Tumbler recipe for cleaning clads?

[Dan-o]

Would like to know your Recipe for cleaning clad in a rock tumber.
1. What media do you use and what is the ratio of media to coins
2. How much water
3. Any additives such as soap etc.
4. How long do you run tumber

Any other tips greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Dan

 

[Larry (IL)]

1: 1/2 cup of pool filter sand, just because I have it on hand.

2: Enough to cover the coins, no more than 2/3 of tumbler.

3: A drop or two of dish washing detergent. More will cause suds.

4: 12 hours for silver colored coins, 1/2 hour for copper. For copper, I replace a 1/2 cup of water with Vinegar.

 

[S.S.Tupperware]

Bit of paver base... the crushed shell stuff, a lil soap, water and 1-2 hours...

 

[John(Tx)]

I use aquarium gravel, about 1/2" deep, enough water to cover the coins by about 1" and a couple of drops of dish washing liquid, let it tumble overnight, about 8-12 hours, seems to get them pretty clean, this is just for clad. HH

 

[bountyhunter1972]

I have a jewelry company, so I have a very expensive setup. Mine is not really a tumbler like what you guys no it to be. Mine is like a doughnut, it swirls everything, I have several different stages that I can use if I want to. it goes from very rough to the last stage of a high sheen polish. I do the whole thing sometimes it takes just over 48hours, but it looks like the coins are 3 times brighter than they ever came from the mint. It's fun to watch people when I give them the ultra bright coin and they look at it and it says its a 1974 nickel and there like WOW where did this come from. LOL

 

[dahut]

Im similar to John:
I use a belt driven Chicago Tools tumbler, one of the single canister types. I got it off ebay for $11, I think.

I load it thus:
- About 2/3-3/4 full with aquarium gravel/coins (NEVER mix cents and clad - unless you like orange clad.)
- Enough water to cover the coins by about 1"
- A tbsp of general use home cleaner like Formula 409, etc.
- Half of a steel wool pad or green pot scrubber pad.

DO NOT overfill, or it will just roll and not tumble. Allow to tumble overnight, about 8-12 hours. Gets them pretty clean, or at least presentable.