Tumblers-- yes, again :)---buy smallest for two

Jewelry Discussion
1

i just bought a tumbler, with steel shot. I bought one which I
knew was going to be too big. I got a more robust machine and
greater tumbling capacity. The shot is expensive. You need the
right amount to get a good finish.

Richard W
UK

2

Hi Gang,

A couple of notes on tumblers.

The vibratory tumblers are faster than the rotary. Burnishing
takes about

1/2 hr. Longer won’t hurt but doesn’t buy much in improved shine.

Check with gun shops or reloaders suppliers, they sometimes have
much better prices on the same units than jewelers suppiers.
Reloaders use tumblers for polishing cartridge cases prior to
reloading.

Thunderbird Supply (800-545-7968, http://www.tbscorp.com,
e-mail, tbird@tbscorp.com) has mixed shapes of stainless steel
shot for about $11.00/#, carbon steel about $5.00/#. They also
have a small vibratory tumbler for around $70.00. It uses 6# of
shot. I’ve used this model for about 6 yrs with no problems.

I’m not connected with TBS, just a satisfied customer.

Dave

3 
Check with gun shops or reloaders suppliers, they sometimes have
much better prices on the same units than jewelers suppiers.
Reloaders use tumblers for polishing cartridge cases prior to
reloading.

speaking of tumbling, and using tumblers made for gun brass. the
best medium to get a great finish on a brass cartridge is walnut
shells. i don’t know how this will work on gold or silver, but it
might be worth a try.

4 
  the best medium to get a great finish on a brass cartridge
is walnut shells. i don't know how this will work on gold or
silver, but it might be worth a try.<<

It works, but verrrrry slooowly. It’s also a little less noisey.

Dave

5 
Check with gun shops or reloaders suppliers, they sometimes have
much better prices on the same units than jewelers suppiers.
Reloaders use tumblers for polishing cartridge cases prior to
reloading.

One place to try is the catalog The Sportsman’s Guide
1-800-888-3006. I bought a 6 qt. Gemstone vibrating tumbler from
them for $60. I have seen the same one in jeweler’s catalogs for
almost $200. (Not to mention they also have very good prices on
outdoor and foot wear.) The only problem is that it is rather
large and needs a lot of shot, which I haven’t gone out and got
yet. I’m not sure if they carry a smaller size tumbler, but you
can try.

Jill
@jandr
http://members.tripod.com/~jilk