How to Convert a Rock Tumbler to a Bottle Tumbler

Tumbled glass

A rock tumbler uses a technique called tumble finishing to smooth and polish rocks. These machines are a great tool to teach about minerals, pressure and patience. The rock tumbler uses a mixture of silicon grit and water called a slurry and a constant turning motion to tumble the rock. The rock tumbler can also tumble glass to create "beach glass," which is a highly polished frosted glass, by following some steps.

Things You'll Need

• Empty glass bottles or glass shards
• Safety gloves
• Protective eye gear
• Fine grit
• Silicon sand

Instructions

1. Perform no modifications on your rock tumbler. You just need to make sure to use the right kind of medium, in this case fine grit and silicon sand. If you use a coarse grit, it will disintegrate the glass quickly and you will need to start again.

2. Break your glass into manageable pieces. Make sure to wear safety goggles and work gloves.

3. Mix your fine grit and water to create a slurry. Depending on the size of the rock tumbler, this amount will vary. Check the rock tumbler manual for exact measurements. Put your glass in the tumbler for about one week.

4. Drain your slurry and pull out your glass pieces. Create a new slurry with the silicon sand and water. Place your glass in the tumbler and run again for another week. When you drain your slurry the last time, the glass will be smooth and frosted.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety goggles and wear work gloves while handling and breaking the glass.

References

• RockTumbler.com: More Information on Rock Tumbling