For rusted parts I use the resin pyramids:

pyr_(resized).jpg

For polishing, I get 50 pound bags of walnut shells from the local pet shop, and add a squirt of Flitz.

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Make sure your parts are clean of grease before you go and contaminate your media.

Don't bother cleaning and polishing common screws and bolts. It's cheaper to just buy them brand new at Bolt Depot:

https://www.boltdepot.com/

?

I've got that same Dillon. Big enough to throw in most parts.
+1 for Flitz!

Depending on what media you are using, it sounds like an old garbage disposal.

You will probably put it outside if you are working in the shop at the same time its running.

Where do you buy the pyramids from Vid?

And how much does it cost you for a 50lb. bag of walnut shells? Are they fine grade?

Welding/sandblasting place.

Harbor Freight sometimes has them, but it's hit or miss.

~$35. It does not have a grade on the bag, but it's like the normal "fine" walnut shell..

I'm going to have to try some of the pyramids.

I've been buying walnut shells from Harbor Freight. A 25 lb. box is normally $24.95 but with a 20% off coupon it's $20 so that's not that bad.

They sell both 24 grit "fine" and 12 grit "coarse". I've been using the coarse. The fine seemed maybe too fine but I might have to try it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/25-lbs-fine-grade-walnut-shell-blast-media-92155.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/25-lbs-coarse-grade-walnut-shell-blast-media-92150.html

Sometimes Petco has the Zilla brand walnut shells for $25 for 50lb so keep an eye out for that.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/ground-english-walnut-shells-reptile-bedding-50lb

FYI - Canadian Tire is selling a small 5lb vibrating polisher for $99 right now. Good for small parts.

I use Zilla brand walnut shells in my tumbler. They are available at the local pet shop and less expensive than other sources. I buy the 10 qt bag for less than $10 which is enough to fill my tumbler a couple of times.

I was always hesitant to buy the 24 grit because it looked too fine. Almost like a powder. The 12 grit is what my Berry vibratory polisher came with from the factory. It was originally setup to do brass cartridges for reloading.

25% off this weekend on HF stuff, so $120 may make your mind up.

Don't overload with media or your parts will bend not tumble or not tumble at all.

+ 25% off coupon for 1 item, front page. Worth the drive over to Military Rd.

Around $200 CDN if they ding you coming back. But get a tank of gas, beer and groceries to offset some $$$

i have this one, use walnut media and a squirt of flitz. Works great.

Do you mean overload with parts? Yes, too many parts may not allow them to tumble or move. I've never had an issue with too much media.

For 23yrs I worked with micro finishing for the automakers. Too many parts will bend them. Adding more media, (plastic, walnuts or corncob), will prevent the proper action in the bowl, also bending finer softer metals. Especially brackets, gates, or anything that can tangle. Smaller batches = more action = a better finish, faster. Most tumblers can be used wet or dry. All media will become dirty & need to be changed regularly. If your media smells moldy. Throw it away & clean the bowl completely. Always keep the lid on to prevent airborne particles & reduce noise during operation.

You read my mind too.

lol

i've had good luck with walnut media that i bought at the pet store, and a squirt of flitz.

25% off today at Harbor Freight. I'm going down later. I'll be getting another 25 lb. box of walnut shell media for $18.71 (regularly $24.95).

I think I'm going to try the 24 grit as vid suggested.

If you ever wanted to buy a vibratory polisher it would be a good day to also with the 25% discount.

The discounts are only good for one item per purchase.

I just got back. They didn't have the 24 grit walnut shells but they had the resin pyramids so I got them instead.

here is a comparison...2 days in walnut media and very light buffing...
025_(resized).jpg

On the right I see an original part with a protective chromate coating. On the left, coating removed.

Any of you guys using this Tumbler:

Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-Ez Case Tumbler
https://www.amazon.ca/Frankford-Arsenal-Quick-n-Ez-Case-Tumbler/dp/B001MYGLJC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_200_1

I think I read above not to buy it but it has good reviews on Amazon and is the cheapest as well.

Any users?

71f3KEqf7QL._SL1366__(resized).jpg

But it sure looks good...

It works ok, I have used mine about 3 years now.....there are better out there but for the price that one is tough to beat...

What will a "better" Tumbler do better?

Should have clarified by better I mean larger...hard to fit some parts in this one...

You will see my detailed 1 star review on the product page for that item. It's a gamble as a purchase as the parts are very low quality, especially the motor bearings. Unfortunately my tub cracked as well. I have now moved on to a Thumlers Tumbler and am much happier.

**edit**
It looks like it's not showing in the Amazon.CA site, here is the US link to the product with the review:

Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-Ez Case Tumbler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MYGLJC/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_N0w-wb8ZSBW2J

how long before you started having issues?

The details are in the review, but it wasn't very long.

if you're going to go for the HF one, definitely look at the 18 lb capacity tumbler vs. the 5 lb version. I had a 5 lb tumbler and had issues with 3 of them (all covered by warranty) within a year's time of each one (and gave up after the 3rd one died on me. with the 18 lb version, not only does it appear to be a much nicer and sturdier unit, it runs quieter (and obviously, holds a lot larger sized items)

my next one will be the 18lb. version ... I just keep waiting for my small one to crap out... good point about the noise as well