If the tumbler is used to polish coins (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, etc.), what cleaning media would you recommend?
1817231
Numismatists recommend not cleaning coins. If you clean them in this, they are going to bang together, as well as be scrubbed by media. If they are collectible, this will destroy much of their value. If they are not collectible, it's not really worth doing. However, if you want to clean small red metal items, use crushed walnut shells, available at pet stores cheaper than commercial media, and a tablespoon of metal polish.
1817232
I used Corn Cob tumbling media for brass pistol casings. I would think it would work for coins as well. I have Corn Cob media and Walnut Media for sale at benchmarkreloadingsupply.com
1817233
As this tumbler is very underpowered, trying to tumble coins or any flat objects would probably be very frustrating as the objects (coins) would just lay flat on the bottom of the tumbler which would allow only the top half to be polished. However if one were determined to use this tumbler, I would use ground walnut shells and a LOT of tumbling time. You would probably also have to manually turn the coins over half way through in order to polish both sides.
1817234
I've read that stainless steel shot is the best for cleaning coins, but gun enthusiasts clean their brass cartridges with corn cob media mixed with a little brass polishing liquid mixed in-------you could probably use a similar method for cleaning silver and gold coins if you mixed in polish that is made for cleaning silver. The stainless shot would probably be better for coins that are really heavily soiled.
1817235
Why would you polish coins? Any coin worth collecting should never be cleaned or polished. It will damage the surface, ruin any toning and leave your coin with nothing but bullion value. The microscopic surface characteristics gained as a result of minting are destroyed when a coin is cleaned. Coin collectors everywhere would recommend that you resist the urge to clean or polish a coin.
1817236
Fellow coin nut...I use an Ace-250. The cleaning media I use is corn-cob. About $23 for 50 lbs. at a welding/paint suppier. Takes a long time..I find 1 half pr decade so who cares?
326291
I would have to say, no. You would either need a tumbler or sonic type cleaner for that type of application.
281531
I use Amway metal cleaner and it shines both the stainless and copper to like new condition.
558883
Any brand bowling ball specific cleaner will be fine. You can also use simple green mixed 50/50 with water.
987709
Just not on highly polished or brushed stainless, use Astonish Stainless steal cleaner.
1433431
I always decap my brass withe a universal deprimer before final cleaning in the tumbler. Now the primer pocket will also come out clean.
631621
I used alcohol and patch cloths to degrease. Wipe with clean cloth. Then apply wax immediately. Most degreasers should do fine so long as they don't etch (obviously). The longer the metal is unprotected the more likely it will corrode / tarnish. Work in small areas is safest.
856950
pre-polish is used to "clean" the abrasive off. the longer you tumble with each media the brighter the rock at the end. you can experiment with different amounts of time and you can always put the rock through the process again!
1274549
I often put really dirty brass in a mesh bag and throw it in the laundry with some old towels. But I make sure it's dry before I put it into the tumbler. I suppose it wouldn't have to be completely dry though. It sure wouldn't hurt to try.
1555622
I use a rock tumbler. I don't think they recommend vibrating or ultrasonic cleaners.
720101
You can literally use a paper towell. Its great stuff. This isn't a cleaner, its more of a finisher. Its not meant to get grime or dirt off, just to polish.
321662
There are 1/2 or so manufacturer's who make fluids for record cleaning machines. All are similar. Roy Hall is sending us a formula if you want to make your own. Plain tap water is not recommended. Dick Moulding Spearit Sound
1544731
There is a Wrights cream polish made just for silver that I would use instead. It works very well on silver as the copper one works on copper and brass.
763749
I would not use this on all gems. The cleaner is designed for silver flatware and housewares, not jewelry. It could severely damage opals, turquoise and similar soft stones, coated crystals, and pearls. If you need to clean silver with gemstones, use a cleaner designed for jewelry.
951834
I have used Bar Keeper's Friend, Bon Ami, or any non abrasive cleaner. I've had my pans for 40 years and they still look brand new! Another tip: never, never put them in the dishwasher!
76513
It works well. I have brought up the shine on 1920s-1930s Rogers & Bros flatware that I even found in a root cellar and simichrome worked magic. I find it less abrasive than MAAS, yet more effective at removing unwanted patina/dirt/darkness. Or, in some cases like bronze or silver where the patina enhances the piece in spots, the less abrasive nature of the polish allows for strategic polishing. Example: a vintage Mexican silver bracelet with beautifully worked silver, the darker parts that enhance the piece are blended into the bright fully polished silver of the parts that look best when shined. Tip for flatware: a dry "medium" to "hard" toothbrush (bristled) a little seed bead sized amount of simichrome placed directly on the prongs of fork or pattern. Brush it in where discolored or dark then use a dry white cloth or durable (Viva, for me) paper towel to wipe off & buff.
1038819
CS says not to use soap and water to clean out their pitchers as they will rust. Instead use rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle while the wax is still in a semi-liquid state and use paper towels to wipe out the excess wax.