Burnishing compound for tumblers

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hello!

I’m a new member of Orchid…and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by all
the contrasting info out there on the internet. I’m hoping you all
can give me some reasoning behind choosing a certain kind of soap for
a burnishing compound. Not long ago I purchased a new Lortone 3lb
rotary tumbler. I don’t know what to use for the burnishing compound,
so I have yet to use it. I read somewhere that I should use the
original dawn (non-concentrated) dish soap…but I’m not sure why it
should be non-concentrated.

What do you use?

Thanks in advance-
Ashley Skala

2

Hi Ashley,

I use vibratory tumblers, but I found that Palmolive Citrus
Antibacterial has given me the best results so far – even when
compared to the burnishing soaps that I’ve used. I think it’s all a
matter of personal preference and finding what works for you. I hope
this helps a little… I haven’t tried it in a rotary tumbler,
though.

Jennie

3 
I don't know what to use for the burnishing compound, so I have yet
to use it. I read somewhere that I should use the original dawn
(non-concentrated) dish soap...but I'm not sure why it should be
non-concentrated.

The concentrated Dawn would be waaaay to sudsy. Rio’s Super Sunsheen
Descaler/Burnisher removes firescale. If you don’t need to remove
firescale, you can use dishsoap.

Judy Hoch’s book on tumbling is very good, Rio has it.

Elaine
http://www.CreativeTextureTools.com

4 
Not long ago I purchased a new Lortone 3lb rotary tumbler. I don't
know what to use for the burnishing compound, so I have yet to use
it. I read somewhere that I should use the original dawn
(non-concentrated) dish soap...but I'm not sure why it should be
non-concentrated.

I just use a squirt of whatever liquid hand soap I happen to have in
the break room when I am ready to tumble and I’ve never had a problem
with it. Although there are special solutions available and although
some people swear by one compound or another, I’ve never found that
it made much difference. What I find DOES make a difference, however,
is not overloading the tumbler and keeping the water level 1-2 inches
(maximum) above the level of the shot. I love my tumbler, I’m sure
you’ll get a lot of use from yours as well.

Sandra Graves
Stormcloud Trading Co (Beadstorm)
Saint Paul, Minnesota