oldjag wrote:

I'm looking for a source for relativly inexpensive tumbler media to
finish brass & steel parts. Got a tumbler from ebay, but it holds 20
to 50 lbs of media and at the prices on MSC it will cost too much to
have several grades on hand.. I have about 30 lbs of 1/4" diam.
zirconia bead mill media from another project which I tried, but they
are not agressive enough, and can't reach narrow recesses etc. Anyone
know if grit mixed with the beads would be helful...or would it just
make a mess?



As noted earlier, do a Google search and you will get lots of hits. I
almost laughed when seeing the Eastwood price. Only a fool would pay
that much. You might try asking some local machine shops if they have
any media which is worn too much for their use, might be just the ticket
for your needs, maybe free or nearly so.

Some things to keep in mind: Use the largest media which will do the
job, it will wear and it will do the job more quickly. The tradeoff is
you don't want the parts banging each other, so don't put too many into
the mix.

Ceramic media generates less residue than plastic. (Think disposal here.)

Ceramic will work better for your steel parts. Will also work for brass
and aluminum, but there could be an issue with grit embedding into your
parts. It could be a problem with plating or application. I have had no
problems in that area, YMMV.

Shape & size can be very important. It must access all areas of parts
that you need deburred. Also, some shapes are more active rhan others.
Delicate parts may need a less active media to give more
support/flotation and a slower pace.

You need a proper solution to keep parts and media from packing
particles into each other. Simple Green, dish soap, etc., won't do it.
You need a proper product such as VF-77 to keep things clean. There are
other brands, but this may be the most commonly used, at least among
those people I know.

One poster said he paid 50 cents per pound. That is a steal. You
probably won't get that lucky. I believe somewhere from $1 to $1.75 will
be what to expect. The small quantity you want may drive the price to
the higher range. As I said, ask around at some shops. Some common
beverages can have wonderous purchasing power.
email me if you have any questions

michael