Tumble polishing - Beginner's question

Hi All, I have a question about using a tumbler to polish silver that
I think is so basic I haven’t been able to find the answer in the
archives (although I read a lot of really interesting things
there!). I purchased a second-hand tumbler which looks just like
Diamond Pacific’s Mini-Sonic MT-4, except that it’s an older model
made by Custom Technology. Mine came with no manual, and the folks
at Diamond Pacific were kind enough to send me one. I’ve also
purchased and read Judy Hoch’s book, which has been very helpful. I
am not a jeweler-- just a school librarian having lots of fun in a
community college Silver Jewelry class. I would like to use the
tumbler to polish chains-- necklaces and bracelets-- and small PMC
charms-- just a few things at a time.

Okay, here’s my question-- I’m not sure how much media to put in.
The hopper on the tumbler will hold about 4 and a half cups of water
(I don’t know how else to describe the capacity!). I purchased 2
lbs. of stainless steel shot which doesn’t make much of a dent in
filling the hopper, so I’m assuming I need more? How much more? I
think I probably also need a different media to use first-- like the
"aqua cones" Judy talks about-- for the non-PMC pieces.

So you see I need a little help getting started. Is there someone
out there familiar with this tumbler who can give me a hand?
Thanks!

Shayne
…on the edge of the Pine Barrens in humid NJ

    Okay, here's my question-- I'm not sure how much media to put
in. The hopper on the tumbler will hold about 4 and a half cups of
water (I don't know how else to describe the capacity!).  I
purchased 2 lbs. of stainless steel shot which doesn't make much of
a dent in filling the hopper, so I'm assuming I need more?  How
much more?  I think I probably also need a different media to use
first-- like the "aqua cones" Judy talks about-- for the non-PMC
pieces. 

Hi there, Rio Grande on p.418 “Tools & Equipment 2003” has some
rotary tumbler barrels.

Workpiece capacity:	1.5 cups/60 rings		4 cups/160 rings
ceramic: 				10 lbs					15 lbs.
hardwood:				3 lbs.					5 lbs.
steel:					40 lbs.					70 lbs.
plastic:					8 lbs.					14 lbs.
shell:					7 lbs.					10 lbs.

I’ve personally only used a rotary tumbler with a 50 rings capacity,
we used stainless steel shot – mixed with the pointy ones taken out

    • and it does a fine job. I hope the above specs give you a hope
      to finding what you need.

K. David Woolley
Student
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada