[Jewelry making - Article 00697] - Re: [Orchid] Matte Mass finishing revisited

[Thackeray Taylor]

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Hello Carrie and all,

    I've been watching this post with interest as it is providing a lot
    of different approaches I find interesting. I would like to say
    humbly, in my experience, trying to create a matt finish on metal
    with mass finishing equipment is not easy. One of the biggest
    obstacles is communicating the desired results with customers.
    Trying to explain a finish other than a high polish without visual
    aids is like trying to explain specific colors verbally, just about
    impossible. 

    My experience mass finishing metal (for a matt appearance) is that I
    get a flat molded looking surface no matter the media, nothing like
    hand finishing or abrasive blasting can do. I simply have not found
    a media that leaves a surface finish anywhere close to the many
    different hand approaches. This is not to say it's not possible, I
    just have not found an approach I care for. However, desirable
    surface finish is in the eye of the beholder. 

>     I would like to use a vibratory tumbler but I am unsure as to
>     whether aclosed tumbler can be used (in the book it only discusses
>     ones with a flow-through system). I have limited water-supply and
>     cannot have water running continuously through a flow-through. 

    Flow through system recycles water, all you need for a single step
    is 4 gallons and a 5 gallon bucket with pump. I also recommend a
    deburring compound. 

>     I'm looking at the top model found heRe:
>     http://dillonprecision.com/ Stock number 20493 - would this work?

    My experience with these types of tumblers are that they are
    designed to run dry, but I could be wrong as I didn't see any
    indication they could run wet or dry, you should ask them before
    purchasing. 

>     My next question is about water.... do you still use water in a
>     closed system or do you dry finish? I plan on trying out the
>     plastic high-density media first to see if it gives me the finish I
>     am wanting. Can this be used dry? 

    Most medias do not cross over, they are either designed to run wet
    or dry, not both. A wet media that is run dry will glaze over very
    quickly rendering it useless, also creating extreme wear on the
    inside of the barrel/bowl. The high density media we carry is
    designed to run wet. 

    Now glass is a different story, I have gotten great results making
    sea glass using wet media. 

    Feel free to e-mail me or call me if you have any questions. 

Sincerely,

Thackeray Taylor
Rio Grande Technical Support
800-545-6566 ex 13903
ttaylor AT tbg.riogrande.com

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