TUMBLE POLISHING IS GREAT FOR CLEANING JEWELRY

I always use the tumbler to polish newly made chain maille rings.Tumbling is not abrasive and does not remove metal from the surface of a jewelry item.

This type of tumbling is known as burnishing.

Stainless Steel Shot

I highly recommend a tumbler and stainless steel shot for cleaning jewelry.

I use one and a half pound of stainless steel shot in my tumbler for jewelry cleaning as it does not rust like carbon steel and is long lasting.

The stainless steel shot will remove minor burrs and mild scratches. It will not remove gouges but it will smooth them and leave them very shiny.

Tumbling hardens the outer surface of the metal and can result in major hardening of very thin metal such as ear wires, head pins and jump rings.

It may not be so noticeable with thicker metal.

Oxidised or antiqued items that have been treated with liver of sulphur can be tumbled and will result in a pleasant dull polish retaining the antique look.

Tumbling is very gentle and tumbled pieces will emerge highly polished and undamaged.

Tumble Items Separately

You need to be selective as to the items you tumble together as fine chains and ear wires can become badly tangled if tumbled together.

A number of fine chains will also become very tangled and are better tumbled on their own.

Sterling silver chain maille jewelry and PMC have a brilliant finish after being tumbled.

You need to use various shapes of shot, different shot mixes can be purchased.

Different shapes are needed to get into every nook and cranny of your jewelry items.

I use a mix of saucers, balls and thick short pins. You do not need long thin pins or small balls as they get caught in chain links and inside hollow pieces.

For highly polished surfaces crushed walnut shells perform very well.

Always follow the tumbler makers instructions as to the weight of shot you use in the tumbler barrel.

Place the shot in the tumbler and add your pieces, add a squirt of Dawn dishwashing liquid or other degreasing dishwashing liquid that does not contain bleach, moisturisers or other fancy additives.

Add enough water to cover everything, do not fill the tumbler barrel, replace the lid and you are ready to go.

If polishing chain maille rings thread onto a piece of wire and twist wire ends together, otherwise you will spend a lot of time picking the rings from amongst the shot.

Tumbling can be from half an hour to overnight, subject to the size and nature of the items being cleaned.

Cleaning Tumbler

When finished open tumbler and pour contents into a fine sieve over a sink, be careful not to drop shot into the sink as it will severly damage garbage disposal units if fitted.

Rinse shot and leave to dry before placing back in barrel. Wash out inside of barrel and dry.

If you find that the water in the tumbler barrel is dark and the jewelry is dark it means that you have not used enough dishwashing liquid.

Rinse the shot and jewelry and put in dishwashing and water and tumble again.

Problem Items

Do not tumble the following:

Pearls

Horn

Bone

Polymer Clay

Dyed Gem Stones (color will run)

Opals (can shatter)

Amber (can be affected by water)

Emeralds (Can leak oily resin)

Soft gemstones like turquoise and malachite may lose their polish and become dull.

Mixing hard and soft gemstones together may result in damage to the soft stones.

Some coated glass beads may also become dull after tumbling.It is advisable to test single beads and stones if unsure.