Tumbling and Polishing Metal Beads
Here's a simple way to keep tumbling shot from getting stuck in bead holes.
Instructions
Many handmade and some machine-made beads have holes large enough for tumbling shot to get inside and get stuck.
To prevent this, string the beads on one or more wires to fill the holes and keep shot out during tumbling.
Don't remove the wires after tumbling.
The wires make it easier to swish the beads in patina solution, remove them, and rinse them afterward.
To prevent this, string the beads on one or more wires to fill the holes and keep shot out during tumbling.
Don't remove the wires after tumbling.
The wires make it easier to swish the beads in patina solution, remove them, and rinse them afterward.
What type and gauge of wire should you use?
Whatever works and fits your budget is perfect.
Sometimes one or two heavier gauge wires are enough; other times, finer gauge wires work better.
For example, my handmade Bali-style beads were strung on silver-plated copper craft wire.
For a silver metal clay bead series, I used copper wire.
Be frugal straighten and save used wire for your next bead project.
Everyone's needs differ, but personally, I use wire with beads so often that I keep it accessible rather than stored away.
Whatever works and fits your budget is perfect.
Sometimes one or two heavier gauge wires are enough; other times, finer gauge wires work better.
For example, my handmade Bali-style beads were strung on silver-plated copper craft wire.
For a silver metal clay bead series, I used copper wire.
Be frugal straighten and save used wire for your next bead project.
Everyone's needs differ, but personally, I use wire with beads so often that I keep it accessible rather than stored away.
Even with good hand strength, holding a single bead while polishing or highlighting after patina can be tricky.
Beads can easily fly away, no matter the tool or process.
Leaving at least one wire through the beads makes them much easier to grasp and control.
Polish confidently without worrying about losing beads in your workspace for weeks or even years.
When done, simply add the wires back through the beads for a final tumble polish.
Beads can easily fly away, no matter the tool or process.
Leaving at least one wire through the beads makes them much easier to grasp and control.
Polish confidently without worrying about losing beads in your workspace for weeks or even years.
When done, simply add the wires back through the beads for a final tumble polish.
Materials
No materials listed
Tools
Stainless Steel Shot - 1 lb Bag
G24-4
- G24-4
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $43.95
- Gold Club Price: $32.96
Thumlers Tumbler Model T Rock Tumbler Kit
G34-100
- G34-100
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $172.76
- Gold Club Price: $129.57
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): Filing / Finishing, General Education
Judy Larson
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