Thread: More aggressive tumbler media

I just got my vibratory tumbler with Walnut and Corncob media.

I have metal rods, about RC 60 that have tooling marks (from the lathe) that I want to remove. I am currently having them sanded by a guy here, but there must be a better way.

I have a couple of rods going in the Walnut now for about 8 hours so far, giving the rods a little more shine, but not smoothing over the scratches.

What would be a more aggressive media that could remove actual scratches before going to the Walnut?

BTW, I don't mind running the tumbler for extended periods.

Thanks, guys!

A good lathe could produce almost mirror surface with the proper cutter.. before hardening.
Hand sanding or placing the rods in the tumbler will render them unstable for "precision" work... but I suppose you already know that.

You need something to rotate the rods along its axis. The most efficient way I can think of is... chuck it in the lathe and use a tool-post grinder with a fine git wheel.

If you don't have a TPG you can use sandpaper and wrap the paper around the rod like a belt and traverse it up and down the rod as the lathe spins... not very accurate, but quick because the lather provides the power.
If you don't have a lathe then chuck it in the hand drill and use sandpaper.

If the rods are too big for the drill... then you have a problem.

Have you tried adding polishing compounds to the media?

Originally Posted by smythe

A good lathe could produce almost mirror surface with the proper cutter.. before hardening.
Hand sanding or placing the rods in the tumbler will render them unstable for "precision" work... but I suppose you already know that.

You need something to rotate the rods along its axis. The most efficient way I can think of is... chuck it in the lathe and use a tool-post grinder with a fine git wheel.

If you don't have a TPG you can use sandpaper and wrap the paper around the rod like a belt and traverse it up and down the rod as the lathe spins... not very accurate, but quick because the lather provides the power.
If you don't have a lathe then chuck it in the hand drill and use sandpaper.

If the rods are too big for the drill... then you have a problem.

Thanks for the reply! The rods are hardened when I get them, and I already have them from the manufacturer. I don't need precision as much as I need smoothness. The drill sounds like a very good idea..... but I am looking for a less-of-my-time way.

Originally Posted by aroliver59

Have you tried adding polishing compounds to the media?

I bought the treated media, as well as a separate bottle of the polish - should I "reload" the media?

Didn't someone find this stuff more aggressive?

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices


I found what you are looking for:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=97029


If that doesn't work you can try this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=99636

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=65885

Now that's more like it!

I'll be making a phone call shortly!

Thanks!