT LAP | Polishing Rocks #2

[@bunkbedsunlimited]

Thank you. Thinking of purchasing one of these machines. Love that you are doing it with your son. Been rock hounding with mine since they were little, and they are all grown. Still doing it together. ❤

[@RockhoundingLife]

That's awesome! Hope mine still come along when they are older.

[@carlcotton1753]

So sorry for the loss of your father but i am pretty sure he was proud of how good of a father you became.

[@MichiganRocks]

Hey Jason, sorry again about your dad. That's tough. I don't think that the 500 stage turned gray because of silicon carbide. I think that's the aluminum from the pan and the rock wearing down. It's like sawdust when sanding wood. You would expect it to be the color of the wood, not the color of the sandpaper. I really enjoyed this video. It's something I've never done but have been curious about. I usually prefer watching something from someone with experience, but since you explained what you were thinking and learning along the way, it was very educational. I'm sure you'll do more videos as you get better to show more efficient ways to get the job done. It sure did turn out nice in the end. You have to be very happy with it. Great video. I like one long video rather than two videos.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks Rob! I didn't even think about that! That would explain why it turned an even darker grey than the silicon Carbide did in stage 2. There was definitely grit in the limestone but I must have gotten enough out when soaking it to not have an affect on the final polish. I'm reserving my opinion/recommendations on the Vibralap until I get more experience using it with different sizes and types of rock. I will do more videos on it in the future. And yes I was very happy with the results considering I had thought I had grit contamination throughout.

[@keithblack6926]

I have to agree with rob ,but it's just a guess on my part

[@toddwever4916]

Definitely the aluminum pan turning it grey. If you use anything to polish aluminum it will turn a rag or sponge black.

[@RockhoundingLife]

@@toddwever4916 Thanks! This is a big relief as I thought for sure I was getting cross contamination with grits.

[@laurietim6285]

Pl

[@laurat5143]

Amazing colors. That would look really good with my bedroom decor , lol. No, really it would. Sharing this with us people know that feeling.

[@jamesscott1932]

Let’s celebrate! I’m subscriber 4.53. This tasty vid came up when I searched for a vibrating flat lab. Looks to me like you’ve done a lot of the homework for me. Thank you very much two times.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Well James your timing couldn't be better because I have a brand new video coming out tomorrow at noon est on the vibrolap! Thanks for the sub! Celebrations indeed!!

[@florinazamfir6667]

I'm sorry for your father. Condolences!

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏

[@lisacooper8240]

Hello Jason, I got the rocks today... you are such a generous man thank you!

[@RockhoundingLife]

So glad to hear they got to you ok! Hope you enjoy them!

[@mortimerschnerd3846]

Sorry for your loss. Lost both of my parents and it was hard. I never "got over" it but you do learn to cope. Additionally, you can fill the voids with a thin viscosity epoxy (clear), before you start polishing, and you won't have holdover grit problems.

[@savagesquirrel9828]

I am so sorry about your dad. If he was half the dad you are he was really great. My condolences to your family, too.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thank you 🙏

[@willkennelly6675]

Condolences about your Dad. Nice project to throw yourself into. Beauty end piece.

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏 Thank you.

[@rockheadmark2673]

The dark color of the slurry probably came from the metal base grinding down. That's why it didn't get dark when you used the felt pad.

[@TheOldladyB]

So sorry on the loss of your Dad. That polished beautiful.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks 🙏 I'm very happy with how it turned out!

[@terrydoucette6037]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad ,The lap is a great addition to the shop.The piece turned out great

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks buddy......did you get out in the warm weather the past couple of days?

[@72CrossingRS]

I spotted a dog and a dove in that.❤ Stage 2 looked like a tree of life.❤ So beautiful.

[@AngieDoesStuff]

I'm sorry about your father. I lost my mother in September and nothing has been OK since. When I saw this pop up, I got so happy, because this is my dream polisher but then I saw the price and...well...it's just gonna be awhile before I can indulge. Keep up the good work, and I'll be praying for your family.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks🙏. This is the cheapest one I've seen. It's $380.

[@AngieDoesStuff]

@@RockhoundingLife did you get it somewhere besides the manufacturer? Because the price i saw online today was over $100 more than that.

[@RockhoundingLife]

@@AngieDoesStuff I got mine through Kingsley North.

[@katecarpenter7366]

I am so sorry for the loss of your dad, hugs to you and your family.

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏

[@RyanWeishalla]

Interesting to see how different manufacturers' instructions for the grit/water can be so different. The used one I just got they use 1/2" of water (maybe a little less since the instructions I found where for the 15" model, not the 10" I have. Great results on a thunderegg I just finished with it.

[@RockhoundingLife]

I noticed that too. Doesmt seem to be consistent

[@justjulee9135]

I know it’s been a few months since you posted this video. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Thank you for sharing your experience with this new tool. I am brand new to this and I’ve ordered my first tumbler and I’m anxiously awaiting its arrival. I’m loving learning all about rocks and tumbling and polishing. Really enjoy your videos!

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thank you. I'm glad you are able to get something positive out of our videos. It makes it all worth while!

[@smyatt1]

Oh jeez, I'm behind on your videos and only just saw this one. I'm sorry sorry for the loss of your dad. My belated condolences to you and your family.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks Sarah 🙏

[@johnnytarponds9292]

Ugh! Dad is a hard loss. Sorry man. I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoy your videos! I'm also a rock hound a few hours north in Sydney. I'm waiting for a slab saw and a trim saw to land from Covington-Eng, and I'm going to start exploring the highlands for interesting material to make cabochons. We also have lots of pet wood, but nothing as intact as your getting in the Valley. Keep up the good work.

[@RockhoundingLife]

That's awesome! I really like Covington engineering products. I'm trying to get them to sponsor the channel but haven't had any luck so far. I would love a 20"+ slab saw. That's the dream!! Thanks for watching.

[@johnnytarponds9292]

@@RockhoundingLife I already have my 8" Cab King, so the saws are desperately needed. Yeah, I love the build quality of Covington Eng. Covington told me because of "motor shortages" they have long shipping times. The slab saw I bought is the 16". I don't have the room/money for more ATM.

[@MACorrupt]

Jason I’m so sorry about your dad, one thing is for sure that with you he did a great job just like you are with your boys. Blessings🤎🙏✝️

[@cvx2dog549]

Turned out very nice! Thanks for showing us how a vibrating flat lap works.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks for watching!!

[@judyherman5470]

My condolences to you and your family. It's amazing to me how strong you are to continue your video after your lose. Your cycad turned out absolutely beautiful. Thank you for making all one video.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks Judy. He was in rough shape the past few years so I'm glad he's no longer suffering. I took a week and a half break from filming this video to take care of everything. Thanks again for your kind words.

[@MrChubbyHubby.]

Belated condolences on losing your Father. That turned out really amazing! never watched one of those gizmos at work, looks like they work well. Thank you for showing us.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thank you.

[@michaelgoldman4423]

Very sorry for your loss.......

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏

[@lelandgoff8103]

Wow that is incredible. Sorry for your loss. Thanks for your shares and bring us along on the Experiences. Best Channel ever

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks Leland!!

[@CityRockhounding]

Hey Jason, really sorry about your Dad. It was really hard on me when I lost my Dad in 2011 abruptly due to brain cancer. My thoughts and prayers.... On another note, I've never seen this type of polisher before, vibrations. So cool, and it worked out great. Thanks for sharing your process and learning.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks...really appreciate thise kind words.

[@dougodette4582]

Very nice job Jason!👍

[@rockhoundchick10]

Prayers for your family. Condolences.

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏

[@pockets-full-of-stones]

enjoyed going through this process with you. Really impressed by your level of patience too. So sorry for your loss.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thank you. It's one of those tools where you have to have patience!

[@ExpertOfFX]

OUTSTANDING! Tanks Fer Sharin Mate!

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@r0bbyinchins]

Nice work.. I'm getting my Covington 16 in machine in the mail in a few days... I'm excited... I have been stocking up on Arizona wood ... Beautiful stuff!!!!

[@RockhoundingLife]

Nice! You'll love it! That Arizona Pet wood will polish well on it.

[@r0bbyinchins]

@@RockhoundingLife yes. Rocks (mainly pet wood)are the healthiest and strongest addiction I have ever experienced.. a month ago my girlfriend told me it was ridiculous how much more time I spend on my pet wood than I do with her... She told me to choose between them & all I can say is this " THINGS ARE ALOT QUIETER WITH JUST ME AND MY ROCKS HERE" she was so mad ate when I didn't hesitate on the decision.....

[@r0bbyinchins]

@@RockhoundingLife have you seen the opalized Colorado snake skin pattern in some pet wood???

[@darrinwilliams5715]

Nicely finished project. Fantastic petrified wood.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks!!

[@Silvertoburn]

Good times right there!

[@RockhoundingLife]

💯

[@abdelkrimlaagad]

Very good my friend

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏😀

[@flowngrowchannel3762]

Wow the polished finished product looks great so mirror shine. See u nxt

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thank you 🤗

[@dyannejohnson6184]

It is very nice....30 years ago,we made our own...we had it running for days before a satisfactory finish on rocks

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thats's awesome! I would love to be able to make my own machines like that. A bit beyond my skill level! Thanks for watching!

[@willbertot82]

I too have learned that sloppy cuts means extra work. Very cool way to polish. Now to make some sweet bookends!

[@RockhoundingLife]

Ain't that the truth!! I'll be making sure my cuts are a lot better in the future.

[@stevemacdonald2303]

So sorry for your loss

[@MsSandraCGL]

It was great I did enjoy

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@lisawest9731]

Hello Jason. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad, my thoughts are with you. I lost both of my parents several months ago; it is a journey. Be kind to yourself, hug those boyz and, yes I loved the video! Be well❤🇺🇸

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks for your kind words Lisa! 🙏

[@daveryan4193]

Very helpful! Excellent instruction.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@destravlr]

Next time, try sealing the stone with thin epoxy in the vugs, or with a spray over the surface to "fix" any dirt or grit from stage to stage.

[@bebecatanzaro9362]

Gorgeous job!

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thank you! 😊

[@alczek]

Condolences for your Dad, so sorry to hear that.

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏

[@jackandpiper]

So beautiful! It kind of looks like a dissected brain!

[@RockhoundingLife]

You're not the first to mention that! It does kind of!

[@jackandpiper]

@@RockhoundingLife a very beautiful mind😂

[@tinkmarshino]

This is outstanding information. I have wondered about these vibrator stands. I have been playing with rocks since the 50's and have just heard about these. It seems like it takes to long to do them in 4 hours I could have had that big rock done and polished and setting on display... I use the 4" and 6" flexible diamond grinder wheels from 50 - 3000 grit on my drill press and can do about 10 - 15 rocks from cut to polish in about 6 hours. But I am 70 now so it might be done faster for younger folk.. WELL DONE!

[@RockhoundingLife]

Yeah these vibrating laps are definitely for specific situations. Like if you have a busy schedule and need something you can start in the morning and walk away from until you get home from work, as long as you have an automatic drip system. Or if you have multiple pieces you want to get done at the same time. Vibrating laps have been around for awhile. Since the early 70's at least. The technology doesn't seem to have evolved too much since then! Thanks for watching!

[@tinkmarshino]

@@RockhoundingLife Wow this is the first time I remember having ever seen them.. though I am 70 and do forget sometimes. This was a very good video though.. I may change my mind ang make one just for the heck of it.. I will have to watch more of your other ones.. what a great little project eh? What do you do with all of yours? I give some away, store others, display the real unusual ones.. Just my cut rocks.. I do slabs and make cabs (but not in a while need another motor) Thanks for taking the time to show all of this.. Sorry to hear about you dad.. But it will be my turn soon and I will tell him what a good job your doing here! Carry on..

[@marcialander8854]

Great Job!! Good!)

[@newyorkrockheads8995]

Hey Jason sorry about your Dad many condolences. You guys have seemed to have done a magnificent job.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks man I really appreciate it. And thanks for watching!

[@rockinwitht9948]

Fantastic video!! I love the piece you chose, go big!!!! It turned out gorgeous and I love the small caves; they just add to the beauty. What a great new toy/tool lol. And I am truly sorry for your family’s loss. 💜

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thank you so much! I am very happy with how it turned out!

[@johnnybfan]

Great video, Jason! I'm sorry to hear that your father passed.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks Jim 🙏

[@upnorthadventureswithccc]

Deepest Sympathy to You and Your Father !! This was very informative ! It really turned out beautiful. Thanks much for sharing :)

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏

[@puliendopiedrasdecostarica]

Hi amazing I love the rocks

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks for watching!!

[@gingermackeen5741]

That looks beautiful! Great job!

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks for watching!!

[@leslyeschoenhuth1107]

Rob at Michigan Rocks uses a Sewing Needle to dig the grit out of the deep pockets so they wont scratch the surface while on the next stage.. So Sorry about your Father. This must get your mind off the pain. Luck. [i think the rock face is Brain shaped & the color design emphasizes that. LOL.]

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks....ive started to use epoxy to fill in the holes. Works well and it is clear so you don't lose detail.

[@linabaliashvili2495]

Very cool equipment!!! Thank you for shearing...

[@linabaliashvili2495]

And great finish!!!

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏

[@MsSandraCGL]

I'm so sorry for loss

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏

[@dianeburdick3901]

So sorry for your loss💔😪

[@Dawgschematics]

Thank you so much for the video!!! Super helpful!!

[@RockhoundingLife]

Glad it helped!!

[@patriciamurray5612]

Beautiful job!

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thank you!

[@daydbaysinger4572]

im sorry about your loss

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏

[@colinmurray9470]

Hi I watched your Vid this morning and was impressed with it, " but I noticed you where worried about the AO turning Grey, It is possible it was only the Aluminum base that was causing that, as Aluminum has a silver streak and I use an ally rod as a marking pen for doing Cabs and if your interested do a test with just a rock that has been cut and NO grit just water and a drop or two of soap and see what color sludge you get" as this coloring may just be the Aluminum, I have a steel plate Vib lap and it is harder than Aluminum ""Alumininum is 2.5-3 and steel is 4-4,5 and we try to polish stuff at around 7 on the Mohs scale so which will wear away faster. Am sure you will know.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Yes it was from the Aluminum in the pan.

[@alanmc6715]

Wow, very nice work ❤️

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thank you 🤙

[@sfbfriend]

Sorry about your father, hope he had a good life. Peace brother The grey is the pan, aluminum is softer than the rock. I've worked a lot with aluminum and that is the color of worked aluminum.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks. Yes I figured that out about the aluminum. Was relieved.

[@sfbfriend]

@@RockhoundingLife Wouldn't too much weight wear out your plate faster? I would think, although Im new to lapidary, that you would want the plate harder! I use to lap face seals for pumps and we had a stone of some sort with aluminum oxide running in with an oil. I'm only supposing as I don't know much about this process.

[@michaelshultz2540]

Another thought to dip rocks with voids in wax before lap then when polishing compleat boil to remove wax from voids

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thats a good one!

[@TheCaptainShow]

hey got to get a flap lap, cool vid

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks! They are definitely fun to use. And holding out for the end results ads a bit more satisfaction.

[@texan4life129]

For your drip system, use an add-a-tee(3/8 female×3/8 male×1/4 male; the most common tee used) to nearby water stop for your sink. Then run some 1/4 tubing where ever you would like. There are push fitting available to run individual stops to each of your stations. Just an idea.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Hey thanks for the tip!! I'll definitely look into that!!

[@eyeguyeyeguy1]

Interesting video. I do not own a vibrating lap like this. Not sure if you have a wet angle grinder for polishing bigger rocks like found at Kingsley North. 2 of my buddies have them and you need no grit at all, super fast way to get mirror finish, you just hook up hose to water source and attach various rubber sanding discs from 60 grit to 15,000. One of my buddies can do 10-15 huge rocks on his outdoor bench in about 30 minutes. He does all rocks on 60 grit, then goes up the grit on all the next rocks and so on. It is super fast, but you need to start with pretty flat rocks cut on a saw. Will save you so much time. About $350 just for the grinder at Kingsley North SKU 3-0439 . You would need to buy all the grit attachment heads as well.

[@jimv.661]

My first thought on the grey slurry was the same a Michigan Rocks in that it is the top of the pan wearing down and turning the slurry grey. I also wonder if you would have put a felt pad in with dawn soap in the lap and let the rock vibrate for an hour or so it would get all the grit to come out faster.

[@RockhoundingLife]

I think now it's 100% coming from the aluminum pan. Makes total sense. Some grit may have been going up the cavities but not enough to cause that drastic of a color change. Probably why I didn't see the color change during polishing because the polishing pad was down.

[@darrellholliday1512]

I watch this video, and I think the change in color of your grit was from the red rock dust that was coming off the rock itself.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks for that. It's been suggested that the grit color change was from the aluminum pan. Which makes sense going from white to dark grey.

[@lapidaryluke]

Love this!

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏💯

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm sorry for your loss. This video was really helpful. The machine seems way more hands on then I thought they would be and use more grit than I expected. Is the wear on the pan just superficial? Like is it just polishing the casting finish off the aluminium or can you feel that it has worn down?

[@RockhoundingLife]

I suspect I used more grit than needed in each stage. I also ran it a bit longer than recommended in each stage. This was my first go around so I plan to try and optimize the grit use and time in each stage. Then I will give a proper review. The wear on the pan is superficial. The casting is being polished. It's not being worn down as far as I can tell. I can see this machine being useful for polishing larger rocks like the one I did. Not sure about smaller ones as there has to be an even weight to surface ratio with each piece or else it won't turn in the pan.

[@lapidarydave]

awesome video :)

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks Dave!!!

[@geosobservations9496]

That's a cool rig... I just have the car polisher set up and a tumbler I just added... it's a progression hobby 😅... I plan on getting neck deep 😁

[@RockhoundingLife]

The polishing pads are the best at getting teh pro shine, but they take a long time.

[@Moffenson]

Sorry for your loss. Losing your father is hard. On a more positive note, love the video, and hope all goes well !

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks 🙏

[@newyorkrockheads8995]

Hey Jason when I really need to find something really entertaining as far as the lapidary craft I come back to the video. This is my definite video of yours. Do you ever plan to work with a piece this big again. I hope so.Great Video Brother.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Hey man thanks! I'm glad you found it entertaining! It just so happens I was planning on polishing a big seam agate this weekend on the vibralap. So you can look forward to that video coming out next month sometime. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@KT-rl1dy]

How does this vibrating lap compare to a regular lap? Is the vibrating lap good for all sizes of rocks or just large rocks?

[@RockhoundingLife]

Personally I like it better for larger size rocks. It does an amazing job. Smaller rocks can be cumbersome.

[@KT-rl1dy]

@@RockhoundingLife Thank you. I am new to all this. And I am trying to figure things out.

[@v7i5k2t5o7r]

🤝👍👍👍 Where can I buy such a vibrating machine? I have never seen such a format before.

[@RockhoundingLife]

It is made by Covington Engineering. I bought it through Kingsley North.

[@truckerenoch8824]

Maybe run it on the vibro with only water and dawn in between each stage, to shake the previous grit out of the holes? Then re-wash and charge.

[@RockhoundingLife]

🤔💯

[@skorpian34]

For smaller rocks I hear to use non drying putty or 2-sided tape to add weight to make them spin.

[@RockhoundingLife]

I've thought of using putty as well but it could get messy.

[@lifeislivinginpeace447]

What kind of Lapidary machine do You have, thanks

[@RockhoundingLife]

It's a Covington Engineering Vibralap.

[@larrymays5413]

SO SORRY ABOUT THE PASSING OF YOUR FATHER, what brand is your tumbler great video

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thank you. Our big tumbler is an MJR tumbler but I don;t recommend getting one. They are not as durable as a lortone.

[@larrymays5413]

@@RockhoundingLife thank you, I'll keep that in mind, I just picked up 2 Lortone's at an Estate Sale

[@Awaken1111-Patti]

Where did you find Petrified wood too?

[@RockhoundingLife]

Bay of Fundy Nova Scotia. Scots Bay area.

[@Awaken1111-Patti]

@@RockhoundingLife awesome 👌 thanks

[@DavesChaoticBrain]

Around 7 minutes you mention a drop system for water. I've been building one but it's proving insanely difficult to find just the right parts to connect a hose to the bottom of a water bottle even though I had built one just a few years ago! Where did you order your system from?

[@RockhoundingLife]

I actually did something different. I took the drip set up off the hi-tech diamond flat lap and applied it to the vibrating lap. Works pretty good. You can see it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opXYnniOgtuEqZY

[@DavesChaoticBrain]

@@RockhoundingLife Thanks! I'll check it out.

[@Madshadowgolem]

Waterpic will clean grit out well fwiw.

[@senorlaverg6667]

Do you have any issues with your pan wearing down in the center? After one summer of running a decent amount of 2-5 lb pieces, starting out on 60 grit, I’ve pretty much completely worn down the center of the dish to where there are no grooves left.

[@RockhoundingLife]

No not yet. But ive only done about 10-15 polishes on it so far.

[@ChristopherSchiffermiller]

HI nice video and great looking finish. How do you feel about this machines durability and have you used it often and on smaller pieces as well? Im looking into a machine like this or a tumbler, though the tumblers seem so long winded and more work. Will this machine roll around small pieces to get a finish like your big piece did? Im new to all this and been researching for the past two years on an off, so many types of equipment and many seem not so great; especially tumblers. Also lots of money to buy a few things. So really looking to buy my saw soon and then maybe a tumbler and or what you have. Any advice or details would be appreciate. Hope your doing well, thank you, Chris

[@RockhoundingLife]

I would say that this machine is more suited for bigger heavier pieces. I did a video where I polished smaller pieces on the vibrating lap and they did not turn out as good as the big one. I believe it had to do with the weight. Now you can add weight to the smaller pieces which I am actually about to try. I will post a video of the results.

[@ChristopherSchiffermiller]

@@RockhoundingLife Thank you for the info. Is that a red tumbler in this video and what can you advise me about a good quality and durable tumbler that will last. I researched many so far, like Thumlers, Loritone ,Covington and a few lesser known ones; and they all do not seem that good, especially for some of the prices. So any info on a tumbler that you might have personally and how long it has lasted and so on, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Chris

[@savagesquirrel9828]

A water-pic, like for your teeth, would work on vugs to get grit out. Only worth it if you have a lot of such rocks. That rock is cool and reminds me of a brain cross-section😀

[@RockhoundingLife]

It does kind of look brainy doesn't it!

[@darkjester47able]

You could try out a styrofoam cooler around the outside to limit the amount of noise, I built a box around my tumbler with one and I can have it running in my house and hear nothing! Just a thought!

[@RockhoundingLife]

That's an interesting idea! I have all my lapidary equipment set up in the garage. Noise really isn't an issue anymore.

[@terrydoucette6037]

As stated the grey is possibly the Aluminum wearing off the tray

[@RockhoundingLife]

I think that was the issue. I probably could have taken less time cleaning and soaking.

[@jjdjj5392]

How do you polish a 70 lb trunk of petrified wood?

[@RockhoundingLife]

With an angle grinder, outside.

[@baybornbalkanbaby7277]

My condolences to you and your family.

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏

[@grantfahlman1815]

Hey Jason, thanks for sharing all the details. This was very informative, so it is appreciated. I like PW a lot, so I think this was a great first piece to try, for a number of different reasons. I'm curious, did you buy directly from Covington or did you find a local or Cdn. supplier?

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks!! Covington isn't shipping to Canada at the moment so I purchased it through Kingsley North.

[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

TOTAL TIME FRAME VS A DISC SANDER? Time/Power/Chemicals/other products & materials= cost?

[@RockhoundingLife]

This machine is built and designed for someone who does not have the time to stand with a disc sander for hours.

[@ROCKINWHEELERS]

@@RockhoundingLife nice. just asking, due to the cost of inflation.

[@jackandpiper]

I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏

[@arendgerritsen5681]

My condolence to you all. I'm sorry to hear that..........

[@RockhoundingLife]

🙏

[@robmeyer8470]

I think your dark color was just from the water and rock grinding on aluminum

[@RockhoundingLife]

Yeah you are right. A couple others mentioned it as well and it makes total sense. Thanks!!

[@saaamember97]

One caveat to everyone ..... Resist the temptation to totally enclose the unit while it is running. The motor would likely get too hot and wear out prematurely. Leave the top of the box open. I've met quite a few rockhounds who have enclosed their laps, either to dampen the sound or contain splashes, and then wonder why their motor keeps getting hot.

[@RockhoundingLife]

Great tip!!!

[@katecarpenter7366]

Try borax and water in the pan in between each stage for an hour or so. Idk if it will help or not, just a suggestion.

[@RockhoundingLife]

You know I actually thought about doing that! I'll probably try that if I have a porous piece again.

[@katecarpenter7366]

Did you try to fix the lid to your tumbler barrel?

[@RockhoundingLife]

@@katecarpenter7366 Not yet. I'm running everything in m 10lb barrel at the moment. It's been a busy month. Hoping to go out and get the stuff I need to try and fix it this weekend including the stuff you recommended.

[@rorycrane1630]

The reason your slurry is turning gray is because your aluminum pan is getting worked down. Not. The hidden grit in the voids of your stone

[@RockhoundingLife]

Thanks Rory, someone else pointed that out a few months ago. I've done a few other rocks since then with no issues.