First stonewashed blade attempt, and a couple new designs

jonnymac44

jonnymac44

Joined
Sep 27, 2007
Messages
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I've gotten some great advice on stonewashing from talking with different makers and finally got a chance to put my tumbler to use today on one of my Ness macs in D2. I took the bevels to 400 grit, did a 10-15 minute etch in full strength ferric chloride, then put it in the tumbler. Mine is the bigger, heavy duty model from Harbor Freight for about $150. I used a mix of two different styles of ceramic tumbling media from Mcmaster Carr, added some dawn detergent and about 32 oz of water, and let her rip.

Really glad I listened to those who told me to take the blade to at least 400 grit before tumbling. Any coarser and there would definitely be scratch marks still. Stonewashing is by no means an easy fix for finishing a blade. In fact, it took a fair amount more work than one of my standard satin finishes, but I really like the result.

Here are a few pics, along with a couple shot of two new design profiles. A nine inch model yet to be named, and a smaller skinner that comes in just about 7 inches called a Beer Belly Skinner.

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Good to see you've been keeping busy. Like your new designs.

Are you satisfied with the new vibratory tumbler? I'm looking, getting ready to do some anodizing.

Fred
 
That looks awesome!

Beer Belly Skinner - great name and knife!

Thanks for sharing Jonny, they look great.
 
Fred, I didn't have the cash to invest in a big commercial unit right off the bat. The one I'm using right now is from Harbor Freight, but it's the larger, more heavy duty model that goes for about $150. I'm not doing dozens of parts at once, so I think it will serve me well for a while.

Daniel, thanks buddy!:thumbup:
 
Jon I have been using mine for a while and I'm completely happy with it. I use it to do my acid / tumble finish. You can get a 12" overall length by 2 1/2" wide in there.
 
I really like the finish. I bought an 18lb tumbler not too long ago, but haven't used it yet because I haven't picked up the medium. Which kind do you like to use to get this finish? Great work!
 
Dang it! Now I have to get one of these tumbler thingys and learn how to use it.

Love that finish!
 
I really like the finish you obtained. I have the same model HF tumbler, so I'll have to give that a try.
 
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