Comments on: Use a Rock Tumbler for More Professional Looking Polymer Clay Beads

By: Kathy G

Kathy G — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:24:32 +0000

@Phaedrakat: you know, I’ve only had it for a couple of months but it works great. I’ve read all about the problems folks have had with them and the gasket or the belt. No problems here…..knock on wood.

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Just A Quick FYI… there is currently a technical bug happening with the “Reply” function here at the blog. When you use it, your comments are temporarily held in the moderation queue, pending approval. This is not supposed to happen, and it will be fixed soon. But for now, it would be helpful if everyone could refrain from clicking on that little “Reply” link. Instead, you can simply reference others by manually typing their name… like @Phaedrakat [or] @Kathy G [or] @Cindy: [etc, etc.]. This way your comments will post in real time, without any delay. Thank you all. ~Doug
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By: Phaedrakat

Phaedrakat — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 06:59:38 +0000

@Kathy: Thanks for the info, Kathy…such a huge help! Too bad about the eBay overpricing, but it’s great to hear you’re getting great results with your tumbler. Have you had it awhile, with no problems? (I’m just about ready to say, “SOLD!”) Thanks again! ;D

By: Kathy G

Kathy G — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:25:57 +0000

@Phaedrakat: My tumbler is a Harbor Freight one. I actually got in on ebay but I wish i got it direct from Harbor Freight b/c I paid more.

By: Claycass

Claycass — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:23:19 +0000

@Kathy G: Kathy G – thanks but no thanks – I have a vibratory tumbler because they do their job in less time – I am just going to continue to work at perfectiing my shine. I get a very good smooth surface and a glossy shine with my buffing wheel.

By: Phaedrakat

Phaedrakat — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 22:17:00 +0000

@Kathy G: Oooh, I’ve been wondering about that powder — I’ve heard of people using “the little packets of powder that came with their rock tumblers.” This is the first time I’ve heard of a name for it. But I’m curious now about your other comment — doesn’t the green Scotch pad scratch your beads? Those are pretty abrasive… Oh, yeah, I have one more question: is your tumbler from Harbor Freight, as well? I was trying to weigh the pros & cons of buying the name brand Lortone vs. the (much cheaper! – yay) Harbor Freight tumbler. If that’s where you got yours and it’s working so well, it’ll probably tip the scales that way… Thanks for your help! ~Kat

By: Kathy G

Kathy G — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:05:17 +0000

One step I forgot to mention is that sometimes the beads will come out slightly cloudy after all the abrasives and b/f the “water and dishsoap” tumble. Don’t worry about it too much just take a green Scotch abrasive pad and it rubs right off. This actually happened to me this last time even after the final “denim” tumble and I did the Scotch thing after everything and they are still awesome.

By: Kathy G

Kathy G — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:01:30 +0000

@Jocelyn: I cut the denim using my fabric shears and cut them in 2 inch squares.

By: Kathy G

Kathy G — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:59:57 +0000

@Jill V.: The polishing powder is a powder technically used for tumbling actual rocks used in the very final stages. I haven’t tried this but I bet you could skip the powder and just julienne some 1500 grit sandpaper. Maybe I’ll try that next round and let you all know. I got the powder from a store called The Little Red Store (littleredstore.com.) The powder is called levigated aluminum oxide.

By: Kathy G

Kathy G — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:54:22 +0000

@Claycass: My tumbler is not a vibratory. If you are interested in getting one like mine I just saw them on the Habor Freight website for like $30. I cut the denim into squares about 2inches.

By: Jocelyn

Jocelyn — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:38:22 +0000

@Sue F: Sue, read this and laughed. Time for a big old clean out your pipes…just grab a gallon of vinegar and pile some soda around and into your drain. Slowly add the vinegar. The gentle foaming action does a great job of cleaning out craft house drains. Follow with teakettle of boiling water.