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Thread: Pitted effect after tumbling

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Posts
    72

    Default Pitted effect after tumbling

    I made a cuff bracelet and tumbled it in my tumbler with round steel shot and the ones hay are like rounded diamond shapes.
    After about an hour it was nice and shiny but up close looks kinda pitted all over. Personally I like this affect as it holds the oxidising solution well for a nice effect.
    But if I wanted a high shine, will the pitted effect always happen in a tumbler, do I need to tumble for longer??

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    91

    Default

    - Emily

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Posts
    72

    Default

    Thank you!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Posts
    72

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    Having read through the other threads I see a lot of people had to remove the pins from their shot. But I have already done this..
    Does anyone have any recommendations on how long I should be tumbling a piece for?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,845

    Default

    The problem I think is that this sort of marking is inevitable with tumbling. The irregular shot is the worst offender, but if you remove that, then round shot alone will not reach the angles and crevices, leaving you with shaded areas, as will shorter periods.

    Some members have changed to magnetic tumblers and say that no pitting occurs, even though these use only fine needles. The cheapest of these is the Bumblebee, but others are quite pricey. I have been wary of throwing more money at the problem, so only tumble those pieces where I can accept the effect.

    The minimum tumbling time is about 90 minutes and you can then inspect and continue if you wish. Dennis.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Posts
    72

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    Thanks for the info Dennis, I do quote liked needed anyway.. I shall try 90 mins or more and see if it's any different.. Otherwise, I will hand polish if a customer desires a mirror shine.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    cotswolds
    Posts
    3,383

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    If it's any help, I can't think of the last thing I tumbled for less than two hours, and my norm is to leave things in overnight.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Posts
    72

    Default

    Ah thanks, I think I have a fear of losing detail on pieces when I tumble them! Will be brave and try for longer

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