[Jewelry making - Article 00327] - Re: [Orchid] Vibratory vs. magnetic tumblers

[Thackeray Taylor]

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>     I was wondering if someone could compare the relative advantages
>     and disadvantages. I want it for small pierced work (mostly
>     pendants of intricate, cut-out quotes) but have gotten the
>     impression that all the mass polishing systems are not so good on
>     flat, shiny objects.... 


Janet,

    You're right, all mass finishing equipment is not created equal. 

    CMF's use very fine magnetized stainless steel pins that are
    violently  circulated around the bowl. This process is excellent for
    high detail  pieces and stubborn investment removal after casting.
    However they are  not so great for smooth objects as the ends of the
    fine pins leave  "ping" marks. Other mass finishing equipment is not
    so violent. They are  currently only used for burnishing***. 

    Vibratory finishers are twice as fast on abrasive steps as rotary 
    barrels but not as capable of running steel shot. However porcelain 
    media is an excellent alternative to steel shot and is easily run in
    a  vibratory finisher. The biggest drawback here is it requires a
    break in  period, usually 10 days continuous, flushing every 2 days. 

    Disc finishers are approximately 8-10 times faster than vibratory 
    finishers and can run abrasive media, porcelain burnishing media and
    dry  media. However they are expensive and can be too much for fine
    or highly  detailed pieces. 

    I'd be happy to discuss this in more detail with anyone, just e-mail
    me  off list. 

    Thackeray Taylor
    Rio Grande Technical Support.

    Oh yeah one more thing. Look for some exciting new developments with
    the  Raytech CMF's coming soon. Here's a hint, little disc finishers
    that  have the capabilities of many other mass finishing steps. Very
    cool!

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