Okay time to let you guys know what I have found out.
First off the tumbler hasn't hurt any scales but you are right in the fact that the razor doesn't tumble or rotate properly with scales on so the best option is without scales.
Secondly after trying all sorts of exotic media I've found walnut shells to be the best for cleaning, I am still trying different grits of walnut but I assume the lower the grit the better it will clean.
Don't bother trying black beauty as it breaks apart too quickly and it also cuts the hell of your hands, damn it anyway.
The treated corn cob seems to be polishing alright but I am still messing more with the cleaning aspect this far.
And this whole thing will not take the place of the heavy sanding, if it is stained badly and you want a mirror finish then sanding is going to have to be done.

Ted