What kind of tumbler I really need?

Hi

I have been researching and trying to figure out what kind of
tumbler I really need! Rotary, vibrating, or magnetic!! I purchased a
type of rotary at an auction awhile back and it says “SLIK” tumblers
made by S.E. Landon Co., in CA but when I goggle it to try to find
info on this it doesn’t show anything.

I love how magnetic tumblers work as I used one in a class but they
are somewhat pricey BUT fast. I do a lot of hand polishing with
compounds but is difficult to do on my ‘chain’ designs. I have even
read the “Tumble Finishing for Handmade Jewelry” but I just really
need some ideas on what to get, use, etc. Any helpful info. would be
greatly appreciated!!

Lori Hampton
Loriann Hampton Designs

Hi Lori,

If you like the magnetic pin finishers it’s fairly easy to make one.
There are several videos online that outline the construction
procedure.

Basically use (4) 25x25x10mm neodymium magnets, use a high N rating,
securely affixed to a disc thats attatched to a motor shaft. Use a
thin non magnetic surface to place your bucket of pins, ordered from
a jewelry supply house some folks use tacks or staples or whatever
but just buy the pins, throw in some water, soap and jewelry. The
one I built works like a champion.

Discarded washing machine motor -free
scrap wood for the cabinet and mounting disc for the magnets - free
light switch and bulb socket power cord all salvaged - free
magnets - 60$ don’t buy weak ones
epoxy - 4$
acrylic sheet on which to place the bucket of pins - 5$
tiny bulb for power socket - 3$

Even if you had to buy it all it should run about 100$ sans motor. I
didn’t need a power light indicator either as mine is loud enough
you wouldn’t mistake it.

I use both my magnetic pin finisher as well as my rotary tumbler.

Good luck, Jim Doherty

If you like the magnetic pin finishers it's fairly easy to make
one 

If I were still young, I would probably enjoy doing this. Now, I
can’t help but think that in the time it took to locate, obtain and
assemble the parts and get it to work, I could make something I
already know how to do (i.e. a piece of jewelry) that would sell for
enough to pay for someone else to do what they’re good at (put
together a pin finisher)… And maybe it wouldn’t be so loud that an
“on” light was superfluous (that gave me a laugh).

Noel

Hi Lory

I own a small lortone rotary tumbler that I use over night for
tumble links and jump rings with stainless steel shot with nice
results.

Gustavo