G’day…
I have been using the same carbon steel ball bearings of various
small sizes for around 6 years with no sign of rust. And get a
brilliant polish on chains and small silver work. I use a home made
vibrating device, but the manner of shake rattle and roll is
unimportant so long as it is vigorous. I use a few shavings of
ordinary soap and just cover the work with water Admittedly it is
rain water, for we are not connected to the public main supply,but
we collect rain from the roof into a 6,000 gallon tank under the
patio, so it is ‘soft’ water .
The important thing is to pour the contents of the polisher into a
domestic sieve and wash the work and balls under the tap. Pour the
lot onto a little tray, pick out the work, and dry the balls as much
as possible in the tray rolling then around with kitchen absorbent
paper, then allow to dry in a warm room. Store the balls in an
airtight jar, and they’ll be ready for next time. Takes but a few
minutes and is no trouble
If they do rust, don’t chuck 'em away; put them in the machine as
usual with water and soap shavings, let it rock and roll for half an
hour and Lo!! Good as new.
Cheers for now,
JohnB of Mapua, Nelson NZ