[Jewelry making - Article 00050] - Re: [Orchid] [Again] thoughts when purchasing a tumbler

[Dave Arens]

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Hi Cherie,

>     I am thinking of purchasing a tumbler. I know there is alot out
>     there on vibrating or rotory. I am interested in the tumbler for 2
>     reasons. The first health- is it better than kicking up all that
>     buffing compound dust? and 2- Will it "work harden" my pieces 

    Go for it! 

    If I were you I go with a vibratory tumbler. They're faster & lots
    easier to use & care for. 

    There are 2 kinds of shot available, carbon steel & stainless steel.
    While the carbon steel is cheaper, it's a maintenance headache, go
    with the stainless (about $15/lb). 

    Tumblers ar available in several sizes from ones with a bowl about &
    inches wide to big industrial models. For a small shop the small
    ones work fine. They require about 5# of shot. When looking for a
    tumbler, check out shooting sports stores. They usually sell
    tumblers for less than the jewelry suppliers. Reloaders use them to
    polish their brass. 

    Shot comes in various shapes. Get the assrted shape package. The
    various shapes will get into nooks & crannies to burnish your items. 

    While it's true that items do come out harder than they went in, the
    amount of hardening isn't that great. If you're counting on a
    tumbler to really harden your items, you may be dissappointed. It's
    probably better to either work harden or heat harden the items
    before tumbling. 

    Dave  

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