beadsforthee
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2010
Posts: 24
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Post by beadsforthee on Dec 21, 2010 23:34:02 GMT -5
I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but I'm looking to tumble a finished piece (a wire wrapped bracelet). Everything I'm reading says to use stainless steel shot. Problem is, I don't have any on hand and don't think I can get it before Sat. (it's a gift). Can I use my plastic pellets and a small amount of detergent? Or is it totally necessary to use the shot?
Thanks!
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amyk
fully equipped rock polisher
I'm a slabber, I'm a cabber, I'm a midnight wrapper.
Member since January 2010
Posts: 1,331
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Post by amyk on Dec 22, 2010 0:07:07 GMT -5
I don't tumble my wire wrapped pieces. I think that is more for silver smith pieces.
Why do you want to tumble it?
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TByrd
fully equipped rock polisher
Have you performed your random act of kindness?
Member since December 2010
Posts: 1,350
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Post by TByrd on Dec 22, 2010 8:59:42 GMT -5
I would first ask you what temper the was that you used, I would say that if you used half hard wire, that it might have 'work hardened' while you made the bracelet. If you used dead soft, and did not really wipe your wires with a polishing clothe or twist any wires and don't have stones then you might want to harden your piece. I have never tumbled a piece to harden it myself.
Good luck,
Tammy
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beadsforthee
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2010
Posts: 24
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Post by beadsforthee on Dec 22, 2010 11:04:08 GMT -5
I used half hard. I'm not actually looking to harden it, but to give a good polish.
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Post by susand24224 on Dec 22, 2010 12:07:22 GMT -5
I don't know if this will help, but I routinely clean silver jewelry by tossing it in the tumbler with crushed walnut shells. I have read that adding a bit of rouge to this will also polish but have never tried it. Since crushed walnut shells are used by reloaders, perhaps they might be easier for you to find quickly.
Susan
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Post by rockrookie on Dec 22, 2010 12:59:06 GMT -5
this might not be what you were thinking of . but , i you are just trying to get it clean .
would just soaking in a denture cleaner help . then maybe use a tooth brush to get in hard to reach areas .
--paul
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Post by drocknut on Dec 22, 2010 15:53:22 GMT -5
A good polishing cloth is the only way I know of to polish a finished piece.
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Post by frane on Dec 25, 2010 12:38:33 GMT -5
I have seen it recommended that finished wire wraps be put in a vibe tumbler for a couple hours in a silver pin and ball mix to harden and polish the wire. It deburs the wire and gets rid of the little nicks in the wire and hardens the wire in place so it will not loose its shape as easily. It is supposed to be easy on most stones as well but I have not tried it. I think you add a little dish liquid and a tiny bit of water to it.
Fran
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cabjunky
has rocks in the head
Regency Rose Plume
Member since November 2008
Posts: 683
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Post by cabjunky on Dec 28, 2010 22:30:02 GMT -5
some recommend tumbling your finished pieces, but never trusted putting my wire wrapped pieces into a tumbler, and hope they are alright. I use a dremel tool with felt wheels, and zam to buff the pieces out and harden them (half-hard wire), and then use dish soap, water and a tooth brush to clean them up. Dry with a soft cloth, and they glow when finished. If the metal is solid (i.e. silver, or copper), and you need to take out tool marks use cratex wheels, and points prior to buffing out the piece.
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