tumbled finish...what kind of tumbler

Lots of questions with a variety of answers.

If running a tumbler for heavy surface removal and de-burring, a re-circ system is really needed. The amount of swarf and such can make the tank muddy, and bring the finishing to a halt, or change the surface look. If doing normal surface finishing, a charge of a little water and burnishing soap is all that is needed. Some finishes and media will be used dry.

If running a small batch of parts, you just take them out as they come to the top. Larger models often have a tip and dump system with a grate.
The smaller models can be dumper from the 5-6" door into a bucket with a strainer top. The media passes through and the objects sit on the grate.

These are vibratory units, so RPM isn't really an issue, but like most motors, the one in it is about 1750RPM. Depending on the type and power level, Some can be controlled, but they are three phase and more expensive. The unit I have the parts for has three phase motor with an off center cam weight. It transfers hundreds of pounds of force to the drum to move it back and forth to shake the tank. It has a controller to set the amount of force and speed.
 
I see the youtube people doing it in the dryer and using WD40 as a lube.


If you're using your mommy's, Wife's, Girlfriend's dryer that you expect to use for clothes again

and that container breaks open with knives rattling around poking holes in the drum and having that WD40 oily mess to wash out of the drum...

there will be hell to pay.


It's an interesting idea if nothing goes wrong,
 
I use an inexpensive vibratory tumbler. It works to successfully stonewash my knives but I have not had good luck with mass finishing my work. I think I need a big industrial unit for that. In other words a cheap vibratory tumbler will give you a nice stonewash finish but will not really save you any time finishing steel.

Quick Tip - buy some fine mesh colanders or get some kind of setup for cleaning your media, I clean mine a lot. Once it is clogged or dirty it will hardly do anything regardless of grit.


Here's a quick ferric chloride etch on 400 grit finished A2 steel that I stonewashed. I tumbled it in green pyramid (medium) media and laundry detergent for 10 minutes.

010-7.jpg




D2 steel with a longer etch and a 30 minute tumble in ceramic media with WD40 for lubricant.

015-12.jpg
 
Last edited:
Daniel and others, what do you find is the difference between using WD-40 and liquid detergent for your lubricant?

I confess I'm not a huge fan of blasted or tumbled finishes personally, but there's definitely a place for them. And if I decide to give a dryer set-up a whirl (ho ho! :D), laundry detergent or something similarly benign is a lot more attractive to me than oils/solvents.
 
12345678910 said:
I see the youtube people doing it in the dryer and using WD40 as a lube.


If you're using your mommy's, Wife's, Girlfriend's dryer that you expect to use for clothes again

and that container breaks open with knives rattling around poking holes in the drum and having that WD40 oily mess to wash out of the drum...

there will be hell to pay.


It's an interesting idea if nothing goes wrong,
Click to expand...


A note about using oils and WD-40 for this method, beyond irritating SWMBO there is a real potential for fire. Many dryers are not a sealed drum, the back is stationary and the cylinder turns, if it ruptures and leaks into the electrical you have issues. Also some dryers don't have a no heat option, I sure don't want a molotov cocktail in my dryer.

My shop buddy uses the dryer method with shattred ceramic tile with soap and water in a gatorade bottle. He gets decent results using this method. I also suggest wrapping an old towel around the container to reduce the risk of cracking the container. Some people also load the dryer with towels to reduce it even more.


-Xander
 
james terrio said:
Daniel and others, what do you find is the difference between using WD-40 and liquid detergent for your lubricant?

I confess I'm not a huge fan of blasted or tumbled finishes personally, but there's definitely a place for them. And if I decide to give a dryer set-up a whirl (ho ho! :D), laundry detergent or something similarly benign is a lot more attractive to me than oils/solvents.
Click to expand...

I really have not done enough with each to tell you much. I will say the WD40 seems to darken the finish and the detergent keeps it about the same.
 
12345678910 said:
I see the youtube people doing it in the dryer and using WD40 as a lube.


If you're using your mommy's, Wife's, Girlfriend's dryer that you expect to use for clothes again

and that container breaks open with knives rattling around poking holes in the drum and having that WD40 oily mess to wash out of the drum...

there will be hell to pay.


It's an interesting idea if nothing goes wrong,
Click to expand...

I agree. That's why I think using the cooler and having the old towel tied on is a good idea. Cushions it, and you've got a good screw-top that won't likely break open, especially if the whole thing is entirely encased in towel that's been tied on, to provide more of a mechanical advantage. I'll give it a try on a blade here once I actually make one that's short enough to fit. Even a drier isn't going to allow me to stonewash a 24" OAL blade...
 
sshbiker said:
Daniel, what's your preferred method of cleaning your media?

-Shawn Hatcher
Click to expand...

Dish soap and hot water, I use the sink but clean it over a 5 gallon bucket so I don't make as much of a mess. The detergent is a lot easier to clean! (but your stuff can rust)

I need to buy some burnishing compound the next time I'm at the jewelry supply store, I think that would be good to try next.
 
After reading all the threads and watching some youtube, I think Ill try the dryer technique as well...at least for now anyway. I was thinking about an 8inch schedule 40 pvc pipe and end caps. That should hold up. Ive also seen some pretty simple builds wiith dryer motors. might try that when i get some time....so many things I want to do!!!!!
 
I have seen some "home made" stone wash finishes that look pretty good and others that look like a drunk 6 year old rolled them around on a gravel driveway. The ones done in the pro grade machines like my ZT560 ALL tend to look pretty good. Govern your actions accordingly. ;) I am going to wait until I can either buy a proper machine or have someone who has one do my blades.
 
Since our dryer runs for several cycles each week anyway, I think I'll use detergent for lube in a well-sealed container and take the concept for a spin.

Sorry... I just couldn't resist another dumb pun :D
 
Ramos Gin Fizz in one container, Knives and stones in another - Shake for 10 minutes and enjoy

I bet you could just hand shake them if you wanted. I only tumble for 10-15 minutes for most knives.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top