Aluminium oxide or 600 grit?

[oldbullhubbard]

Hi. The instruction book that came with my new Lortone tumbler recommends 7 days use of aluminium oxide after 220 grit and then a final 7 day polish using aluminium oxide. I have used 600 grit for years before polishing. What do people think? Your advice is appreciated. Regards, Old Bull Hubbard.

 

[user 5263]

I always used 600 grit before the final polish and if that's what you have been doing keep doing it, it sets the material up for a good finish. However, I add that I never used aluminium oxide, only used silicon carbide. If you have some material that is something that you might be prepared to take a risk with, try an experiment.

 

[Dihusky]

Think it depends on the material your tumbling, I use Silicone Carbide 600 as i don't have any Aluminium oxide. Aluminium oxide is not as hard a carbide therefore less aggressive so may be better for softer stones and will not take off as much material.