My New Tumbler

Santa brought me a nice rotary tumbler for Christmas, a Harbor Freight model with a 3 lb. barrel, and I am trying it out today on some of my copper pieces. Not just for polishing, but for work hardening and deburring. I don't need clothes snagging on my copper chain or scratches on skin.

I am using about 2 lbs of steel shot and some plastic pellets.

So, it has been going for about 1/2 an hour now. After an hour I am going to check it and see how it looks. I am not sure exactly how long I need to tumble the jewelry.

I have been reading up on tumbling instructions and all, but it is still a learning experience for me. And it's not nearly as loud as I thought it was going to be. Sounds like a little dish washer and is sort of soothing.

I'll post some pictures later of the finished products.

Frazzled

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but with Christmas coming up and the holiday fairs, I haven't had time to clean my own house, much less blog.

The last three fairs were a bust. There is just no money to spend in my area, I guess because no one is coming to shop. At one, there must have been 50 crafters/vendors, but a very slow trickle of customers. Half the crafters left hours before it was due to end. I made no sales that day either.

Right now I am working on three rosaries. Do you know how hard it is to find a St. George rosary center? Almost impossible. I am waiting on some rosary findings before I can finish them though. I am sooo behind.

Hope y'all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, or whatever you celebrate this time of year!