Polishing purchase choice

[ps_bond]

Ultrasonic just cleans (think making set stones all sparkly) also gets rid of grease etc....

...Especially the grease in polishing compounds...

[mochiandmocha]

OK looks like I might need to start with an ultrasonic. That would replace the "clean like mad with a silvo impregnated cloth" step, right?
I suppose I can do without a tumbler for now, although if I got one I guess I would call it a saviour...

Thanks a lot for the help!

[Sheltie]

Wouldn't be without my tumbler, much quicker and easier than trying to do it all by hand

[mochiandmocha]

So to be 100% clear, a tumbler kind of replaces tripoli (but not rouge as it doesn't give a mirror finish) and an ultrasonic would replace silvo polish and cloth? Sorry to ask a 100 times but I really want to make sure before I buy anything =]!
Thanks again 1000X!

[MuranoSilver]

I have both an ultrasonic AND a tumbler and if I had to choose ~ I'd keep the tumbler!
Most commercial pieces in the shops are about a "straight from the tumbler" polish
No an ultrasonic wouldn't replace the silvo polish & a cloth it just helps get rid of the residual polish
Nic x

[mochiandmocha]

Thanks Nic and everyone else who helped!
Mocha just spend about an hour to get rid of those nasty greasy compound traces with hot water and soap, and then silvo (which as you say should really be kept for the very end). I think we'll go for an ultrasonic and continue to use our tripoli/rouge method for polishing extra shiny!

Something's bothering me, though..you said you use both (?!). You don't use both on the same pieces, do you? Why use an ultrasonic after the tumbler...is there anything to clean..?
Thanks anyway =]

[Petal]

Hi Jane

Yes barrelers do achieve a high shine you have to buy metal shot

You can do both depending on the piece you have made barrel first then polish, well thats the way i do it if i can get away with barrelling i will.

You need to finish your item of as much as you can as with polishing

No barreling wont remove firestain but doesent show it up as much and finally barrelling shouldent remove fine detail although using a finer shot will help to shine the more inticate pieces and get into harder places.

Polishing is a filthy job and you really do need an extractor fan if you are using a mop.

Hope this helps but ask away if any more questions

Thanks so much for asking the original question Jane, as I was wondering whether using a tumbler would omit the tripoli/rouge stage of the process! I've got some micromesh, so will def. be getting a tumbler and using my micromesh before it gets tumbled.

Thanks for all your tips guys, as usual most informative.

xx

[Sunnybank]

In the end I got a National Geographic tumbler and an Aldi ultrasonic, so didn't have a huge expense. Obviously these aren't of professional quality and probably won't last as long as equipment from a jewellery supplier, but they are great for me at the moment. I still use tripoli and rouge on flat pieces that I want a high shine on, but often find that the finest micromesh gives a pretty good finish.

[MuranoSilver]

My favourite final polish is done with Sunshine Polishing cloths.
They're the best cloths I've ever found but I've only ever found them in the states.
I buy them in huge packs and import them over (love, love, love em!)

Nic x

[Emerald]

My favourite final polish is done with Sunshine Polishing cloths.
They're the best cloths I've ever found but I've only ever found them in the states. I buy them in huge packs and import them over (love, love, love em!)

Nic x

erm well thats really helpful Nic