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I would like some feedback on which tumbler people are using. I see this one at Amazon.
Looking to do play field parts, metal posts, stainless trim, etc. Are walnut shells the way to go for this? Also, why do some add liquid wax to the media?
I've been doing a lot of research on this myself and the one you posted has very positive reviews on Bass Pro, Cabellas and Amazon and is generally considered the least noisy of the good tumblers.
I run my tumbler pretty much 24/7 I have gone quite a few. the one you listed did not last 3 months. the small one from harbor freight I had a few of them and they would lasted about 6-12 months. I tried a few others and they did not last either. I finally tried the large 18# one from harbor freight. it is a bit pricey but it will last over 2 years. I get the 2 year extended warranty and get a new one every 2 years for 1/2 the price
I bought a Berry's unit from Steve at PBR. It works well but was a little overpriced. I wish I had done as Boilerman and got the 18 pound unit from Harbor Freight. There have been a few times I could have used the larger capacity of the 18 lb. unit.
I have been having good luck with corn cob media as it seems to clean well and is not too harsh on the metal finish.
http://www.harborfreight.com/18-lb-vibratory-bowl-with-liquid-drain-hose-96923.html
That one has lasted for a while. Be sure to use the 20% off coupon.
Quoted from Playdium:
Also, why do some add liquid wax to the media?
I add liquid polish, not wax.
I would like some feedback on which tumbler people are using. I see this one at Amazon.
amazon.com link »
Looking to do play field parts, metal posts, stainless trim, etc. Are walnut shells the way to go for this? Also, why do some add liquid wax to the media?
I have that one and it works just fine. I admit I don't have any other tumbler experience, but for small parts and at that price it's hard to go wrong.
Quoted from ForceFlow:
I add liquid polish, not wax.
What ForceFlow said. One of the common polishes is Flitz:
http://www.harborfreight.com/18-lb-vibratory-bowl-with-liquid-drain-hose-96923.html
That one has lasted for a while. Be sure to use the 20% off coupon.I add liquid polish, not wax.
Agree with the 18# harbor freight recommendation with 20% coupon.
Use Scratch out less than $4. Anything more expensive is not worth it. 
Quoted from SteveinTexas:
Agree with the 18# harbor freight recommendation with 20% coupon.
Use Scratch out less than $4. Anything more expensive is not worth it.
never tried scratch out but i agree the pricey stuff is NOT worth it. i use turtle wax chrome polish about the same price as the scratch out
t280ra-renew-rx-chrome-polish-and-rust-removerC596A232D986 (resized).png
VERY HAPPY with the results of the tumbler I got at Amazon. Had a coupon and my cost was $2. I ran it all night with some "NuFinish Car Polish" added to the walnut shells. The metal faceted posts look amazing!
Having one of these is a true asset for this hobby.
Quoted from Lamprey:
One of the common polishes is Flitz
I use mother's liquid metal polish.
I haven't done a direct comparison between that and flitz (flitz is a bit more expensive), but either one should get the job done.
Quoted from boilerman:
never tried scratch out but i agree the pricey stuff is NOT worth it. i use turtle wax chrome polish about the same price as the scratch out
I tried this and like FLitz better. Flitz does the job right and no clumping in walnut liek this stuff did a little.
Quoted from bangerjay:
ebay.com link » 40 Lb Capacity Heavy Duty Rock Tumbler Lapidary Rock Polishing
For that price tag, the one that's recommended by the pros is the Ultra Vibe 18.
Quoted from lb1:
For that price tag, the one that's recommended by the pros is the Ultra Vibe 18.
amazon.com link »
rotating are quiter than vibratory. I use a thumblers because of this.
I've had one of those, it broke.
good to know. If mine does, then I will step up to the one you linked.
looks nice!
anyone ever use one of these? i would love to have one that size. i could put some pretty big parts in there.
the quality looks good. a bit pricey but i use mine 24/7/365 and buy the 18# harbor freight one every 18-24 months
That's what I was recommending
This rack has room for four, but I've loaned a few out.
what are the results like? what media do you use?
is yours a custom rig? it be cool to run a few like that, each with different media
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