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Rock Tumbler Grit Instructions

A rock tumbler tumbles raw stones or rocks with grit and water to smooth out the surfaces. Jewelers and stone collectors use these to make stones usable and enhance their beauty and quality. Rock tumblers are also useful for tumbling glass pieces into decorative glass that can be used in landscaping, or for faux sea glass and making glass jewelry.

Things You'll Need

Stones or rocks
Rock tumbler
Tumbler grit
Large bucket
Safety glasses

Instructions

- 1
  Wash your rocks with soap and water in a large bucket to remove sand or other debris.
- 2
  Sort your rocks according to size and softness.
- 3
  Place rocks of similar softness and quality but of different sizes inside your rock tumbler so it is three-quarters full.
- 4
  Add light, medium or course grit, according to the rock tumbler manufacturer's instructions for the type of rocks you're tumbling. The amount of grit you add will also depend on the type of rock; refer to your manufacturer's instructions.
- 5
  Fill the tumbler with water just until the stones are completely submerged.
- 6
  Close the lid of your rock tumbler and begin tumbling.
- 7
  Tumble the rocks for about six days, adding water periodically as needed to keep all rocks submerged.
- 8
  Ensure rough edges on your rocks are smoothed out before removing them from the tumbler.
- 9
  Remove your rocks and rinse them with water.

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