14 best tumbling media for jewelry
Tumbling media for jewelry is an essential component in the jewelry-making and finishing process, particularly for polishing and deburring metal and stone jewelry pieces. Here are some key points about tumbling media used in jewelry-making:
Tumbling Machines: Tumbling media is used in conjunction with a tumbling machine, which is a device that rotates or vibrates a container filled with the jewelry pieces and the chosen tumbling media. The tumbling action helps in achieving the desired finish on the jewelry items.
Types of Tumbling Media:
- Steel Shot: Steel shot is a common tumbling media for metal jewelry. It consists of tiny steel spheres that can be used for both polishing and deburring. Steel shot comes in various shapes, including round, ball-cone, and pin, each suitable for different finishing purposes.
- Tumbling Grit: Tumbling grit is used for rock or stone jewelry, such as gemstones and cabochons. It comes in various grit sizes, similar to sandpaper, and is used in a series of steps to achieve a smooth and polished surface on stones.
- Tumbling Beads: Tumbling beads are ceramic or plastic beads used in the tumbling process for metal jewelry. They come in different shapes and sizes, offering various levels of abrasiveness for achieving the desired finish.
Abrasive Qualities: Tumbling media can be abrasive, which is useful for removing surface imperfections, burrs, and scratches from jewelry items. The choice of media depends on the material of the jewelry piece and the desired finish.
Burnishing: Tumbling media not only removes imperfections but also burnishes the surface of metal jewelry, giving it a shiny and smooth appearance. This is particularly important for achieving a professional and polished look in jewelry making.
Time and Media Selection: The length of time jewelry is tumbled, as well as the type and size of tumbling media used, will impact the final finish. Jewelry makers experiment with different combinations to achieve the desired result, whether it's a high polish, matte finish, or a textured surface.
Media Separation: After tumbling, the jewelry pieces need to be separated from the tumbling media. This is typically done using a sieve or strainer that allows the media to be reused for future tumbling processes.
Cleaning and Drying: Once separated from the media, the jewelry items are cleaned to remove any residue, and then they are dried thoroughly to prevent corrosion or tarnishing.
Safety Precautions: When using tumbling media, especially abrasive types, jewelry makers should wear appropriate safety gear like gloves and eye protection to prevent injury.
Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your tumbling machine and media. Clean the media and the machine to ensure consistent and effective results.
In summary, tumbling media is a crucial tool in jewelry-making, aiding in polishing, deburring, and achieving the desired finish on metal and stone jewelry pieces. Different types of media are used based on the material being processed and the desired outcome, with safety precautions and proper maintenance being essential aspects of the jewelry-making process.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best tumbling media for jewelry on the market
2 LB 1/8" Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Shot Jewelers Mix 4 Shapes Tumbler Finishing
BC Precision
Product description
304 Stainless steel tumbling media is rust and corrosion resistant and ABLE to stand up to strong compounds. Using a Stainless steel media is important to avoid rust and works great for wet tumbling. The abrasion resistance of Stainless steel media is 3-5 times greater compared to cast steel media. Stainless steel media can be used over and over as long as it is stored properly. After using, strain in a fine mesh Strainer and lay out the pieces on a dry towel. Pat dry with another towel and let them air dry in a dry sunny area before storing. Some customers prefer to keep them stored completely submerged in water. Either way they will provide you with many uses.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Anyone use this for cleaning brass |
| Answer: | All the time! I just throw some "Fantastic" cleaner in with these bad boys and it gets Brass, Copper, and Nickles so shinny your think it was plastic and not really metal. |
| Question: | can this mix be used in a vibratory cleaner |
| Answer: | The mix is used in all types of rotating and vibrating tumblers. Unless the machine specifically suggests NOT using smaller ( 1/8") media it should work very well. |
| Question: | This mix includes 4 shapes with pins being the extra shape. I don't know which one to get. Why would I want or not want to have pins in the mix |
| Answer: | Some people do not want to use pins if they are tumbling necklaces because the pins can get hung. Thanks for your interest in BC Precision tumbling media. |
| Question: | Why do I get rust if I allow to dry slowly |
| Answer: | Stainless steel is rust resistant but if left in a damp environment it will still rust. Also, it could be that it was not rinsed properly after use and debris from the item being tumbled can be on the media. When we use the media we rinse and towel dry it after each use. Then we let it dry spread out on a hand towel in a sunny place. Or, some people prefer to store it submerged underwater but you will need to make sure it is a sealed container so the water does not evaporate. |
Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Shot Jewelers Mix 4 Shapes 1/8" Tumbler Finishing (2 Pound)
- 304 Stainless Steel
- Shapes of Diagonals, Balcones, Balls, Pins
- Gets into small crevices
- Jewlers Tumbling Media
- Tumbling Media
Product features
SHAPES OF DIAGONALS, BALCONES, & BALLS
Using a stainless steel media is important to avoid rust and works great for wet tumbling. The abrasion resistance of stainless steel media is 3-5 times greater compared to cast steel media. These shapes were design with purpose- The diagonal shape is useful to reach the recesses and corners using the tips and peaks. The Balcone shape allows you to reach the difficult access holes and slots, and last but not least the ball shape is good for ball burnishing process, and as a result you have an excellent shiny finish!
GETS INTO SMALL CREVICES
Our Stainless Steel Tumbling Media is perfect for making your objects surface shine and burr free. It is the perfect solution for ball burnishing parts. It applies heavy pressure on the parts during the finishing process. You can use it for many years since there is no wear and tear happening to the steel media.
304 STAINLESS STEEL
304 Stainless steel tumbling media is rust and corrosion resistant and will withstand strong compounds.
BEFORE & AFTER
lieomo 1Lb Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Shot Jewelers Cylindrical Tumbler Finishing
Lieomo
Product description
SALE is for a 1 Pound Bag - Item is brand new, in sealed packing, perfect condition, never used!
Tumbling Media Stainless Steel Shot
Tumbler media can be used in barrel and vibratory tumblers to burnish metals. AISI type 302 stainless steel media are for applications where good corrosion resistance is important, but hardness is not. They offer good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, dyes, food, environmental sterilizing solutions and many organic and inorganic materials.
Corrosion-resistant Stainless Steel reduces the treatment for storage, maintenance and handling costs of carbon steel media.
The substantial weight of steel media exerts higher pressure on the parts in finishing equipment and effectively reduces finishing times.
The product is made of: AISI type 302 stainless steel, has slight magnetism Media is specifically for applications where good corrosion resistance is important.
Note: it is only plated stainless steel may still rust, please buy carefully.
- 3/8"x1/16" Cylindrical shape
- SALE is for a 1 Pound Bag - Item is brand new, in sealed packing, perfect condition, never used!
- Tumbler media can be used in barrel and vibratory tumblers to burnish metals.
- The product is made of: AISI type 302 stainless steel, has slight magnetism Media is specifically for applications where good corrosion resistance is important.
- Note: it is only plated stainless steel may still rust, please buy carefully.
User questions & answers
| Question: | If i put aluminum bracelet blanks in a tumbler with these, burnishing soap, water, how shiny does it get or is this more of a satin finish |
| Answer: | I’ve used these with silver and bronze pieces, with burnishing compound, warm water and my pieces came out very shiny. |
| Question: | where is it made |
| Answer: | I purchased this product a few years ago. I believe it was from the US. I used it for glass tumbling. It was a little light to break glass. But good product. |
| Question: | Would this work shining silverware in a tumbler |
| Answer: | Yes if you have a big enough tumbler. |
| Question: | Has anybody used this for tumbling glass |
| Answer: | No. I use it to clean old jewelry. And for jewelry I have made |
2 Lb 1/8" Stainless Steel Ballcone Tumbling Media Shot Jewelers Tumbler Finishing
BC Precision
Product description
304 Stainless steel tumbling media is rust and corrosion resistant and ABLE to stand up to strong compounds. Using a Stainless steel media is important to avoid rust and works great for wet tumbling. The abrasion resistance of Stainless steel media is 3-5 times greater compared to cast steel media. Stainless steel media can be used over and over as long as it is stored properly. After using, strain in a fine mesh Strainer and lay out the pieces on a dry towel. Pat dry with another towel and let them air dry in a dry sunny area before storing. Some customers prefer to keep them stored completely submerged in water. Either way they will provide you with many uses.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Has anyone tried these with rifle brass |
| Answer: | I use them for tumbling jewelry blanks, They work well for that and I feel they are a good value |
| Question: | Would it be too much trouble to put one or two beside a dime or something for size reference |
| Answer: | I can tell you that they are the perfect size of a large primer. They get stuck in all the primer pockets. Good for tumbling brass with small primer pockets. |
5 Lb 1/8" Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Shot Jewelers Mix 3 Shapes Tumbler Finishing
BC Precision
Product description
304 Stainless steel tumbling media is rust and corrosion resistant and ABLE to stand up to strong compounds. Using a Stainless steel media is important to avoid rust and works great for wet tumbling. The abrasion resistance of Stainless steel media is 3-5 times greater compared to cast steel media. Stainless steel media can be used over and over as long as it is stored properly. After using, strain in a fine mesh Strainer and lay out the pieces on a dry towel. Pat dry with another towel and let them air dry in a dry sunny area before storing. Some customers prefer to keep them stored completely submerged in water. Either way they will provide you with many uses.
User questions & answers
| Question: | i Received your media however it is magnetic. i would like to make sure that the media is 100% stainless and not stainless plated |
| Answer: | Hi, rest assured this media is stainless. It is cold formed 304SS and the process of cold forming will give it properties that make it attracted to a magnet. Thanks for your purchase. |
| Question: | Can stainless media be used in vibratory tumblers |
| Answer: | Hi Danny. Yes, this media can be used in vibratory tumblers. Thanks for your interest in BC Precision products. |
1 LB 1/8" Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Shot Jewelers Mix 4 Shapes Tumbler Finishing
BC Precision
Product description
304 Stainless steel tumbling media is rust and corrosion resistant and ABLE to stand up to strong compounds. Using a Stainless steel media is important to avoid rust and works great for wet tumbling. The abrasion resistance of Stainless steel media is 3-5 times greater compared to cast steel media. Stainless steel media can be used over and over as long as it is stored properly. After using, strain in a fine mesh Strainer and lay out the pieces on a dry towel. Pat dry with another towel and let them air dry in a dry sunny area before storing. Some customers prefer to keep them stored completely submerged in water. Either way they will provide you with many uses.
- Mix Includes a 1/4 pound each of the following:
- 0.047" Diameter by 0.255" Length Pin Media
- 1/8" Stainless Steel Diagonals
- 1/8" Stainless Steel Balcones
- 1/8" Stainless Steel Balls
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can anyone tell me why my stainless steel shot created a black sludge in my tumbler |
| Answer: | It's the type of barrel, really. I just replaced my old Chicago Electric tumbler with one that has an acrylic barrel and I'm over the moon to not have that sludge. I used to have to empty and rinse my shot after every hour of tumbling. |
| Question: | Do you think this would work for cleaning rust from inside a steel motorcycle gas tank |
| Answer: | I don’t really think it would work for the inside of your gas tank. You would need a lot more than 1 lb. These are pretty small. I think rough pebbles or some kind of sharp edged small stones might work better. Hope this helps. |
| Question: | What do I need to polish silver jewelry |
| Answer: | This is a good product for tumbling jewelry but if you are using a 3 pound tumbler we recommend using 2 pounds of media. Thanks for your interest in BC Precision products. |
| Question: | Would this work for tumbling rocks/gemstones |
| Answer: | The steel media is for polishing metal. Gemstones require different tumbling media. Not all stones can be polished with the same media, some stones require different media, than others. |
Surf Tumbling Media - Fill and Polishing Tumbling Media - 2.5 LBS - 6mm Sphere Ball Porcelain Ceramic - in Reusable Bag
Product description
Non-Abrasive Porcelain Ceramic Fill and Polishing Tumbling Media - 6mm Sphere Ball Shape. Works as a filler and for polishing in tumbling applications, with no hard edges to ding or knick your part/piece. Reusable through all stages of tumbling with simple rinse between stages. For polishing applications, addition of burnishing compound may be required for jewelry and metal. Packaged in a slightly oversized double track sealed reusable bag for safe storage and continued use.
- Non-Abrasive Porcelain Ceramic Fill and Polishing Tumbling Media - 6mm Sphere Shape.
- Works as a filler and for polishing in tumbling applications, with no hard edges to ding or knick your part/piece.
- Reusable through all stages of tumbling with simple rinse between stages.
- For polishing applications, addition of burnishing compound may be required for jewelry and metal.
- Packaged in a slightly oversized double track sealed reusable bag for safe storage and continued use.
User questions & answers
| Question: | will these break glass |
| Answer: | No I think it would be gentle enuff. Unless it is sheet glass like a window |
| Question: | what is the weight of an individual ball |
| Answer: | Thanks for the question! The individual weight of a 6mm ball is between .0015 and .0020 lbs approximately. |
| Question: | Are these perfect spheres? Will they fit in a 6mm airsoft gun |
| Answer: | They are slightly rough and approximately 6mm in diameter. To make them smooth, you would have to run them in a rotary or vibratory tumbler but you would lose material from every sphere. Furthermore, these are hard ceramic and are going to scratch the inner bore of most gas and AE airsoft gun barrels unless the barrel is steel and has been custom hard-chromed. Even if you could collect and smooth enough 5.90mm to 5.99mm spheres to make it worth the purchase, the barrel would eventually be worn open to the point that it'd be useless. Probably very quickly with a high rate of fire AEG or gas gun. I used to build custom, field-legal AEGs for folks who attended Operation Lion Claws or the MilSim events at Fort Ord. |
1 Pound Premium Mixed Media Stainless Steel Shot for Jewelry Tumbling
Product description
Mixed stainless steel shot includes balls, diagonals, and pins made of Grade 304 stainless steel which has slight magnetism! It is perfect for using in a rotary or vibratory tumbler to polish copper, silver, and gold jewelry to a high shine. This media is rust and corrosion resistant and able to stand up to strong compound. Net weight 1 lb
- Net weight 1 lb
- Mixed stainless steel shot includes balls, diagonals, and pins made of Grade 304 stainless steel which has slight magnetism!
Surf Tumbling Media - Fill and Polishing Tumbling Media - 2.5 LBS - 3mm Sphere Ball Porcelain Ceramic - in Reusable Bag
Product description
Non-Abrasive Porcelain Ceramic Fill and Polishing Tumbling Media - 3mm Sphere Ball Shape. Works as a filler and for polishing in tumbling applications, with no hard edges to ding or knick your part/piece. Reusable through all stages of tumbling with simple rinse between stages. For polishing applications, addition of burnishing compound may be required for jewelry and metal. Packaged in a slightly oversized double track sealed reusable bag for safe storage and continued use.
- Non-Abrasive Porcelain Ceramic Fill and Polishing Tumbling Media - 3mm Sphere Shape.
- Works as a filler and for polishing in tumbling applications, with no hard edges to ding or knick your part/piece.
- Reusable through all stages of tumbling with simple rinse between stages.
- For polishing applications, addition of burnishing compound may be required for jewelry and metal.
- Packaged in a slightly oversized double track sealed reusable bag for safe storage and continued use.
1 Kg Stainless Steel Jewelers Polishing Burnishing Media Shot Mix for Tumblers 3 mm Ball Round Shapes
Product description
Highly-polished stainless steel shot mixture of 3 mm ball/round shapes will burnish metals to a mirror bright finish in the minimum amount of time for almost all applications; it is the only shot combination you’ll ever need! The stainless steel material is rust and corrosion resistant, able to handle up strong compounds, requires only occasional cleaning, and gives great uniformity. To be used with vibratory tumblers. Please contact us with any questions. Please visit our store for other great jewelry tooling items such as; Hand Stamps, Disc Cutters, Polishing Compound, Buffers, Hammers, Tweezers, Mandrels, Anvils, Vises and more! Thanks for Looking!
- Constructed of highly polished stainless steel
- Burnishes your metals well
- Shines your materials to a bright mirror finish and provides great uniformity
- Only requires occasional cleaning
- Rust & corrosion resistant
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is this media magnetic so a magnet can be used to sort it from non-magnetic polished items |
| Answer: | Sorry I’ve never tried it. Didn’t use this - had to buy different shapes because the round balls only did not get into all the nooks and crannies of my jewellery. |
| Question: | What is the approximate volume |
| Answer: | Roughly 3 or 4 cups. |
| Question: | how well would this work in a vibratory tumbler to clean dirty tarnished clad from metal detecting |
| Answer: | It would work good but I think the media with the different shapes and sizes would work better for that. Keeping your water clean will help with the process. |
Bonarty 450g Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Jewelry Tumbler Finishing, Multifuction - 1mm
Product description
Description:
- 450g Jewelry Polishing Burnishing Media Shot
- Tumbler media can be used in barrel and vibratory tumblers to burnish metals.
- Carbon steel, tumbler media is specifically for applications where good corrosion resistance is important.
- Available in 6 sizes, choose the right one for jewelry making.
- Note: it is only plated carbon steel may still rust, please buy carefully.
Specification:
- Material: Carbon Steel
Package Includes:
450g Jeweler Tumbling Ball
Note:
Since the size above is measured by hand, the size of the actual item you received could be slightly different from the size above.
Item color displayed in photos may be showing slightly different on your computer monitor since monitors are not calibrated same.
- Available in 6 sizes, choose the right one for jewelry making.
- Tumbler media can be used in barrel and vibratory tumblers to burnish metals.
- Note: it is only plated carbon steel may still rust, please buy carefully.
- 450g Jewelry Polishing Burnishing Media Shot
- Carbon steel,tumbler media is specifically for applications where good corrosion resistance is important.
2 LB 1/8" Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Shot Jewelers Mix 3 Shapes Tumbler Finishing
BC Precision
Product description
304 Stainless steel tumbling media is rust and corrosion resistant and ABLE to stand up to strong compounds. Using a Stainless steel media is important to avoid rust and works great for wet tumbling. The abrasion resistance of Stainless steel media is 3-5 times greater compared to cast steel media. Stainless steel media can be used over and over as long as it is stored properly. After using, strain in a fine mesh Strainer and lay out the pieces on a dry towel. Pat dry with another towel and let them air dry in a dry sunny area before storing. Some customers prefer to keep them stored completely submerged in water. Either way they will provide you with many uses.
User questions & answers
| Question: | After running thru a cycle in tumbler how do you separate the grit from this media |
| Answer: | I use this media to burnish pewter pins. The pins are larger than the media. I sift it all their a screen which lets the media thru but holds back the pins. |
| Question: | Is this 304 stainless which should have almost no magnetic properties. Is this 400 series stainless which has magnetic properties |
| Answer: | Not sure of the series number but some of the shot is magnetic. |
| Question: | what is this stuff for |
| Answer: | Tumbling with jewelry to help smooth and polish the surface. It helps clean and remove dirt and minor surface deposits. It can also be used to tumble and smooth glass shards so they can be used in glass art. |
| Question: | How much shot should I get for a 3lb capacity tumbler? I'll be using it occasionally to clean my personal jewelry |
| Answer: | Hi, how much shot is a personal choice. If you get one pound, you'll have lots more room for your stuff. In a 3 pound tumbler, with 2 pounds of shot, you'd have a lot of weight and not much room for things to tumble. Plus, you don't fill the tumbler up. Leave about 1/4 or so free so there is plenty of room for your jewelry, the shot, the water and for movement. Hope this is of help to you. :) |
2 lb Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Pins - 0.047" Diameter, 0.255" Length
BC Precision
Product description
Stainless steel pins never wear out and will last a lifetime. These are perfect for use in a wet tumbler for polishing brass, steel, aluminum, or titanium. Most commonly used for brass cartridge cleaning, the .047" diameter prevents the pins from getting stuck side by side in flash holes but they will pass through all flash holes one at a time. Fill your tumbler with pins and brass but be sure to leave space to allow tumbling action. Add clean hot water until the tumbler is nearly full. Cold water will work just fine but hot water cleans faster. Add approximately ½ tablespoon Dawn liquid dish detergent (or comparable brand) per 1 lb of brass. The amount of detergent used is not critical but must be enough to ensure good suds remain at the end of the cycle. Run until clean which is typically between 30 minutes and 2 hours. When first starting out check every 15 minutes to see if additional cleaning is necessary. If you don’t see suds after you open your tumbler either you are not using enough soap or the soap is breaking down from running too long. Optional: To achieve the best possible shine add a tablespoon of Lemi Shine dishwasher detergent powder per 1 quart of water. The active ingredient in Lemi Shine is citric acid which dissolves zinc. Remove, rinse, and separate the brass immediately upon stopping the tumbler. As soon as the agitation stops the dirt will start to stick back on the brass so don’t leave it sitting idle in dirty water. Shake dry the brass in a colander and then pour them into the center of a large towel laid out flat. Gather the corners of the towel and roll them around to remove as much water as possible. From there air dry them several days on plastic trays with an occasional turn.
- The highest quality stainless steel produced and cut in Germany
- 0.047" Diameter (1.1938mm)
- 0.255" Length (6.477mm)
- Manufactured from extremely tough 302/304 stainless steel so the pins will last for thousands of cleanings
- Package includes 2 pounds of reusable precision cut pins for use in rotary or magnetic tumblers
User questions & answers
| Question: | Hello can I use this pins in a magnetic tumbler |
| Answer: | It work better with the tumbler |
| Question: | Would these also work in a vibratory polisher or only in a tumbler |
| Answer: | I use 1 pound of pins and soapy water in a 3 pound rock tumbler for cleaning rifle brass. |
| Question: | How much of this do I add to the tumbler during the cycle |
| Answer: | hat depends on what kind of tumbler you have. I have and use the Chicago Dual Drum Rotary Rock Tumbler from Harbor Freight that I use about 3/4 lb of pins in each drum and I can clean approximately 50-75 5.56 cases in 1 hour of tumbling time. |
| Question: | How many rounds of 5.56 do you guys clean with 2lbs of pins at a time |
| Answer: | They are quite stiff and more agressive at first, but soften with use. How long they last depends on hours of use and what you're sanding. Sharp edges will leave a noticeable depression in the drum relatively quickly. Flat surfaces are better for the long haul. They never last as long as I wish they would but I start thinking about replacing after maybe 25 solid hours of use on variety of wood species, sanding old and rough barn timbers. You can use them longer than that, but it takes longer the softer and shorter the bristles become. |
Rosvola Jewelry Polisher Sand, Polishing Abrasive Material Tumbling Media for Tumbler Vibration Machine
Product description
Specification:
Condition: 100% Brand New
Material: Abrasive
Color: As Pictures Shown
Weight: Approx. 460g
Package List:
1 Pack of Tumbling Media
Note:
The weight may vary from package to package.
- ✔ High Material --- 100% brand new and high quality. With enough quantity and enough weight.
- ✔Use For --- It is made up of angle-cut tri-stars and provides a high luster finish on your items. Special abrasive for vibration polishing machine
- ✔ Idea For --- It is used for grinding and polishing jade, jadeite, agate, hetian jade, crystal mixed stone, agate, glass, artificial stone, other stone and shell, bone fossil, etc.
- ✔ Satisfied Guaranteed --- Your purchase is 100% guaranteed. If you receive defective or wrong item, please email us first. We will solve the problem for you in the first time, thank you
- ✔Size --- Each pack include 1 Pack of Tumbling Media. Weight: Approx. 460g
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