Barranca Diamond BR-6 Rotary Rock Tumbler User Manual
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BR-6 INFORMATION
INFORMATION
For best results, select gemstones of similar hardness and roughness to tumble together. Ideally,
your drum should use about 6 lbs. of gem stones. Rocks may vary in size.
There are 4 steps in the rock tumbling process:
1. 60-90 grit silicon carbide
2. 220 grit silicon carbide
3. Pre-polish (400 or 600 grit silicon carbide)
4. Cerium oxide or aluminum oxide final polish
Seven days (162 hours) are needed to complete each of the 4 steps. More time may be needed
depending on the hardness of the rock. The optimum objective for rock tumbling is to obtain a slurry
that coats the stones during the tumbling process. Learn to tell by the feel of the slurry when the grit
is worn out and you need to rinse the rock and drum, then add fresh grit. At the end of the 28 days,
you will see your batch of beautiful, shiny, tumbled stones.
Rock Tumbling Formula:
1. 1/2 cup 60-90 grit (silicon carbide) & 6 oz. water
2. 1/2 cup 220 grit (silicon carbide) & 6 oz. water
3. 1/2 cup pre-polish (400 or 600 grit silicon carbide) and 4 oz. water
4. 1/2 cup cerium oxide or aluminum oxide & 4 oz. water
ASSEMBLY AND SETUP
1. Place the BR-6 Rock
Tumbler on a firm, smooth,
level surface
2. Slide the barrel onto
the shaft and tighten the
thumbscrew onto the flat of the
shaft. Plug in Rock Tumbler
3. Remove cap from barrel