Average Customer Review
(14 reviews)
17 Mar 2016 - by Corinne E.
I put off getting one of these for ages, but I’m so glad I took the plunge and got one! As my workshop is tiny, I have been looking for a cleaner alternative to my polishing wheel. As many have said the lid is a bit tricky. If you let the air out I find that it works fine and does not leak. Only criticism is is that it’s very loud! Apart from that absolutely love it!
11 out of 12 people found this review useful
12 Jan 2016 - by Joel M.
I spent a lot of time deciding what to buy as my first foray into barrel polishing. My company is very small, so every purchase is worth agonising over, and I wasn't even sure if this type of polishing would work for me. I eventually plumped for this machine, despite the mixed reviews, and I'm glad I did. I will admit, getting the lids on and off the barrel without trapping air inside takes some practice the machine is quite loud when operating and I have had to experiment a lot with the correct balance of 'stuff' inside. However, I am now barrel polishing all of my work, which emerges after a two hour cycle absolutely gleaming! I have found it better to reduce the amount of water the manufacturer suggests half-filling the barrel and I only use enough to cover my work and the shot I add half a teaspoon of Barrel-Brite, and THEN LEAVE THE LID OFF FOR AN HOUR. This is because Barrel-Brite expands in water and I found the pressure loosens the lids. Once this pressure is relieved, however, the lids stay on fine and you can leave the machine to its work. I won't pretend that I don't intend to replace this machine with an easier to handle, more professional and much more expensive version in years to come but as a first-time user, this machine does the trick. The starter kit is also great value for money... the small bag of Barrel-Brite included is enough to last for months and I think the carbon steel shot will be fine, as long as I dry it after use I dry mine with an old tea-towel and then leave it over night in a bowl on the radiator. Overall, very happy with my new toy!
29 out of 30 people found this review useful
4 Jan 2016 - by Patricia E.
Regretfully, I have had to return this item for a refund. After carefully reading all the instructions & the review advice, I managed to remove and replace the lid on the empty barrel - but only by wedging it against something as my hands are not large enough to grip the lid or the barrel securely. With shot and liquid, it would be impossible for me to remove the lid safely if at all and without spillage.Someone with larger hands might find this easier, but I need a different lid locking mechanism.
11 out of 13 people found this review useful
22 Dec 2015 - by Alison M.
I nearly didn't buy one of these as I saw a few reviews that weren't so good, like the barrel rolls of and it leaks.I have been so happy with the results of this little barrel, the best thing I have bought for a long time. Results are fantastic. If you read the instructions properly, you will not get any problems with leaking, barrel rolling off or shot going rusty. IT IS FANTASTIC...
9 out of 10 people found this review useful
1 Dec 2015 - by Tammy C.
I've had no problems with this barrel. No leaking, no barrel rolling off etc. It's worked really well for me. The only thing I would say is that the shot provided with this barrel is NOT stainless steel and has rusted therefore is now useless. I would recommend purchasing your shot separately.
Cooksongold replies: Dear Ms Carrington, Thank you for your review, your feedback is really important to us. You must always keep your shot under a solution of water and Barrelbrite powder to prevent rusting. If you decide to empty your shot instead, then it must be completely dried before storing. Kind Regards, Emma
9 out of 10 people found this review useful
29 Jul 2015 - by Stevie A.
I bought this tumbler a few weeks ago and used it for the first time just a few days ago. The instructions advised to use a teaspoon of barrelbrite and half fill the barrel with water, which I initially did. However, after much leaking and the barrel rolling off of the base constantly, I emptied the mix to start again. This time I put just a sprinkle of barrelbrite into the barrel with the water just covering the steel shot. It didn't roll off the machine this time but still leaked until there was almost no water left inside.Although it cleans the jewellery great, the hassle of getting it to work in the first place is an absolute nightmare. I would not recommend this product to anyone after using just half a dozen times. One minute it's fine and the next it's rolling off the base constantly. The leaking hasn't ever stopped and I have followed instructions fully. Invest in a better machine, it will be worth it!
Cooksongold replies: Dear Miss Adams, Thank you for your review, your feedback is really important to us. I am sorry to hear of the experience you have had with the Barrelling Starter Kit. As you recently purchased this we are obviously happy to take the item back under our returns guarantee. Kind Regards, Emma
31 out of 34 people found this review useful
29 Jul 2015 - by Julie C.
I make Spoon rings and fork bangles, I bought this tumbler about a year and a half ago and have struggled with it ever since. The barrel constantly slips and always has done more recently it throws the barrel off.IT has got to the point that I have just had to order a more robust model from another supplier. I have tried the solutions mentioned here, sanding the rollers, Using rubber bands and even making my own rubber bands out of bike inner tubes ! I have allso bought two new end caps made no difference. some simple design tweaks would make this a much more usable machine. I will attempt to carry on using it has a secondary machine, but find using it very frustrating. If asked I would advice to spend twice the amount and by a more robust and better designed machine.
Cooksongold replies: Dear Miss Campbell, Thank you for your review, your feedback is really important to us. I am sorry to hear of the experience you have had with the Barrelling Starter Kit. I will pass your comments on to our Supplier. Kind Regards, Emma
14 out of 15 people found this review useful
23 Feb 2015 - by John
The tumbling action is fine and parts come out clean enough but it is a bit cheaply built. The barrel ends are an awkward push fit and can leak and the belt drive isn't very powerful. That, combined with the lack of grip unless you roughen the surface or add rubber bands, mean that it can be a bit of a chore to get the thing rotating.
47 out of 48 people found this review useful
18 Jan 2015 - by Amy L.r.
I used this product for the first time today, and I am thrilled with the results. It worked beautifully. I had some silver jewellery in a box that was really badly tarnished, almost black, and within two hours although the instructions suggest you should leave it run for four the pieces came out looking like new. I then tried it with some soldered wire pendants. these were soft and had not been cleaned after pickling. These came out spotlessly clean and very hard. I cannot recommend this kit enough, an excellent investment.
38 out of 39 people found this review useful
2 Aug 2014 - by jamtart3
I bought this a few weeks ago to polish and prepare hand made jump rings. I used it for the first time today. The machine is robust and easy to set up. I think careful reading of the instructions is important as there are lots of little details which help avoid pitfalls. I tumbled 680 sterling silver jump rings today and after 3 hours of tumbling they have come out beautifully. Looking forward to doing more. jt3
46 out of 47 people found this review useful