Here is the results of the past 3 weeks of "Rock Tumbling". Basically you turn on a relatively loud machine, put it in the basement, and live with the squeeky noise for 3 weeks.

It was actually kind of fun, my 10-year-old got this last year (possibly the year before) and it sat on the shelf for a while. We finally broke down and did it. She actually has another kit to do one more batch, though I don't know if the rock tumbler will make it (it certainly sounds like it is on its last legs/gears?).

This shot was also a good excuse for me to try out the 055MF3 with the center column aligned horizontally. Here's the thumbnail and link to the setup:



It goes into this postion easier than it looks. I have to get used to setting it up as once the snow finally melts, bug season starts and I can start taking Macros again!!