Tumbled Iron Finds

[ANTIQUARIAN]

I tumbled these finds in my Lortone 45C Tumbler for 48 hours this weekend.
I changed the solution every 12 hours and ran a mixture of 3/4" aquarium gravel, 2 - 3 tablespoons of course sand, liquid dishsoap & very hot water.
I then brushed them with a beeswax & mineral oil paste to even out the finish visually.

I'm doing this because I'm tired of simply throwing the iron relics I find in a bucket because they look unsightly.
By tumbling your iron relics for extended periods of time, you can de-rust them and make them suitable for display with the rest of your finds from the site!

Thanks for looking and best of luck to you!
Dave

 

[CRUSADER]

I'm not sure about keeping all my 'half' horse shoes, but the oxen one looks good....

 

[RestoringYourFinds]

Very nice result !!

I have to get myself a tumbler... Any advice on a machine? A place to buy it?

 

[mr helton]

Awesome! I've been doing this for a while now and get similar results. Electrolysis works great too

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

I'm not sure about keeping all my 'half' horse shoes, but the oxen one looks good....

With the sheer volume of finds that you amass Cru, you must have barrels full of horse shoe halves mate!
I did this as more of an experimental exercise for myself and to show others that we don't have to just 'throw away the junk'.
Cheers,
Dave

Very nice result !!

I have to get myself a tumbler... Any advice on a machine? A place to buy it?

Thanks for your post Taltahull!
I purchased my Lortone 45C Tumbler directly from Lortone ... here's a link to their website.
You can also buy them through Amazon.com

Lortone, Manufacturers of Tools for Lapidary & Jewelry Artists
http://www.amazon.com/s/?tag=treasurenet01-20

Best of luck to you,
Dave

 

[mr helton]

A cheap alternative is the dual drum tumbler from Harbor Freight, it's like 40 bucks. I use that one, but would definitely like to get a nice one like what OP posted for rocks and polishing, basically and extended tumble sessions I might wanna do.

 

[Valley Ranger]

I've used electrolysis and apple cider vinegar - both with success - and both kinda messy. I like this option for the smaller pieces! Thanks for sharing. Nice finish.

 

[beez0404]

The tumbled pieces came out looking really nice. Give a batch a shot using white vinegar instead of water, and table salt instead of the dish soap. The results might be a welcome surprise.

 

[Msbeepbeep]

Nice results, look'n good!

 

[VaNana]

Great idea! Looks good.

 

[dirtlooter]

nice results

 

[RestoringYourFinds]

Thanks for the like Antiquarian And thank you very much for the information, I will definitely look it up !

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Awesome!

I've been doing this for a while now and get similar results. Electrolysis works great too

Thanks for your post mr helton!
I have yet to attempt electrolysis, but maybe one day!

That picture of you cutting a plug with the cows looking on is hilarious man!
Dave

A cheap alternative is the dual drum tumbler from Harbor Freight, it's like 40 bucks. I use that one, but would definitely like to get a nice one like what OP posted for rocks and polishing, basically and extended tumble sessions I might wanna do.

I'm always hesitant to recommend a 'cheaply made product ... I feel you get what you pay for.
Although, I've heard others talk about the tumblers that Harbor Freight sells and nobody has ever said anything bad about their products!
Dave

I've used electrolysis and apple cider vinegar - both with success - and both kinda messy. I like this option for the smaller pieces! Thanks for sharing. Nice finish.

Thanks for your post O.S.
Sounds interesting, maybe I'll try your suggested mixture on pennies!
Dave

The tumbled pieces came out looking really nice. Give a batch a shot using white vinegar instead of water, and table salt instead of the dish soap. The results might be a welcome surprise.

This mixture of white vinegar & salt for iron sounds interesting!
I have a bunch of square nails I might try it on this weekend.

Thanks for your post and suggestion beez,
Dave

Nice results, look'n good!

Thanks very much Msbeepbeep!
Dave

Great idea! Looks good.

Thanks Nana, best of luck to you!
Dave

nice results

Thank you Sir!
Dave

Thanks for the like Antiquarian And thank you very much for the information, I will definitely look it up !

You're very welcome buddy!
Most of my knowledge of this hobby has come from the great members here on Tnet who are always willing to share!
Dave

 

[ATpro5]

Wow! Those turned out great! Only if I had saved all those crusty iron buckles... darn.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Wow! Those turned out great! Only if I had saved all those crusty iron buckles... darn.

This is exactly what I'm talking about my friend!
Those "crusty iron buckles" are the kind of finds that can be easily preserved/tumbled for later display!

Thanks for your post,
Dave