Ceramic tumbling media?

[Joe Kidd]

I'd like to try stonewashing a few clips with my Lyman vibratory tumbler with some ceramic media. I've read the small triangle types work best??

 

[REK Knives]

yeah try the ones from harbor freight

 

[Joe Kidd]

Thanks Josh. Any lube or just dry?

 

[Bludgeon]

I agree with Josh, HF tumblers last just as long as name brand counterparts in my experience.

 

[REK Knives]

Thanks Josh. Any lube or just dry?

You can use a little water if what you are tumbling is stainless, or else use water w/ baking soda if you want to prevent rust on carbon steel. You will need something to lubricate though... some have used oil too.

 

[Joe Kidd]

Thanks. I've got some 5/8"x5/8" triangle SF grade coming, so I'll fire up the Lyman and post the results in a few days.

 

[Joe Kidd]

I started with a polished SS E4 clip. This clip was ran 4 hours in a vibratory tumbler with 5/8" triangular ceramic media with a small amount of water. The result is a soft satin finish, almost like bead blasting. I believe a rotary drum tumbler would produce the best effect with less run time. Thanks for looking.

 

[REK Knives]

That's beautiful man!

normally vibratory tumblers work quicker than the rotary kind. Thanks for sharing!