Allealing posts

Jewelry Discussion
1

I also work harden my posts in a vibrating tumbler. I use both
ceramic pyramids, then switch to ceramic balls. I didn’t think
you could use steel shot in a vibratory tumbler. Does anyone do
this? I was told that the steel is to heavy for the vibaratory
to work well. Tzipora

2

An addendum to my oh-so,(I hope),-comprehensive instructions for
tumble-polishing: I first use the blue pyramids because I am
somewhat of a slug about hand sanding to remove firescale on my
fabricated pieces. The pyramid medium accomplishes this tedious
chore for me. If you all are more industrious than I in this
regard, then by all means, only use the steel shot to polish,
skipping the prior step. With all proper contriteness in the
admission of my truly lazy habits, Lisa. Topanga,CA

3 
I also work harden my posts in a vibrating tumbler. I use both
ceramic pyramids, then switch to ceramic balls.  I didn't think
you could use steel shot in a vibratory tumbler.  Does anyone do
this?  I was told that the steel is to heavy for the vibaratory
to work well. Tzipora

G’day Tzipora; I also use a vibrator - only mine is home made. I
use steel shot dry (but wash it and the container between uses) I
use several sizes of shot mixed, ranging from 2mm to 5mm and this
gives me a brilliant polish, especially on chain.

Cheers

    /\
   / /
  / /           @John_Burgess2
 / /___| \       at sunny Nelson, New ZealandZ
(______ )
4

I use stainless steel shot (mixed shapes) about seven pounds of
the stuff . . . in my vibratory tumbler. And I use the Rio
Descaler (Sunsheen?) I don’t have it handy now, but can look it
up. After a few hours the stuff comes out very shiny.

5 
 I didn't think you could use steel shot in a vibratory tumbler. 
Does anyone do this?  I was told that the steel is to heavy for
the vibaratory to work well.

I use 75% ceramic to 25% steel shot mix. I have a Rio vibratory
with the yellow band. It was the best I could afford at the time.
It is also the best investment I ever made. Anyway, I do have shot
mixed in with cermic 3 & 4mm beads. I also use Dawn dish liquid
and water for my burnishing solution. I love it!

6 
 I use 75% ceramic to 25% steel shot mix.  I have a Rio
vibratory with the yellow band.  It was the best I could afford
at the time. It is also the best investment I ever made. 
Anyway, I do have shot mixed in with cermic 3 & 4mm beads.  I
also use Dawn dish liquid and water for my burnishing solution. 
I love it!

Hmmm, I was told that nothing should be used with STAINLESS Steel
Shot- because other mediums could cause damage to the stainless . .
. if the stainless is scratched or pitted, then it won’t work very
well.

7 
  I was told that nothing should be used with STAINLESS Steel
Shot- because other mediums could cause damage to the stainless
. . . if the stainless is scratched or pitted, then it won't work
very well.

The ceramic beads are perfectly smooth. (infact there is about
1/2 cup rolling around in my basement at all times!) I use the
steel pins that do not rust. I get wonderful results. It took
weeks to break the media in. I used about 1 ounce of silver and
tumbled and rinsed over a period of a few weeks. I have never had
any problems. At the school where I teach, we use straight shot
and it has to be washed more often or the metal “grays” and does
not shine. This has never happened with the ceramic bead and shot
mixture.