What is a tumbler for?
April 11, 2009
I see many responses about a tumbler but I see nothing that tells what they are for. Obviously I've never used one but I am interested.. still not knowing if I need to get one and worry with the belt issue!! :) Can someone be detailed on what a beader will use one for? I am leaning on you to inform me as I can't find anything out about this. Thanks in advance.
When you are making wire jewelry a tumbler is used to harden and polish the wire.
The purpose of the steel shot is to burnish the wire, which essentially aligns the molucules on the surface and brings up the shine better than buffing. It also gently hardens the wire if tumbled for several hours, which helps make the piece stronger.
The purpose of the water and cleaner such as a drop of Dawn liquid dish soap is to remove oils from your hands and give the piece a through cleaning in all the nooks and crannies.
In addidtion to using a tumbler to finish off your work, you can also toss dirty pieces in there for 15 minutes or so and they will come out clean and shiny.
I LOVE my tumbler. It wasn't that long ago that I started using one, but it's made a major difference.
It hardens and strengthens your wire. Some things don't need much of this, others (like ear wires for example) I do for MANY hours.
It cleans your metal wonderfully.
It shines your pieces. The longer you tumble, the greater the shine. Sometimes I want a more organic, antiqued glow (rather than shine) so I don't tumble very long. However, if the piece needs long tumbling for strength I often tumble FIRST for strength THEN antique and buff, followed by a 2nd tumble for final cleaning & appropriate shine.
It removes rough edges, burrs, tool marks. If this is necessary, I often start with filing and steel wool to gently prep the piece before tumbling.
-Nancy Cornett (nkc)
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