How-To: Guide to Tumbling and Tumbling Media

May 28, 2024

Dive into the world of jewelry tumbling with our comprehensive guide. In this video, we explore everything you need to know about tumblers and selecting the right media for various applications. Whether you're a seasoned jeweler or just starting out, understanding the intricacies of tumbling can elevate your craft to new heights. We'll walk you through the different types of tumblers, including magnetic, rotary, and vibratory, and delve into the diverse range of media available, from stainless steel pins to treated walnut shell media. Learn how each type of media impacts your jewelry's finish and discover which one best suits your specific needs. We will also share invaluable tips and tricks for optimizing your tumbling process, including the importance of using burnishing compounds and solutions to condition your media. Plus, get insights into the best practices for cleaning and maintaining your tumblers for long-lasting performance.

Tips:

Because the stainless steel pins can demagnetize, so be sure to remove the bowl from a magnetic tumbler in between and after uses to prolong the life of the pins.
You can clean the stainless steel pins if you see they’re getting dirty over time by using burnishing compound with the pins alone.
To easily remove your pieces from the bowl, you can use a magnetic wand. The wand will grab the media so you can easily grab your pieces and by pulling the lever it’ll drop the media back into place. This wand can be used with the stainless steel pins and the stainless steel shot.
Some rotary tumblers have a band in the middle of the barrel, which can be used as a fill line. Fill the barrel with a capful of your steel shot conditioner or burnishing compound with your media at the bottom and fill the water to the line, just enough to cover your pieces.
Be sure to look at the recommended application on your vibratory tumbler. Some tumblers only use dry media, others only wet, and some can be used with both. Be sure to look at the manufacturer’s recommendation to get the most out of your equipment.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro to Tumblers
01:01 Different Types of Media
04:01 Solutions to use with Media
04:47 Tumblers in Use
07:00 Tumbling Tips and Tricks

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