zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Apr 5, 2011 1:24:14 GMT -5
I've heard about the benefits of tumbling jewelry with stainless steel shot, but can this be done on wrapped cabochons without damaging the stones? How about walnut shells or some other media? Lynn
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Post by akansan on Apr 5, 2011 9:34:31 GMT -5
I tumble all my wraps with a splash of Dawn. So far I've had no stone harmed in the tumbling, but I also don't tend to wrap anything softer than a MOHs 6. Part of the benefits of the stainless steel shot is that it hardens the wire in addition to polishing.
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Apr 5, 2011 10:28:16 GMT -5
Do you use a vibe or rotary tumbler?
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Apr 5, 2011 10:59:47 GMT -5
Lynn, I've done this with wraps on agate cabs, tumbled overnight with SS shot and a bit of soap. No harm done, but I wouldn't try this with a softer stone. I have a small 1lb rotary lortone tumbler.
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Apr 6, 2011 9:31:34 GMT -5
Another concern is all of the swirly ends of the wrap getting caught on each other & getting pulled out of shape. Does this happen? Lynn
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Post by akansan on Apr 7, 2011 9:14:25 GMT -5
Sorry - I also use a rotary. None of my swirly ends have ever been bent out of shape from tumbling. I do occasionally have to work a piece of shot out from the bail or something similar, but it's never ruined a wrap of mine. The softer stones that I've tumbled, I only use the tumbler to polish so only run about 15 minutes. Harder stones I'll run for an hour or so.
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Apr 7, 2011 23:04:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the assurance. I'm getting some shot soon & will give it a try. Lynn
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