Landscape Rock can add beauty and character to any outdoor space. Whether you’re creating a rock garden, a dry creek bed, or simply accenting your existing landscape, tumbled rocks offer a polished and refined look. This guide provides a step-by-step process for tumbling landscape rocks using a cement mixer, along with helpful tips for achieving the best results.
Preparing for Rock Tumbling
Before you begin, safety is paramount. A cement mixer is a powerful machine, so exercise extreme caution. Always wear appropriate eye and ear protection and keep children away from the operating mixer. Use a GFCI-protected electrical outlet to power the mixer.
Sorting your landscape rock by size is crucial for efficient tumbling. We recommend these size categories:
- Peas: Less than 1 inch
- Eggs: 1-2 inches
- Potatoes: 2-4 inches
- Grapefruits: 4-6 inches
- Large: Anything larger than 6 inches (generally not tumbled)
While you can tumble rocks by size, mixing a few larger rocks with smaller ones can improve the tumbling action and prevent violent movement within the mixer. Avoid tumbling a full load of large rocks.
Step-by-Step Rock Tumbling Process
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Prepare the Tumbler: With an empty drum, add 1-2 gallons of water, ½ shovel of crushed gravel (or 1-2 shovels of pea gravel), ½ shovel of coarse sand, and a small amount of dish soap. Adjust these quantities based on your mixer’s capacity.
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Start the Mixer: Turn on the cement mixer.
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Add the Rocks: While the tumbler is running, carefully add 2-4 gallons of landscape rock. Again, adjust the quantity based on your mixer’s size.
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Set the Timer: Tumble times vary depending on rock size:
- Peas and Eggs: 10-15 minutes
- Potatoes: 20-30 minutes
- Grapefruits: 30-40 minutes
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Unload and Rinse: After the cycle, stop the mixer and remove the rocks. Use a wheelbarrow or wagon with mesh for easy rinsing. Leave the sand and gravel in the drum for the next batch.
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Repeat: Repeat steps 3-5 for subsequent loads. Drain and rinse the drum thoroughly at the end of each day. You can reuse the crushed gravel, but you’ll likely need to replace the sand.
Tips for Effective Rock Tumbling
- Rinse Immediately: Rinsing prevents the slurry from drying and sticking to the rocks, revealing their shine.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a tally of your loads to monitor efficiency and potentially improve your process. This can also add a fun competitive element.
- Utilize Large Rocks: While not suitable for tumbling, larger rocks can be cleaned with a power washer and incorporated into your landscape design.
Conclusion
Tumbling landscape rock with a cement mixer is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor spaces. By following these steps and tips, you can efficiently create beautiful, polished stones for your landscaping projects. Remember to prioritize safety and adjust the process based on your specific equipment and rock sizes.
