I need a small capacity tumbler to finish sterling silver. A couple I have
met at several shows this year have one that is only about a 1 quart
capacity. The smallest I have found in all my catalogues is 3 quarts,
retailing at about $45.
Does anyone know where I can find a small tumbler for stainless steel shot?
Also, I would be interested to know the pros and cons of different kinds of
shot and tumblers. I am very ignorant in this area.
Thanks,
Candy Glaze
Candy: most people I know use vibrating tumblers and the one most mentioned
is the Gyroc thats availble through all the catalog places. I bought one
thinking I’d never have to polish a piece again and was I wrong. If you
have small tight hard to get to places or right angles the shot won’t get
in there. They are used for burnishing and are best for curved surfaces
like rings etc. You can find small tumblers from Alpha Supply for about 60
bucks if thats what you want…DAve
Art Jewelry for Conscious People
http://www.opendoor.com/stephensdesign/crystalguy.html
Dave Stephens wrote:
Candy: most people I know use vibrating tumblers and the one most mentioned
is the Gyroc thats availble through all the catalog places. I bought one
thinking I’d never have to polish a piece again and was I wrong. If you
have small tight hard to get to places or right angles the shot won’t get
in there. They are used for burnishing and are best for curved surfaces
like rings etc. You can find small tumblers from Alpha Supply for about 60
bucks if thats what you want…DAve
Art Jewelry for Conscious People
http://www.opendoor.com/stephensdesign/crystalguy.html
Dave,
I have the gyroc with a three bowl setup and finally got stainless
steel shot that works well on sterling but knocks the detail out of gold
items if not tended properly…Important to clean the items in the
ultrasonic then go to the gyroc or other tumbler…Also set the gyroc on
high speed for better results on relief or hard to reach places…If you
intend to polish stones also the rubber tumbler type machine is no doubt
the best.Go to the local guns and ammo store to get the Formula 1 walnut
shell dry media.It does a super job on jewelry as well as used cartridge
casings. A sporting goods store that sells ammo reloading supplies also
may be the best place to find a gyroc machine or tumbler often they have
them used in good condition or check out a gun show.Even if you are not
into guns there are many things including flexshafts and other tools for
sale at such events often at a lower price than jewelry supply
places…Gavin…
Dave,
I have the gyroc with a three bowl setup and finally got stainless
steel shot that works well on sterling but knocks the detail out of gold
items if not tended properly…Important to clean the items in the
ultrasonic then go to the gyroc or other tumbler…Also set the gyroc on
high speed for better results on relief or hard to reach places…If you
intend to polish stones also the rubber tumbler type machine is no doubt
the best.Go to the local guns and ammo store to get the Formula 1 walnut
shell dry media.It does a super job on jewelry as well as used cartridge
casings. A sporting goods store that sells ammo reloading supplies also
may be the best place to find a gyroc machine or tumbler often they have
them used in good condition or check out a gun show.Even if you are not
into guns there are many things including flexshafts and other tools for
sale at such events often at a lower price than jewelry supply
places…Gavin…
Yeah, gun shows have great little tools at decent prices, I scored alot of
needle files and hemostats there for pretty cheap. As for the polishing
walnut there’s also stuff that Rio sells called Red Buff for gold and Green
Buff for silver. It works in a rolling tumber really well and puts a
blazing shine on silver. Problem is that it gets into cracks and is a pain
sometimes to clean out. The shine on silver is too good as soon as you
touch it you’ve messed it up 
Dave
Art Jewelry for Conscious People
http://www.opendoor.com/stephensdesign/crystalguy.html