Anyone know where I can get a large Tumbler ???

RDT

RDT

Joined
Dec 17, 1999
Messages
4,117
Hey all,
I am looking into different finishes in my knives and want to experiment with a Tumbler or Rock tumbler. Howevver, all I ever find are small ones. I need one that I can put large fixed blades into and not just folders. So basically I would need one with around a 12" deep drum by a similar size diameter. I could probably do with a 10" one if I had to. Anyoen know anything about these babies. I know they don't cost too much so that would be extremeely helpful as far as expense is concerned. I just really am into tat tumbled finsh. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Take care and hey....I am soooo happy that BF is back on line. Man I missed it for the week or so it was off Pheeew !:D ....RDT
 
I use tumblers both at my "real" job and in the knife shop. There are two basic types...rotary and vibratory (there are actually several other types on the market that aren't applicable to knife making). The vibratory class can be further divided into "round" tubs and "linear" (or square tubs). For most knife work, either the rotary or the "square-tub" vibratory types usually works best. Personally I use an industrial square-tub vibratory tumbler. Most of the small rock, bullet, and jewlery tumblers aren't designed to handle the dense, aggressive media needed for hardened metal finishing. That puts you into the industrial catagory...which also puts you into the high cost catagory.

New industrial quality tumblers will start around $2500 for a small one and go up from there. The best bet is to look at surplus equipment dealers or check out EBAY. Sometimes you can pick up a deal.

Another option is to build a rotary tumbler. you'll need a heavy drum, support structure, and a motor (with appropriate gear reduction so that the drum rotates slowly). You'll also want to mount fins or other devices inside the drum to force the contents to actually tumble rather than simply slide on the drum walls.

As for media, there is a plethora of choice. Everything from plastic (impregnated with abrasives), to ceramic, to steel, etc. On top of that, there are dozens of different shapes, each one with it's on characteristic finish qualities. You'll also want to investigate burnishing compounds and possibly acids to speed up metal removal and improve the appearance of the finish. Again, I peronally use course ceramic with oxalic acid for a couple of hours to help remove the bulk of scrathes and to prep the surface. I then finish with a caustic based burnishing compound to brighten and enhance the finish (obviously care must be taken to rinse out the acid before introducing the burnishing compound so they done neutralize each other).

If you have any specific questions, or if you would like me to tumble a sample for you, feel free to drop me a note.

Take care,
Cecil
 
WOW !!! Thanks guys for the help.i will look into it immediately. Take care.....RDT:D
 
This may not be any help to you? I have been thinking about using a cement mixer for a large tumbler? One of the small to mid size type which is pulled behind a vehicle for little jobs. Some mixers use a gas engine and some had an electric motor.

Not sure if one would have to play with gearing or not. I don't think they turn real fast? I don't think they are too costly? May find an old one real cheep to experiment with? A person could always weld tabs on the drum to bolt on a cover plate so nothing spills out?

If you think about it a mixer is a ready made (low tech) tumbler. I have not tried this yet, it is just an idea at this point in time.

Rick Leeson KB5UAZ
Custer Forge & Welding
3128 Behme Road
Custer, WA 98240-9223
Phone/Fax: 360-366-9149
http://www.blacksmithrick.com
BlacksmithRick@aol.com
 
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