Using a tumbler

[Curlybird]

I've just bought myself a tumbler, and I've got a quick question.   Can I use the same drum for copper clay, bronze clay and silver clay, or do I need three different drums?   I know I need to get another drum if I want to use it instead of etching fluid, but can I just clean out the one drum for the different clays?

Anne

[mizgeorge]

One is fine for all the metals Anne

[Curlybird]

Thanks George   That'll save me some money.   

[Weston_glass_man]

Whats a tumbler? sorry very very new to silver clay ie,  my first kit is on its way Just trying to get as much knowledge and info in my head as poss. sorry for being thick
regards
Rob

[Pauline]

Whats a tumbler? sorry very very new to silver clay ie,  my first kit is on its way Just trying to get as much knowledge and info in my head as poss. sorry for being thick
regards
Rob

not an expert, but it is a device with a rotating drum filled with "bits" that clean and polish your piece.
not essential but nice, I did a taster at flame off last year and we used a wire brush quite easily on small pieces

[Glyn Burton]

The 'bits' are normally stainless steel shapes, needles, squares, cones etc which are used with water and a drop of detergent which will bring the metal clay up to a high shine. The wire brush gives a lovely satin finish but the advantages of a tumble over a polishing mop are you can be doing something else while they are polishing and it polishes textured surfaces with out damaging the texture.

[Weston_glass_man]

Thats great, thanks everyone. Where do you get them from. Don't think I have seen one for sale or I did not reconise what it was lol

[Nicknack]

They often come up on ebay.  There were several just before Christmas, but I haven't seen one this year so far.

Nick

[Glyn Burton]

I think I bought mine from Palmer metals but Cookson have them too. Personally I cant be bothered much with ebay, living on a small island can cause delivery problems but I am sure they turn up there. People buy them to polish pebbles and then loose interest when they find out how long it takes, the same tumbler will do both you would just need to buy the stainless shot.

[Nick]

hi

I use this one and have been very pleased with it

http://www.suttontools.co.uk/1kg-budget-barrelling-unit.html   you could also try Palmers or H Walsh

you will also need some steel shot and soap

http://www.suttontools.co.uk/barrelling-powder-1kg.html
http://www.suttontools.co.uk/mixed-carbon-steel-shot-1kg.html

Some people use stainless shot but I have used this shot for years. If you empty the shot into a glass jar with the soap mixture and fasten the lid, the soap has an rust inhibitor in it so the shot will be fine. I renew the soap every three or four times I use the machine. Also you must make sure the barrel is completely dry after each use.

[Lilacpixie]

Dumb q number 1 from me. I habe a tumbler for lapaidry that's languishing in the attic at the moment. Coukd I use that? I am imagine I would need a second barrel? Any ideas?

[Pat from Canvey]

Simple answer, yes with steel shot and new barrel.

[Glyn Burton]

If the barrel is cleaned thoroughly I don't see why you can't use the same barrel, just get new shot.