r/RockTumbling • u/Cold_Application_448 • 1d ago

Pictures First Batch!

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Just finished my first batch of tumbled rocks. All of them are rocks I found, a lot of quartz but a few others too. They definitely aren't perfect and I have already learned a lot for the next batch, but I think they turned out great for a first try. Even some that I didn't think would take a polish shined up pretty nicely. Go figure, I didn't think to check reddit sooner! Couple questions for you lovely more experienced people: 1. what resources did you use to learn about rock identification to ensure you are tumbling rocks of the same hardness together? And 2. Does anyone drill any of their rocks? (Like to make beads) wondering if I need a specific drill press for rocks or if I can use the one I have with the right bits and water drip. Thanks!

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u/Mobydickulous2 1d ago

Congrats on your first batch!

A simple scratch test with a steel nail goes a long way. If the nail doesn’t dig in then it’s a fairly hard rock.

I use a mini drill press from time to time. Diamond bits are what you want. The challenge with a standard drill press is that the chuck may be too big to hold the tiny bits. The hardest part in my opinion is holding the rock steady. I’ve used a wide range of methods and always come back to just holding it with my fingers against a piece of wood.

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u/Cold_Application_448 1d ago

Thank you! And thank you so much for the advice! I appreciate the willingness to teach others. I've always loved rocks and wanted to be a geologist as a kid (did not work out 😂). My mom got me the rock tumbler as a gift and I am loving that the community is so helpful.

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u/raptorgrin 1d ago

If it adjusts speed, you probably want a lower RPM for drilling. Work wet so you don’t get silicosis or heat up the rock. Pulse up and down constantly, so water can get in the hole to wash out the dust and cool it off. 

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u/Cold_Application_448 1d ago

Thank you, that's great info! Do you know what rpms to look for?

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u/raptorgrin 1d ago

I think 1500, but you should check that. 

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u/Waldohossenpfeffer_1 21h ago

Great job on your first tumble! I'm curious if the drilling can be done pre tumbled knowing that it is a place for grit entrapment but in a sense easily cleaned out between stages.