In this guide, learn all about the different compounds and shots that can be used with barrelling machines
What can I use my barrelling machine for?
You can use your barrelling machine to:
- Polish metal
- Grinding and de-burring metal
- Applying a matt finish
- Polishing stones and glass
For each type of finish, you will need to use a different shot, cutting media and compound. This handy table details what you would need to achieve each finish.
| Cutting Material | Compound | Finish/Effect |
| 
Barrelbrite soap and water | Polishing metal to a shiny finish |
| 
|
Grinding and de-burring metal, or giving it a matt finish |
|
Small Ceramic Cutting Media (optional) | 
| Grinding and polishing stones and glass |
Using a barrelling machine to polish stones and glass.
Stone tumbling is another fantastic use for a barrelling machine. By using a series of graded grits from coarse to fine (exactly the same concept as sanding with emery papers), stones can be taken from their rough state to either a matt or gloss finish. There are just a few key points to remember:
- Choose good quality rough stones of a similar hardness on Moh’s Scale.
- Use a mixture of small and large stones to help move the grit around. If you only have larger pieces, add some small ceramic media to help with this.
- Your barrel should be two thirds to three-quarters full of rocks, which are just covered with water.
- There are normally 3 or 4 stages to stone grinding and polishing, each of which can take up to 7 days. Ensure everything is thoroughly cleaned between each stage to avoid any cross contamination which will ruin your results, meaning you may have to re-do a stage. This can also happen if you use porous or fragile stones which may break during tumbling, creating additional unwanted grit.
- Remember that your finished results will only be as good as the material you put in, in the first place, so don’t waste time on substandard rocks.
Man-made pieces of glass can also be ground into smooth gem like nuggets, using the same method.
If you do fancy trying some new techniques with your barrelling machine, it might be worth investing in a few extra barrels so you can keep them specifically for different tasks. This will help to preserve the working life of your barrels, as well as minimising the risk of cross-contamination.
You can also buy extra lids which tend to be the weakest point of a barrel. When they start to leak or are failing to provide a secure seal, it’s time to replace them. Fortunately, these extra bits are all available from our extensive range of barrelling equipment, so it is quite simple and inexpensive to expand your kit if you already own the basic machine!
Please note that for the best results buffing with emery paper and polishing is still recommended and 2/3 or 3/4 is a good starting point that if your barrel seems to not be working or ‘frothing’ over that it is to full, as 2/3 is too much product on the smaller barrels
Now you know more about the various uses for a tumbler, why not learn more about how to use your barrelling machine for polishing handmade jewellery with our step by step guide.
Cooksongold