Rock Tumbling Grit

We stock four grades of silicon carbide grit, ranging from course stage 1 (F80) to very fine stage 4 (F600). Our beginner pack includes F80, F220 and F400 (plus polish powder), which is absolutely fine for starting out and getting some good results. However, for more serious tumblers we'd suggest our complete pack, containing all of the above plus F600 grade silicon carbide, the finest grade we stock and perfect for removing even the smallest of marks. 

Using Rock Tumbling Grit

Most hobbyist rock tumblers will choose to run either four or five stages as part of their rock tumbling process. A typical four stage process will look something like:

Stage One - Coarse Grit (F80)
Stage Two - Medium Grit (F220)
Stage Three - Fine Grit (F400)
Polish Stage - (Pumice or Cerium Oxide)

For those looking for an even greater shine, they may choose to add a stage, between fine grit and polish, typically referred to a pre-polish. This can either be with a finer grade of silicon carbide such as F600, or with a polish powder such as pumice, and then finishing with a final polish of cerium oxide or aluminium oxide. 

If you’re just starting out, a classic four stage tumble will get you very good results and is a great place to start. This allows you to start seeing results more quickly and have a selection of finished tumble stones. After a few finished tumbles, you can start experimenting with your process. Maybe testing different final polish powders, or adding in an additional pre-polish stage. 

Our grit starter pack is a great choice for people looking to start off, as it’s a good value way to get all of your necessary grit in one bundle. We’d also suggest looking at the complete starter pack, which contains a stage four pre-polish (F600), along with a more premium polish powder, cerium oxide.