Tumblers & Media

jbolt

jbolt

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H-M Supporter Gold Member
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Dec 3, 2013
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I'm looking to pickup a vibratory tumbler to post process some aluminum parts. Parts need to have a mat finish. Those of you using tumblers what tumbler / media / solution(s) are you using?
 
I use a drum tumbler and not a vibratory tumbler and I have no idea if this will transfer to a vibratory tumbler or not but it might still might give you a place to start

here is the BOM of Media and solutions
1543344585326.png

I typically run 4 steps
Step1: 4 hours with Deburring compound and Green Fine Cut

Step 2: 4 hours with deburring compound and Aluminum Oxide

Step 3: 4 hours with Deburring compound and Mixed Polishing Media

Step 4: 5 hours with Descaler and Stainless steel mixed shot


This gives a more polished result so for a more Matt finish you might leave out step 4. Bottom line is to experiment. Also depending on the shape of the part you are making you may need to adjust the size and shape of the Media so they don't get stuck in hard to get places.

Again, experiment with times and media to get the finish that you are looking for.
 
benmychree said:
For a matt finish, why not bead blast?
Click to expand...
It's on my list for when we move and I have a shop with more space. Currently I don't have room at this time for a blast cabinet. I can squeeze in a tumbler.
 
Boswell said:
I use a drum tumbler and not a vibratory tumbler and I have no idea if this will transfer to a vibratory tumbler or not but it might still might give you a place to start

here is the BOM of Media and solutions
View attachment 280873

I typically run 4 steps
Step1: 4 hours with Deburring compound and Green Fine Cut

Step 2: 4 hours with deburring compound and Aluminum Oxide

Step 3: 4 hours with Deburring compound and Mixed Polishing Media

Step 4: 5 hours with Descaler and Stainless steel mixed shot


This gives a more polished result so for a more Matt finish you might leave out step 4. Bottom line is to experiment. Also depending on the shape of the part you are making you may need to adjust the size and shape of the Media so they don't get stuck in hard to get places.

Again, experiment with times and media to get the finish that you are looking for.
Click to expand...

What does the duburring compound do that a detergent wouldn't?
 
jbolt said:
What does the duburring compound do that a detergent wouldn't?
Click to expand...

the short answer is that "I don't know" This process was handed down to me and I have not tried to fix what is not broke. I have thought from time to time about what the difference in the two different SunSheen liquids are. They both feel like dishwashing soap :) and could be just expensive soap. I mix just a small amount (couple of tablespoons) to 3/4 gallon of water so what ever they are, there is not much of it.
 
Boswell said:
the short answer is that "I don't know" This process was handed down to me and I have not tried to fix what is not broke. I have thought from time to time about what the difference in the two different SunSheen liquids are. They both feel like dishwashing soap :) and could be just expensive soap. I mix just a small amount (couple of tablespoons) to 3/4 gallon of water so what ever they are, there is not much of it.
Click to expand...
Okay thanks. Back in my machine shop days we used Palmolive as a detergent in the drum tumbler. I' can't recall what we used for media other than getting chewed out for running it too long. Ahh the days when employers could yell at, threaten and berate their employees.
 
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