barrel polishers

**Emms** · 04-03-2010, 07:05 AM

I've finally got polishing on my polishing motor figured out however the process takes ages. I've been looking into getting a barrel polisher to speed things up a little bit. I know they are good for small things like chain etc but i was wondering if it would give as high a quality shine on my flat sheet pieces as i get on the polishing motor? Also would i prepare my pieces in the same way with wet and dry and micro mesh?

Basically is it worth me getting one?

Emms

**Petal** · 04-03-2010, 07:57 AM

Hi Emms,

I think it depends on how much jewellery you make and what sort of budget you have. The Lortone tumbler from Manchester Minerals (approx £100) is well thought of by others and is a quiet well made piece of kit, or one from Argos for about £20. I haven't got one, yet, but its definitely on my list, but then so is a rolling mill

but I won't be getting of either of those for a while until I've made and learnt lots more.

There are lots of links about polishing..

http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/got...se-choice.html

http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/got...oxidising.html

http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/jew...polishing.html

Hope that helps and doesn't confuse too much.

**Lindyloo** · 04-03-2010, 01:49 PM

I bought the Lortone, and I think it's fab. But I had to get twice the amount of shot that was sold with it, because it seemed to take ages to polish things up. But in doing so, I got a really good mix of different shapes, including some tiny balls, which get into the nooks and crannies. If you prepare well with emery paper beforehand, it gives a lovely shine, as basically it is burnishing the metal, so not doing the same job as a polishing motor. I just love it because there's no mess.

**Emms** · 07-03-2010, 11:34 AM

Thankyou for the advice I think I am sold on getting one. I'm rubbish at making big decisions so your help was greatly appreciated!

Emms
xxxxx

**Emerald** · 07-03-2010, 12:43 PM

Em the barrel polisher is not very good at getting as good a shine on flat pieces as the polishing mop you would have to get a really good finish with your wet&dry paper first and even then it wont be as good a finish as with say a domed piece

**caroleallen** · 07-03-2010, 04:44 PM

I use my barrel for anything that's textured. If I want a mirror finish I use a mop on my pendant drill.

**Emms** · 10-03-2010, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by Emerald

Em the barrel polisher is not very good at getting as good a shine on flat pieces as the polishing mop you would have to get a really good finish with your wet&dry paper first and even then it wont be as good a finish as with say a domed piece

So does barrel polishing not get rid of the wet and dry marks very well if the work is flat? or does it still get rid of the wet and dry marks but just not give as good a shine? I'm a bit confused

Emms

**Ominicci** · 11-03-2010, 12:37 AM

On large flat surfaces the shot can cause a slightly pitted result.

'Wet and dry marks'? What grade are you finishing with? I used to go through to 2000 before tripoli and rouge on the dremel, but now...

...my smaller pieces go in the tumbler, and I don't have a large polisher (mop) so bought some Micromesh as suggested by MizGeorge and others, IT IS FANTASTIC!!! (Especially for large flat surfaces).

**Atelier Ava** · 11-03-2010, 07:53 AM

I use mostly sheet silver and the steel shot does pit and wondered if anyone has used plastic pellets or crushed walnut shells in their barrel polisher to prevent this.

Paula

**Emms** · 11-03-2010, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by Ominicci

On large flat surfaces the shot can cause a slightly pitted result.

'Wet and dry marks'? What grade are you finishing with? I used to go through to 2000 before tripoli and rouge on the dremel, but now...

...my smaller pieces go in the tumbler, and I don't have a large polisher (mop) so bought some Micromesh as suggested by MizGeorge and others, IT IS FANTASTIC!!! (Especially for large flat surfaces).

I've been using wet and dry up to 600 n then micro mesh up to 12000 but it still leaves some scratches, they're only noticeable in certain lights but they're still there so although the micro mesh gives the pieces a really good shine i've found I still have to use the polishing motor to get rid of them. Maybe I'm not cleaning the micro mesh often enough. When you use micro mesh are you not left with any scratches?

Emms