Next Batch of Tumbled 2019 Iron Finds

[ANTIQUARIAN]

I thought you might be interested in seeing the latest results of my tumbling over the Christmas holidays. These pieces obviously have little to no monetary value, I personally just find them interesting and worth preserving. On the little 'collar iron', I replaced the original wooden handle with wood beads which I glued together.

These pieces were tumbled together for a total of 96hrs. I start with 1/2 - 3/4" smooth gravel, 3/4 of a cup of beach sand (cleans off the rust), a squirt of liquid soap and warm water. I then tumble for 24hrs, rinse and repeat. In the final 48hrs, I tumble minus the beach sand, this helps to 'polish' the metal. In the final step of the process, I thoroughly air dry everything then brush on a light coat of paraffin/beeswax paste, which I let dry for another 24hrs, I then wipe down with a soft cloth. I use a Loretone 45c tumbler for this process.

From left to right... square nails, a metal cabinet castor, a screen door or an ice box hinge, a collar iron, two horse halter buckles, a work boot 'horse shoe' heel plate and a chair castor.

Thanks very much for looking,
Dave

 

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[A2coins]

I have the same tumbler great job on all those relics I love tumbling stuff

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

I have the same tumbler great job on all those relics I love tumbling stuff

Thanks for taking the time to post Tommy.
As you know, it takes time to get these kind of results... like 4 days!

But hey, what the hell else do we have to do once the ground freezes.
Dave

 

[smallfoot]

Good job! They came out great!

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Good job! They came out great!

Thanks buddy, keep cool in Flawda!
Dave

 

[glass half fool]

About how large a piece can you fit into the tumbler I have some pieces that could use a cleaning like yours turned out I may need to check into getting one

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

About how large a piece can you fit into the tumbler I have some pieces that could use a cleaning like yours turned out I may need to check into getting one

Good morning ghf.

I currently use two sizes of tumblers - Lortone 3A & 45C, I use the larger unit the most.
Lortone Tumblers have been made in Mukilteo, WA since 1978.
See specs and pics below.

Lortone 45C Tumbler - 4 lb. capacity barrel. (Refers to the weight of stones the barrel can tumble)

Dimensions: 6.5″W x 10.25″ L
Measurements: ID: 3-1/2″ Depth, 5-3/4″ Dia.

High quality, top of the line tumbler with heavy duty, overload protective motor and extra-durable all steel construction.
Patented molded rubber barrel with quick-seal closure
All steel base
Leak proof closure and 10-sided interior surface.
115-volt, 60 HZ motor.
4 Pound capacity
10-sided barrel
Steel base/frame
Continuous duty fan cooled motor

 

[glass half fool]

Thanks ANTIQ That looks like a real nice unit. I will need to check them out .Thanks for the info

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Thanks ANTIQ That looks like a real nice unit. I will need to check them out .Thanks for the info

If you don't want to spend 'big bucks' for the US made unit, I know a number of Tnet members have purchased tumblers from Harbor Freight... https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=rock polisher

Dave