Instructions for the Dome Science Tech Rock Tumbler

Polished rocks can be used to make jewelry.

Rocks found in nature are polished to a glossy finish by water and wind over time. The same shiny appearance can be accomplished at home using the Dome Science Tech Rock Tumbler. The rocks are tumbled with a series of grinding powders and water, gently shaping and polishing them to a smooth finish. While Mother Nature's polishing can take years, the Dome Science Tech Rock Tumbler will achieve similar results in two to four weeks.

Things You'll Need

• Dome Science Tech Rock Tumbler
• 8 oz of assorted rocks
• Coarse grinding powder
• Fine grinding powder
• Final polishing powder
• Water
• Scrub Brush or Old Toothbrush

Instructions

Coarse Tumbling

1. Rinse rocks with water and place them in the tumbler.

2. Add coarse grinding powder and enough water to cover the rocks.

3. Close the tumbler cap tightly and place the tumbler in the machine. Cover the tumbler with the safety dome cover.

4. Push the on/off button and set it to tumble for two to four days.

5. Check the rocks daily. Tumble until sharp points and edges have been smoothed.

Fine Grinding

1. Pour contents of tumbler into a fine strainer and rinse with water. Replace stones in the tumbler.

2. Add fine grinding powder and enough water to cover the rocks. Close the tumbler cap tightly.

3. Place the tumbler in the machine, put the dome cover in place, push the on/off button and set it to tumble for three to seven days.

4. Check rocks daily. Tumble until rocks look shiny when wet.

Rock Cleaning

1. Pour contents of the tumbler into a fine strainer and rinse them with water.

2. Wash the tumbler and clean the rocks with a scrub brush to remove all traces of grit. Replace rocks in tumbler and add enough water to cover rocks. Close the tumbler cap tightly.

3. Replace the tumbler in the machine, put the dome cover in place, push the on/off button and set it to tumble for two hours. This will remove remaining traces of grit in the rocks.

Initial Polishing

1. Pour the contents of the tumbler into a fine strainer and rinse the rocks and barrel with water. Replace rocks in the tumbler.

2. Add polishing powder and enough water to cover the rocks. Close the tumbler cap tightly.

3. Replace the tumbler in the machine, put the dome cover in place, push the on/off button and set it to tumble for at least three days.

Additional Rock Cleaning

1. Pour the contents of the tumbler into a fine strainer and rinse with water.

2. Wash the tumbler and clean the rocks with a scrub brush to remove all traces of grit. Replace the rocks in the tumbler and add enough water to cover rocks. Close the tumbler cap tightly.

3. Replace the tumbler in the machine, push the on/off button and set it to tumble for two hours. This removes any last traces of grit in the rocks.

Final Polishing

1. Pour contents of the tumbler into a fine strainer and rinse the rocks and barrel with water.

2. Clean the rocks with a scrub brush to remove all traces of grit. Grit left on the rocks can scratch polished rocks.

3. Place the rocks in the tumbler. Add final polishing powder and enough water to cover the rocks. Close the tumbler cap tightly.

4. Replace the tumbler in the machine, push the on/off button and set it to tumble for at least four days. Rocks are finished when they appear shiny when dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Similar rocks polished together will provide the smoothest results.

• Never dump grit from rocks down household drains.

• Once the tumbling process has started, it must be completed. Contents left in the tumbler will harden into a cement-like material.

References

• "Modern Rock Tumbling"; Steve Hart; 2008
• Rock Tumbling Hobby Site