Cleaning jump rings

[mizgeorge]

1) tumbler and barrelbrite / barrelling compound
2) if you use barrelbrite / barrelling compound you don't need to do any more than rinse and replace the water.

(both of these assume you're using bur life or wax type lubricant)

[vsilvered]

1) tumbler and barrelbrite / barrelling compound
2) if you use barrelbrite / barrelling compound you don't need to do any more than rinse and replace the water.

(both of these assume you're using bur life or wax type lubricant)

Hi George,

Many thanks for the info.

I tried cutting using olive oil on the coil, and then I tried beeswax.

I got my tumbler from PMC Studio, Amersham, Bucks and it came with 500g of 'Tumbler Soap', but even after 2 hours tumbling the rings are still feel/look greasy.

Regards,

Vi

[mizgeorge]

Hmm. I use bur life, half a teaspoon of barrelbrite or barrelling compound, and I have absolutely spotless rings in 15 minutes. Are you using a LOT of beeswax?

Not sure what else to suggest other than trying a different barrelling medium. There's still jut time to get some barrelbrite on freepost!

[vsilvered]

Thanks for the info.

I've ordered some BarrelBrite and will give that a go.

I also ordered some more Koil Kutter blades from Dave Arens and asked him what he used, and he said that he always uses washing-up liquid as a lubricant!

Regards,

Vi

[mizgeorge]

A lot of the guys in the US use washing up liquid - but it needs to be absolutely additive free (no fragrance, no bleach substitutes, no antibac). It's easier to just use the right thing imo!

[Fi Wilson]

I'm about to contact Dave to order one of his koil kutters so this is a really useful thread to me. If you have to use a lubricant would an ultrasonic cleaner be ok to use to get some of the gunk off? I bought one over a year ago and have never really used it.

Fi

[vsilvered]

Dave's customer service is incredible. I ordered some blades yesterday (Sunday) at 7.25pm and he replied to my email at 8.02pm with the customs form number and US post tracking info!

One thing I have learned is to clean/de-grease my jump rings/jewellery BEFORE putting them in the tumbler. I've spent nearly a whole day cleaning up my stainless steel shot and barrel after it got contaminated with black crud (mixture of metal bits and wax/oil). This 'contamination' can occur with ultrasonic cleaners as well, I'm told.

I've now (hopefully) got a 'clean' barrel and shot and in future will be using BarrelBrite Plus in the barrel and Bur Life on my coils/jeweller's saw.

Whilst trying to get myself out of this mess, I did find a good article called 'Tumbler Barrel Contamination & Tumbler Tarnish' here.

Regards,

Vi

[meriah]

A lot of the guys in the US use washing up liquid - but it needs to be absolutely additive free (no fragrance, no bleach substitutes, no antibac). It's easier to just use the right thing imo!

I've heard that too, but I think it's so difficult, nearly impossible to find absolutely additive free washing up liquid. They all contain something!

[Designed by Frances]

I fully agree with Dave, I too use what every dish washing liquid is handy, nothing special and have done for many years. Although I do sometimes use Barrel Bright Plus occasionally.

Thanks for the info.

I've ordered some BarrelBrite and will give that a go.

I also ordered some more Koil Kutter blades from Dave Arens and asked him what he used, and he said that he always uses washing-up liquid as a lubricant!

Regards,

Vi

[jamesjewel]

We use barrel bright and add a few drops of ammonia. We have as many shapes of stainless shot as we could find in a trommel V1 barreler - rods, tapered pins, round shot, and "flying saucers" which give the best chance of getting in all the nooks and crannies. Always keep the fluid topped up to cover the shot with more water. Add an occasional drop or two of ammonia Just enough to detect the odour. Only when it gets really filthy is the mixture replaced with the shot being well rinsed. Amazing results!
Use washing up liquid and a drop of ammonia in the ultrasonic.