Any particular tumbler for home stonewashing?

MaxFactor · May 27, 2013

Howdy guys,

For quite a while I've been interested in having a stonewashed finish put on a few of my blades. I think I've gotten to the point where I'm curious enough that I'd like to do it myself but I'm just not sure which tumblers are best for this particular application.

Anyone know which tumblers are best?

Omega Leather Works · May 28, 2013

The big white rectangular one in the laundry room.

Seriously. I just use the dryer (no heat) with parts in a plastic jar. Smooth rocks, wd40 and a towel wrapped, and taped around the jar.

I've been tempted to buy a tumbler, but haven't seen any evidence on why I should.

MaxFactor · May 30, 2013

Interesting. I hadn't thought of that one although I have seen a video of someone that simply put their blade in a jar with rocks and WD40 and shook it by hand.

Any advice on the rocks? I'm feel like there would be some that work better than others, due to hardness, shape, etc.

Omega Leather Works · May 31, 2013

Yeah, you can buy "river rock" in the fish (pet) supply aisle at Walmart. They work well, but make sure to get rid of any broken ones before and after each use.

Also, hand shaking has worked very well for me. I guess it depends on the finish that you're after. Try shaking at first and if that's not fine enough go to the dryer.

Remember to tape up critical points like the surfaces that touch the washers, you can also try taping the edge, but it doesn't work very well in my experience. Still, it can't hurt. Also, remove the thumb studs if possible so that the rocks can get into that area. You will find that the rocks have a hard time getting into tight grind plunge lines, and other areas that aren't open flat surfaces.

If you have any questions hit me up. Also, be sure and post pics when you're done!

OHALLUM · May 31, 2013

You can also use an old or new, case tumbler for polishing brass shells for re-loading. I had one at one time that I only paid about $30 for. You might find an old one on the bay or Craig's list. I used mine to polish some rocks at one time, and it worked great. Should work well on a small folder I would think.

Blessings,

Omar

MaxFactor · Jun 1, 2013

Will taping part of the blade be enough to keep those particular surfaces from getting treated? My plan is to first treat the blade with acid and then stonewash but leave the flats satin (covering them with nail polish for the acid and tape for the stones). Do you guys think this will work?

Omega Leather Works · Jun 1, 2013

Yeah it'll work. I'd leave the polish on and put the tape over that for the tumbling. I use blue (painters) masking tape btw. Keeps a fairly tenacious hold on steel and polish.

A case tumbler... Hmm... Hadn't thought of that one, but I'm sure it would work perfectly. I'll keep my eyes open when I go to garage sales. :thumbup:

Omega Leather Works · Jun 1, 2013

Wait you're talking about the flats, not the pivot...

Um... Yeah it should work, but be aware that it's very difficult to get a straight distinct line with acid using polish as a resist.

I have some pics of the edge on a knife I did a little while back. I'll post them later.

Omega Leather Works · Jun 2, 2013

Can't find the pics, but here is my tuff that I used polish with as a resist for the edge.

I'm not saying that a distinct line cannot be done. If that was my goal I'd lay down some blue tape, paint the line (thickly) then carefully peel the tape off. That may work. Actually, I may try that just to see...