Hello all! I am exploring a new area and since you have all been so
wonderful about sharing your experiences, I thought I would seek
your opinions. First, I have to say that since joining the list 3
months ago, my skills have grown by leaps and bounds thanks to all
of you. I cannot wait to update my website with the new pieces–so
little time!
Anyway, I am currently working on a bracelet made from sterling and
dichroic glass. The design is fairly elaborate and consists of
several linked elements. There are a lot of squared and triangular
profiles, and the edges are an important design element.
As I have been fabricating the bracelet, I have been trying to think
of the best way to finish it. Initially, I planned to use a buffer
for each element prior to linking them together–I am not sure it
would be safe to link it and then use the buffer. However, it
occured to me that I could probably assemble the piece and then use
my tumbler (works great for chains, so why not). Of course, I would
not add the glass until after the metal was fully finished, and I am
concerned about losing the edges–as I said the design is about the
edges and the lines and angles they create.
Now for the question, my tumbler is a fairly new acquisition and so
far I have only used it to finish chains (it is a god send for
that). With this particular piece, I would like to try using the
tumbler for as much of the finishing as possible. I don’t know
which media to use and what sequence to use them in. I will also be
using a rotary tumbler if that makes a difference.
Can anyone help? Your assistance would be deeply appreciated.
Thanks!
Andrea L. McLester
http://almclester.netfirms.com