Polishing Silver clay

[impressions]

2nd thread of the day! I am looking to invest in a hand held polisher for the Christmas rush - at the mo I tumble and then hand polish with the polishing papers, but it kills me in busy periods! Is a hand held tool the next step up - if so which would you recommend, steer clear of? Which attachments do I need to go with it? Or should I be looking at something else rather than a dremel type thingy ..... Thanks for your advice - xx

[Goldsmith]

If you have the space then go for a bench mounted polisher, like one of these; http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005DEU15C/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=479289247&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00BOR7LK0&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=01JXGY8G4AQZ055Z1WA8
All for £45.
Then you will have two hands spare to hold things while polishing, and it's also a benefit having a grinder for making and sharpening tools.

If you plan on doing a lot of polishing then invest in a better machine. This is my well used polisher; 6592

James

[Tabby66]

If you go for a bench mounted polisher, I highly recommend http://www.suttontools.co.uk/alcantara-polishing-mops.html (for the bench polisher) and this http://www.suttontools.co.uk/menzerna-p164-polishing-compound.html (intense/pre....blue & finishing....yellow)

[vsilvered]

2nd thread of the day! I am looking to invest in a hand held polisher for the Christmas rush - at the mo I tumble and then hand polish with the polishing papers, but it kills me in busy periods! Is a hand held tool the next step up - if so which would you recommend, steer clear of? Which attachments do I need to go with it? Or should I be looking at something else rather than a dremel type thingy ..... Thanks for your advice - xx

On pieces that are fully textured, I just tumble them for a few hours and if necessary, use micromesh papers afterwards. I'd be cautious using a rotary/flexshaft tool on textured pieces, as high speed and too much pressure can erode the texture on the fine silver as it is softer than Sterling silver.

I don't make many smooth, flat pieces in silver metal clay requiring a high shine, but I hear that tumbling them in stainless steel shot that only contains round balls is quite effective.