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coin tumblers

M

mark_ad1970

New member
I've tried different cleaning methods for clad coins,and nothings really worked.Does anyone use a tumbler?If so , how effective are they?
 
Tumblers work great if you get the right cleaning mix. I wouldn't be with out one. I like salt, vinegar and aquarium gravel. 1 1/2 hours and it is done. If there are a few that are not clean, I throw them in the next batch.
 
Harbor Freight has a cheapie tumbler that is working well for me. See my post called My New Toy, or something like that, for another tumbler thread with some before and after pics. It's not that old. I've tried various combinations of the cheapest, roughest, aquarium gravel, water, vinegar and lemon juice. My best results are an hour or so with gravel and either half vinegar or half lemon juice and water. Some of the coins will be done at this point some will be still heavily stained or light orange to pink. I usually stick all the coins back in after rinsing with water the gravel and a squirt of dish washing liquid for about 4 hours. If you don't have the acids on hand give them a tumble for an hour or two with water, gravel and the soap, rinse as the water will be quite dirty, and then overnight them with the same procedure. I've read a tablespoon of sand speeds up the process but haven't tried it. The gravel can be used for a while but needs to be replaced when it starts getting smooth. A fine metal strainer and one with openings that allow the gravel to fall through but still hold the coins are helpful. Don't mix pennies with your dimes, quarters or nickels. The new gold dollars don't clean up too well, at least in my experience. I usually fill the tumbler about 1/3-1/2 with gravel add about 1 1/2 pounds (about an 8 oz drinking cup) of coins and just enough water (or liquid) to cover. You'll experiment and find what works best for you. I wouldn't clean any coin you think has numismatic value in a tumbler.

There are others who don't clean there coins except for a quick rinse.

If you don't like counting or rolling coins and you buy on Amazon, Coinstar machines waive the counting fee for gift certificates. For the past two years I have taken all the change from my tip jug after work, put it in a big gallon pickle jar, and in November get a gift certificate for Christmas shopping. I don't know how Coinstar machines react to uncleaned MD finds but I'm sure someone here does.

Since we're on the subject. My original belt is still A-OK and it has been run a total of 68 hours.

Chris
 
[quote mark_ad1970]I've tried different cleaning methods for clad coins,and nothings really worked.Does anyone use a tumbler?If so , how effective are they?[/quote]They work good but use to much electricity. This in turn adds to the global warming problem.
 
[quote awhitster][quote mark_ad1970]I've tried different cleaning methods for clad coins,and nothings really worked.Does anyone use a tumbler?If so , how effective are they?[/quote]They work good but use to much electricity. This in turn adds to the global warming problem.[/quote]

The tumbler I have uses 10 watts of power to run. At 24 hours a day for a month it uses about 65 cents worth. I don't know about where you live but it's getting cold here. A little warming wouldn't hurt........:rofl:
 
I'm impressed! It looks like its spinning pretty fast too. Might need a restrictor plate.

Chris
 
All I saw was that beautiful looking woman in the picture. Too bad you had to put all that JUNK around her to ruin her pose........eheheheh.
 
I toss them in my sand scoop, shake them around to get the loose dirt off and they are ready for the coin machine. I think the tree huggers would be proud of me; like I REALLY care what they think:rofl:
[attachment 69585 ScreenHunter_010.jpg]
 
Thought I'd show all of you my newest toy. Bought it with detector change. LOTS OF IT!!!!.:rofl:
 
I'm glad you approve Fred. It works like a dream....eheheh......And portable too. Take it to the site where you swing, throw the coins in and let them clean while headed to your next place of treasure hunting. :please::goodnight:
 
I'm using one of the Smithsonian rock tumblers. It does a great job. Only problem I have right now is I have worn out my first rubber drive thingy and am on the second. Will have to order some more some time. Winter will work for me when I can't do any tecting......
 
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