Update on the tumbling. I was watching some YouTube videos about tumbling and noticed people using different grits 60/90, 100/150, 180/200 and so on. Some people say 5 days for step one and 7 for the rest of the steps. Others 7 steps for all and still others go longer on each step. I don't recall any rock specifics on the differences like 5 days for Jasper and 7 days for opal. I checked the NG bottles of grit and it didn't state the grit#. The packets that came with the tumblers and boxes of Agates & Petrified Wood didn't state the grit# either. So I bought some other company's bottles that stated the grit# and to compare them.
They all looked and felt the same...not sure if you can see or feel the difference between 60 or 90 anyway.
However, the packets that came with the tumblers didn't contain enough grit on steps 1 & 2. Steps 3 & 4 contained more than the 2 tablespoons that most all of the videos say to use. Also the other company included a LARGER scoop than the National Geographic one. It holds a tablespoon!
I saw 1 video that I think sums it up for the newbie. When he bought his first tumbler he bought extra grit. Do what the instructions say for your tumbler. After 3 days on Step 1, take a couple of rocks out and if there is very little or no change, add another scoop or tablespoon of grit. I did that with my second batch and that was when I discovered the shortage in the packets that came with the tumbler!
Ed
I lost my marbles...but I now have rocks!