Plastic Pellets in Rock Tumbling: Benefits and Usage
Rock tumbling is a popular hobby that involves smoothing and shaping rough rocks into polished gems. One of the most commonly used tools during this process is plastic pellets. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why plastic pellets are used in rock tumbling and how to effectively incorporate them into the process.
Why Use Poly Pellets in Rock Tumbling?
Abrasion - Plastic poly beads provide an extra source of abrasion in the tumbling process, which helps to grind down rough edges and surface imperfections on the rocks. This speeds up the process and helps to produce a smoother, more polished result.
Protection - Plastic pellets also serve as a protective barrier between the rocks and the tumbling barrel. This helps to prevent damage to the rocks and extends the life of the barrel.
Even Tumbling - Adding poly pellets to the tumbling barrel ensures that the rocks are evenly distributed and tumbled. This reduces the chance of the rocks becoming stuck together or becoming imbalanced, which can affect the final result.
How to Use Plastic Pellets in Rock Tumbling
Add to the Barrel - To use plastic pellets in rock tumbling, simply add them to the tumbling barrel along with the rocks and the tumbling media (e.g. grit). The amount of poly beads you add will depend on the size of your tumbling barrel, but a general rule of thumb is to use 1 to 2 tablespoons of pellets per pound of rock.
Mix Well - Make sure to mix the plastic pellets in with the rocks and tumbling media so that they are evenly distributed throughout the barrel.
Tumble - Start the tumbling process as you normally would, allowing the machine to run for the recommended time. Check the rocks regularly to see if they are reaching your desired level of smoothness.
Clean and Reuse - After each tumbling cycle, remove the rocks and plastic pellets from the barrel and clean them thoroughly. Plastic pellets can be reused multiple times, so it is important to keep them clean and dry between cycles.
In conclusion, plastic pellets are an essential tool for anyone looking to achieve a smooth, polished result in rock tumbling. They provide extra abrasion, protection, and help ensure even tumbling, making the process faster and more efficient. Give them a try and see the difference they can make in your rock tumbling projects!
]]>Poly plastic pellets and glass beads are both popular choices as fillers for blankets, vests, and crafts. But what are the differences between these two materials, and which one is right for your project? Here's a comparison of poly plastic pellets and glass beads, including the benefits of each.
Poly Plastic Pellets:
Poly plastic pellets, also known as poly beads or resin pellets, are small, round beads made of polyethylene or polypropylene. They are often used as a filler for weighted blankets, vests, and stuffed animals.
Benefits of Poly Plastic Pellets:
Non-toxic: Poly plastic pellets are non-toxic and safe for use in crafts and other projects.
Durable: Poly plastic pellets are resistant to moisture and UV light, making them a long-lasting choice for fillers.
Easy to clean: If your project gets dirty, poly plastic pellets can be easily removed and washed.
Customizable: Poly plastic pellets come in a range of colors and sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect look for your project.
Glass Beads:
Glass beads are small, round beads made of glass. They are often used as a filler for weighted blankets, vests, and stuffed animals.
Benefits of glass beads:
Non-toxic: Like poly plastic pellets, glass beads are non-toxic and safe for use in crafts and other projects.
Lightweight: Glass beads are much lighter than poly plastic pellets, making them a good choice for projects where you want to minimize the weight.
Hypoallergenic: Glass beads are hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Dries quickly: If your project gets wet, glass beads will dry much faster than poly plastic pellets.
So, which is the better choice for your project – poly plastic pellets or glass beads? It really depends on your specific needs and preferences. Poly plastic pellets are a durable, customizable choice that is easy to clean, while glass beads are lightweight, hypoallergenic, and dry quickly. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your individual needs and goals for your project.
]]>Weighted vests are a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts, as they offer a convenient and effective way to add resistance to your workouts. In addition to being readily available for purchase, it's also possible to make your own weighted vest using materials such as Roly Poly brand plastic pellets.
Benefits of weighted vests:
Improved strength and endurance: By adding extra weight to your body, a weighted vest forces your muscles to work harder. This can lead to increased strength and endurance, as your muscles adapt to the added resistance.
Increased calorie burn: When you wear a weighted vest, your body has to work harder to move, which can lead to an increased calorie burn. This can be especially beneficial for those looking to lose weight or improve their cardiovascular fitness.
Improved bone density: Weight-bearing exercises, such as those performed with a weighted vest, have been shown to improve bone density. This can be especially beneficial for postmenopausal women, who are at an increased risk for osteoporosis.
Enhanced performance: Many athletes use weighted vests to improve their performance in their respective sports. For example, runners may use a weighted vest to build strength and improve their running economy, while basketball players may use a vest to increase their vertical jump.
Versatility: Weighted vests can be used in a variety of settings, including the gym, at home, or even outdoors. They are also suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, as the weight can be easily adjusted to suit your individual needs.
How to make a weighted vest using plastic pellets:
Gather materials: You will need a vest or backpack to hold the weights, plastic pellets, and a sewing kit.
Determine the desired weight: Decide how much weight you want your vest to be, and measure out the appropriate amount of poly plastic pellets.
Create the weight packets: Using a sewing needle and thread, create small packets of plastic poly beads by sewing them into pockets. Make sure to leave enough room for the pellets to move around slightly, as this will help distribute the weight evenly.
Attach the weight packets to the vest: Using a needle and thread, attach the weight packets to the inside of the vest or backpack. Spread the packets evenly throughout the vest, making sure they are not too heavy on one side.
Test the vest: Once you have attached all the weight packets, put on the vest and test it out to make sure it is comfortable and the weight is evenly distributed.
Making your own weighted vest using poly pellets is a cost-effective and customizable way to add resistance to your workouts. It's important to consult with a qualified trainer or medical professional to determine the appropriate weight and frequency for your needs.
]]>Find out how weighted blankets work and who may benefit.
]]>It's important to note that weighted items should not be used with infants, toddlers or anyone with a disability where the weighted item cannot be moved.
How Do Weighted Blankets Work?
Weighted blankets, gravity blankets, anxiety blankets, weighted quilts, weighted wraps and other weighted items work by providing what’s known as Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS). DPS has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system in the body by creating a relaxed, calm and composed state of mind. The sympathetic nervous system which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response which often is a driver of anxiety, fear and stress. The deep pressure stimulation provided by a weighted blanket, vest, lap pad or wrap provides a calming effect that helps many people with various conditions. The comforting weight and pressure also drive the mind to focus on the physical sensations of the body and release the anxious thoughts in the mind.
What Are the Benefits of Weighted Blankets?
There have been many studies researching the benefits of weighted blankets, comforters and quilts. A 2020 randomized, controlled study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine showed weighted blanket users lessened the severity of their insomnia, slept better, and had more daytime energy. They also experienced reduced anxiety, fatigue and depression. Another study showed 63% of people reported lower anxiety after using a weighted blanket.
What Conditions May Benefit by Using a Weighted Blanket?
Although most people would value from the use of a weighted comforter or another weighted therapy item, people with certain conditions may especially benefit from the calming effects they provide. Below is a list of conditions that have been shown to benefit from deep pressure stimulation, including the use of weighted blankets.
How Do I Make a Weighted Blanket?
You’ve come to the right place! Roly Poly pellets and glass beads make the perfect filling and stuffing for your weighted blankets, lap pads, shoulder wraps, weighted stuffed animals and other weighted items. The best part about making your own weighted blanket is that you can customize the size, weight and fabric. The possibilities are endless...Check out the link below to get detailed step-by-step instructions for making a weighted blanket of your own!
]]>This is an easy, DIY sewing project that you can complete in a couple of hours or less.
]]>If you already know about the benefits of a weighted blanket, you're probably ready to get started in making one!
This is an easy, DIY sewing project that you can complete in a couple of hours or less.
Please remember, it is not recommended to use weighted blankets for children under 3 years of age or for people with limited motor skills, mental or physical capabilities.
Here's What You Will Need to Make a Weighted Blanket:
1) Determine the Size & Weight of the blanket you are going to make.
Most experts recommend a weighted blanket that is equal to approximately 10% - 15% of the bodyweight of the user. The size of the blanket should be wide & long enough to cover the entire body. Weighted blankets are not meant to hang over the sides of a bed so keep that in mind.
2) After you’ve determined the size of weighted blanket you want to make, cut 2 pieces of fabric in equal size with 1 additional inch added to the size you have determined. If you are making a 36” x 48” blanket, you need 2 pieces of fabric measuring 37” x 49”.
3) Place the fabric right sides together and sew a double stitched plain seam around 2 of the longest sides and on the bottom approximately .5 inch from the edge. The top will remain open.
4) Turn the blanket inside out and iron the edges if desired. Using fabric chalk, a fabric marker or straight pins, mark equal vertical lines down the length of the fabric. Each channel should be approximately 4-6” wide. In the case of a 36” x 48” weighted blanket, you could for example create 7 columns that are 4.5" wide each (36"/4.5" = 7 columns) Sew a single seam along each line creating equal size channels across the blanket.
5) Using fabric chalk or a fabric marker, start from the bottom to mark equal horizontal lines across the width of the blanket. Each horizontal channel should be 4-6” wide as well.
6) Calculate the total number of squares that your weighted blanket will have: # of Rows X # of Columns
7) Calculate the weight of RolyPoly craft pellets you need to add to each square. Blanket weight you selected in ounces/number of squares you have on your blanket= number of ounces per square. Remember that 16 US oz. = 1 lb. If you are making a 10 lb (160 ounces) blanket and have 42 squares to fill, you will divide 160/42.In this case, this equals 3.8 ounces per square.
8) Fill & mark a measuring cup or plastic cup with the amount of RolyPoly plastic pellets that you need to fill a single square in your weighted blanket.
9) Using your marked cup, pour equal amounts of RolyPoly pellets into each column or channel of the blanket. Shake the pellets so that they settle at the bottom of the blanket.
10) Sew your first horizontal seam sealing in the pellets into individual squares. Begin filling the next row with RolyPoly poly beads.
11) Repeat steps 9 & 10 until the last row on the blanket is filled.
12) Fold over fabric and sew a double seam to seal and finish.
Enjoy your custom weighted blanket! We know you will love it!
]]>