polishing

[steve kennedy]

like some insight on polishing rocks & where to get the right stuff for the job I live in Toronto any local resorces would be great, I seen the video & it didn't look like they were using a grinder & belt sander. & cleaning tips boiling it in the kitchen pot makes my craft dinner gritty. Thanks

[Frances A Lindblad]

You can buy tumblers at Lacy Jewellery Supply, 55 Queen Street East, downstairs, open Mon to Fri . You can also check out Lee Valley Tools at King and Spadina (approx area, west of Spadina). Also Chrishandwork, 602 Markham St., Tor ON M6G 2L8 ph. 416 516 2191
You might also google Rock Clubs and Societies, I think there are 6 or 7 throughout the GTA, mainly in the East End. Some supply lapidary studios and equipment.
A wet tile saw is supposed to work well. Canadian Tire has one on sale right now. It only has a 4 inch blade. Your rocks may be too big.
http://www.inlandlapidary.com/user_area/dealers.asp

[Don Woodward]

Hey Steve a good overnight soaking in water with a little bleach added helps. The next morning use a stiff scrub brush on them, and a hose to rinse them off. If you don't have the proper equipment to polish them, you can do what we do in South Dakota. Some of the Fairburn agates we find here are more valuable if they are just cleaned good. To shine them up, we put a coat of wax furniture polish on them, and give them a good buffing. Don't do this on soft stones, as the wax may discolor them.
Don

[Kevin Corbin]

Steve, I'm imvolved in several other forums, but one I think you'd find particularly helpful is Rock Tumbling Hobby http://andy321.proboards.com/index.cgi? theyhave reams of stuff on tumbling but also making cab's, polishing etc. Very helpful group. I'm on there as Leadhand.

Happy hounding

Kevin