T
notice with copper. And although I’ve
ypes Of Metal For Tumbling
heard some people say you shouldn’t tumMetal Types - Ann says she tumbles all
ble certain metals together, I have thrown
kinds of metals. Patti says “I have had suc- copper, sterling, gold fill and whatever in
cess with silver, copper, and red brass.” One all together and not had any problems. In
word of caution from Ann on aluminum
fact, many of my pieces combine metals,
“the only metal that needs special hanso there would be no other way to tumble
dling is aluminum because it needs to be it anyway.”
tumbled with only elliptical (balls) shot
since it is so soft. Mixed shot will create
enefits To Metal
pitting.”
Hardening: It hardens and strengthens
Gauges - Patti says, “in my opinion, all
the metal – important for those thinner
gauges work well in the tumbler.” Ann
gauges
limits it at 24 gauge saying “anything finer
Buffing: It works as a very mild abrasive on
than 24 gauge will probably bend unless it
the metal, and helps to buff out the tiny
is domed.” Heidi says “I love the glossy finscratches, etc. that occur when working
ish oxidized copper gets on it when tumwith the metals. Note from Patti “when a
bled. I give it a good cleaning with steel
piece has had a liver of sulfur patina apwool or 3M rotary discs first to get the bulk
plied and then buffed, the tumbler adds
of the excess oxidation off first. It comes
so much shine to the metal – this is a shine
out beautifully. Sterling comes out just as
that I cannot achieve with buffing cloths
pretty, but the difference doesn’t seem to
or steel wool.”
be as dramatic and fun as what you will
B
Tutorials, Books & Websites
Rio Grande - Great info, tutorials and spec sheets
Metalliferous - personalised service
HarborFreight - inexpensive options
Art Jewelry Magazine
Lapidary Jewelry Artist
The Missing Link, by Cindy Wimmer
A big thank you to Ann Sanicola, Heidi Kingman & Patti Vanderbloeman
creativebeadchat.com