All,
I have written several posts on equipment for jewelers and I know
that from the standpoint of many people who are thinking about
getting started in jewelry making, the cost of getting started can be
daunting. At the same time I recognize the fact that many of Orchids’
supporters are those who specialize in selling to the jewelry trade.
I am sure that the aformentioned would not object to advising new
jewelers on how to get started using simple substitutes and
economical alternative methods and machinery. After all, those who
do get involved will inevitably turn to more sophisticated sources of
supply and may become long term customers.
Lately we have been discussing the use of vibrator tumblers that are
often used in burnishing casings for reloading by hunters. Yesterday
I did a search on Ebay and found that there are plenty of offerings
for equipment of this type under the headings of SPORTING
GOODS…HUNTING…RELOADING EQUIPMENT.You will be amazed at
what is offered under the foregoing category. There are dozens of
tumblers of many types, burnishing compounds and media separators.
Some are used and some are new and most are affordable…and, if
you go the bidding route, some real bargains might be realized. For
jewelry burnishing the tumblers with the straight sides and smallish
bowls are probably the best for wet burnishing. There are also rotary
tumblers which can be applied toward lapidary tasks.
Happy surfing ! Ron Mills at Mills Gem Company, Los Osos, Ca.