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  1. #1
    Obsessed Sharpener
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    Default 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!

  2. #2
    Senior Member smythe's Avatar
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    Default

    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.

  3. #3
    Born a Hundred Years Too Late aroliver59's Avatar
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    Default

    Have you tried adding polishing compounds to the media?

  4. #4
    Obsessed Sharpener
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by smythe View Post
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by aroliver59 View Post
    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?

  5. #5
    Cheapskate Honer Wildtim's Avatar
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    Last edited by Wildtim; 10-08-2009 at 01:32 PM.

  6. The Following User Says Thank You to Wildtim For This Useful Post:

    jendeindustries (10-08-2009)

  7. #6
    Obsessed Sharpener
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    Now that's more like it!

    I'll be making a phone call shortly!

    Thanks!

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