M'lou
I just don't get it! I had a friend who has a magnetic polisher
finish a few cast pieces for me, to see what the machine does. I
hated them!
What material did you test? Softer materials, like sterling, are
subject to more of the "peening" than harder materials. I run
sterling for about half the time that I do gold...aprox 8 minutes for
sterling pieces, and 12-15 minutes for gold (depending on karat and
color). This has helped to relieve, if not completely eliminate, the
peening effect. Another consideration is in the relative amount of
"open space" in the design...Does the piece incorporate large, smooth
polished areas? Then a buffing wheel is the better choice. Are there
a lot of detailed, recessed areas? Then this is the machine for you!
I find that many items need to be both mag tumbled and buffed to
achieve the best finish. There is nothing better for polishing in a
tight space, especially convoluted filigree or multi-head pieces.
I typically finish a piece like this: File, sand through 1500 grit
paper, toss it into the mag tumbler for a few minutes (based on the
material), and then final polish on the wheel. Any slight peening
(remember, don't over tumble!) comes out in the first grade of
polish on the wheel.
Matthew Crawford
www.MatthewDesigns.com
