tumbler to shine knobs

[Greg W.]

I was wondering if anyone knows what would happen if I tumbled all of the knobs on my 63 to get a little brighter shine?

Just got a new tumbler and they do wonders on all those old nuts and bolts, just running out of things to polish.

Thanks Greg

[Bill I.]

Re: tumbler to shine knobs

Greg, that's an interesting question. I have a tumbler that I use for rifle cases. As you know, puts a nice shine on, hey, give it a try and let us know. Bill.

[Greg W.]

Re: tumbler to shine knobs

I thought maybe someone else had already did it and it turned out great, before I put those expensive knobs in there. I guess I will give it a try in a couple of days if I don't here from anyone and let anyone interested know if it helped or hurt.

[Bill I.]

Re: tumbler to shine knobs

Greg, I'm having second thoughts on this. The chrome on the knobs is not that heavy. If you're thinking of radio, heater, light, lighter, etc., they have plastic in them, I think NO. MHO. Bill.

[Todd L.]

Re: tumbler to shine knobs

Does a tumbler help with rusty bolts? What type of media do you use and do you add a polishing compound to the media, like with bullet casings?
Todd

[Greg W.]

Re: tumbler to shine knobs

Todd, I bought it a week ago and am restoring the interior of my 63 and it has came in very handy. I bought it from Eastwood and have been using the Green Pyramids to cut the grease and rust with, I did add a little of the Metal Wash and it seemed to do a little better than just dry tumbling. I am amazed how well it works, they come out looking almost new after 8 to 12 hours. I am going to start polishing with another product from them called Corncob Dry Shine, not sure how it will polish, but will let you know.

[John D.]

Re: tumbler to shine knobs

I was wondering if anyone knows what would happen if I tumbled all of the knobs on my 63 to get a little brighter shine?

Just got a new tumbler and they do wonders on all those old nuts and bolts, just running out of things to polish.

Thanks Greg

Greg, What knobs are you talking about? The chrome knobs in the interior? I wouldn't think of putting those in a tumbler. John

[William G.]

Re: tumbler to shine knobs

There is a tumbling method that Iuse in the jewelry manufacturing business that I have never seen mentioned on this forum. There are magnetic "tumblers" that use tiny magnetic stainless steel pins that are only .010 dia and 1/4" long. The tumbler barrel hosts a cyclonic whirlpool of water and liquid soap to burnish and clean metal parts . The pins are so small they get in all crevices, and the speed and intensity can be controlled. I use the machine to clean or derust small parts.I add a small concentration of phosphoric acid to derust. The pins last forever and the rusty water can be discarded . Thought some of you might like to know about this method.

[Mike M.]

Re: tumbler to shine knobs

Todd, I bought it a week ago and am restoring the interior of my 63 and it has came in very handy. I bought it from Eastwood and have been using the Green Pyramids to cut the grease and rust with, I did add a little of the Metal Wash and it seemed to do a little better than just dry tumbling. I am amazed how well it works, they come out looking almost new after 8 to 12 hours. I am going to start polishing with another product from them called Corncob Dry Shine, not sure how it will polish, but will let you know.

i've got an Eastwood tumbler with the green pyramids. works great. only downside is the noise--i put it in the outhouse to preserve my hearing. overnite usually adequate..mike

[Troy P.]

Re: tumbler to shine knobs

I would not run knobs in such an aggressive media. Try walnut shells or the corn cob first. The green triangles could be too rough.

BTW I suggest getting your tumblers from Harbor Freight Tools rather than Eastwood. They look just as good to me but a small fraction of the cost Eastwood charges. I have a 7 lb vibratory unit from Harbor Freight and am happy with it. Harbor Freight also sells the media for much less.

Like Mike, I don't care for the noise. I wear ear muffs while working nearby while its running.