9 best jewelry tumbler polishers

Jewelry tumbler polishers, often referred to simply as "tumblers" or "rock tumblers," are versatile tools used primarily in jewelry making and lapidary work. However, they are also used in various other applications, including automotive work for polishing small metal parts.Here's what you need to know about jewelry tumbler polishers:

  1. Functionality and Purpose:

    • Jewelry tumbler polishers are designed to polish and smooth the surfaces of small objects, such as jewelry pieces, gemstones, and metal components. In automotive applications, they can be used to polish and deburr small metal parts, bolts, nuts, and screws.
    • These machines use a tumbling or rotary action to gently abrade and polish the surfaces of objects. The tumbling process involves placing the items to be polished inside a drum or barrel, along with polishing media and, sometimes, abrasive compounds. As the drum rotates, the media and compounds work to smooth and shine the items.
  2. Components:

    • A typical jewelry tumbler polisher consists of a drum or barrel, a motorized base or drive system, and a lid or cover to secure the contents during tumbling.
    • The drum is where you place the items to be polished, along with polishing media and any necessary polishing compounds.
    • Polishing media can include various materials like steel shot, ceramic beads, or abrasive grits, depending on the desired finish.
    • Some tumblers have multiple barrels, allowing you to work on different batches simultaneously or to separate items based on their size or material.
  3. Applications in Jewelry Making:

    • Jewelry makers use tumbler polishers to polish metals like silver, gold, and brass, giving their creations a shiny and professional finish.
    • These machines are also used to clean, deburr, and polish gemstones and semi-precious stones.
  4. Applications in Automotive Work:

    • In automotive repair and restoration, jewelry tumblers are sometimes repurposed to polish small metal components, such as nuts, bolts, washers, and small engine parts.
    • They can help remove oxidation, rust, or surface imperfections, resulting in smoother and more aesthetically pleasing components.
  5. Operation and Maintenance:

    • To use a jewelry tumbler polisher, you load the items to be polished into the drum, add the appropriate polishing media and compounds, and then secure the lid.
    • The machine is then set to run for a specified period, during which the tumbling action gradually polishes the items.
    • Maintenance typically involves cleaning the drum, checking and lubricating moving parts, and occasionally replacing worn-out components.
  6. Safety Considerations:

    • When working with a jewelry tumbler polisher, it's important to follow safety guidelines, including wearing appropriate eye protection and ensuring that the machine is securely closed during operation.

In summary, jewelry tumbler polishers are versatile tools used primarily for polishing jewelry and gemstones but can also find applications in small-scale automotive work. They operate through a tumbling action, using various media and compounds to achieve smooth and polished surfaces. Proper usage and maintenance are essential for achieving consistent and satisfactory results.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best jewelry tumbler polishers on the market
  

WireJewelry Single Barrel Rotary Tumbler, Jewelry and Metal Polishing Kit, Includes 1 Pound of Jewelers Mix Shot and 8 Ounces of Shinebrite Burnishing Compound

Based on 36 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The WireJewelry Single Barrel Rotary Tumbler Jewelry and Metal Polishing Kit offers the user a professional quality tumbler at an economical price.

    Tumbler Info:
  • Professional Grade
  • 3 Pound Capacity Leak Proof Hard Rubber Barrel to Minimize Noise
  • Powerful 120 Volt Motor Designed to Operate 24/7 for Years
  • Easy to Follow Step by Step Instructions Included
  • 2 Year Manufacturer Warranty and Lifetime Belt Replacement Warranty
  • Note: Warranty void if used with power sources other than 120 Volts
    Jewelers Mix Stainless Steel Shot Info:
  • Combination of 3 Shapes: Diagonal, Round and Pin
  • Each Shape Does a Different Job in Burnishing Metals to a Mirror Bright Finish in the Minimum Amount of Time
  • Extremely Versatile and Good For Almost All Applications
  • Stainless Steel Only Requires Occasional Cleaning
  • Rust and Corrosion Resistant and able to Stand Up to Strong Compounds
  • Size: 1 Pound
    Shinebrite Burnishing Compound Info:
  • Size: 8 oz. Makes 4 Gallons
  • Specially Formulated Liquid Burnishing Compound that Possess Unique Detergent, Burnishing and Descaling Properties Required for Essential Jewelry Finishing
  • Odorless Biodegradabel Concentrate Designed for Use With Steel Media
  • Leaves Your Work Pieces Bright and Clean
  • Mix 2 oz to Make 1 Gallon Solution

  • Professional Grade Single Barrel Rotary Rock Tumbler with Leak Proof Rubber Barrel to Minimize Noise
  • Powerful 120 Volt Motor Designed to Operate 24/7 for Years
  • 2 Year Manufacturer Warranty and Lifetime Belt Replacement Warranty
  • 1 Pound of Jewelers Mix Stainless Steel Shot
  • 8 Ounces of Shinebrite Burnishing Compound

User questions & answers

Question: Will this tumbler harden wire as well as polish it
Answer: Just hit the answer: NO!Use it until it is full of tarnish then purchase a new one. It is infused with a cleaning element that would be destroyed by washing.
Question: I've perused the op manual and studied the parts diagram. I still cannot determine what to do with the green ring. What is this for
Answer: I don't clean it. I just replace when beyond its usability. They are cheap enough to toss and buy a new one. For reference , the last cloth I had lasted about 5 years.
Question: There are no ribs inside the barrel... no paddles, nothing to optimize the tumble. So how to you figure this is a real tumbler
Answer: Cream to clean and blue to polish.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit - Includes Rough Gemstones, 4 Polishing Grits, Jewelry Fastenings and Detailed Learning Guide - Great STEM Science Kit for Mineralogy and Geology Enthusiasts

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Learn about the exciting hobby of rock tumbling with National Geographic!



Rock tumbling is tons of fun and a great way to start a beautiful rock collection.



This set includes all the accessories you’ll need to start polishing dazzling gems.



Kids can use the included jewelry fastening to create beautiful homemade jewelry!



Contents and Features:



• High-quality tumbling machine with powerful motor that will last for years

• Automatic shutoff timer so you can set it and forget it

• Noise reducing leak-proof barrel with stainless steel lid

• Half pound of gemstones from around the world (9 types) and four grades of grit

• Jewelry fastenings so you can create your own unique jewelry

• Full-color information guide with cool facts about each of the gemstones included

• Easy-to-follow rock tumbling instructions

• 2-year manufacturer warranty



Rock tumbling is a fun activity for children of all ages and promotes an interest in geology and science.



Introduce your kid to science the fun way! Join National Geographic as we inspire future generations by showing them the wonders of the natural world.



National Geographic Toys is proud to provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee with all our products so that you can buy with confidence.



About the National Geographic Society: With a mission to inspire people to care about the planet, the 126-year-old National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations.



National Geographic’s net proceeds support vital exploration, conservation, research, and education programs.

  • CREATE YOUR OWN GEMSTONES - Make any stone sparkle and polish everyday rocks into dazzling gemstones! This rock tumbler kit makes it fun and easy to turn rough rocks into beautifully polished gemstones, thanks to its simple operation and durable design.
  • A TUMBLER THAT'S MADE TO LAST – Our high-quality tumblers are made with a durable motor that’s designed to last for years. The leakproof rubber barrel reduces sound, making it 75% quieter than other plastic models. An excellent STEM activity for kids.
  • A COMPLETE HOBBY TUMBLING KIT - Everything you need to create polished gemstones: the tumbler, four polishing grits, sifter, nine types of real rough gemstones, plus a detailed full-color learning guide. Makes a great gift for girls and boys!
  • EASY TO USE – Simple instructions and one-touch settings make rock tumbling fun and easy. Control the number of days for each tumbling cycle with the one-touch timer and automatic shutoff feature, set it and forget it! This is a great gift for kids.
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – The National Geographic STEM series provides kids high-quality educational toys that are a whole lot of fun! If your experience is anything less than extraordinary, let us know so we can make it right for you.

User questions & answers

Question: Can i buy extra grit without the rocks. we have many rocks from "mining" gemstones that i would love to polish. what do you recommend
Answer: Hello, currently, our GUI app can only run on Linux and Windows platforms. We are developing an Android app, it will be released in two months. THX!
Question: What pound tumbler is this product
Answer: Hello, RaspTank does not include the Raspberry Pi board, you need to buy the Raspberry Pi yourself. You can connect the keyboard and mouse directly to the Raspberry Pi to program. You can also use the PC to connect to the Raspberry Pi to program via ssh.
Question: What the difference between this and the starter kit
Answer: YES.
Question: What is the power consumption of this unit over a week of continuous use? (in usa on 110v). thank you
Answer: Yes, it can turn left and right. The calibration wasn't exactly straight forward but after a few tries was able to find and acceptable 'straight' setting and it drives okay. Speed is normal RC car speed, slightly faster than human walking so maybe 5-10 mph tops. The lag between the app and the car is a bit of a problem and at higher speeds you end up running into stuff a lot.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Starter Rock Tumbler Kit - Rock Polisher for Kids and Adults, Complete Rock Tumbler Kit, Durable Leak-Proof Tumbler, Rocks, Grit, and 5 Jewelry Fastenings, A Great STEM Hobby

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price
  • CREATE YOUR OWN GEMSTONES - Rock tumbling is a hugely popular hobby for kids and adults! This starter rock tumbler makes it fun and easy to turn rough rocks into beautifully polished gemstones, thanks to its simple operation and durable design.
  • A TUMBLER THAT'S MADE TO LAST - The durable motor allows you to tumble multiple batches of rocks. An improved, leak-proof barrel is lined with rubber for quieter operation while tumbling on the sturdy tumbler base.
  • ALL-IN-ONE TUMBLING KIT - This kit has everything you need and then some! You get ½ a pound of rough rocks with nine different types of gemstones inside, five jewelry fastenings, and our four-stage rock polishing grit.
  • EASY TO USE AND EDUCATIONAL - Detailed tumbler instructions lead you step-by-step through the rock tumbling process, A full-color learning guide details how rocks are naturally polished and has fascinating facts about the gemstones in the kit.
  • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – The National Geographic STEM series provides kids high-quality educational toys that are a whole lot of fun! If your experience is anything less than extraordinary, let us know so we can make it right for you.

User questions & answers

Question: Can't open
Answer: Don't put more than a pound of rocks in it or the motor won't be able to turn. Does it turn without the tumbler? Then that is likely the problem. Otherwise contact the manufacturer. That may not be easy as it's Chinese I think.
Question: How many pounds/ounces of rocks can you put into the barrel with grit for tumbling
Answer: I don’t think there is a warranty for it. However, if it’s defective call the company. They seem to be really good at doing the right thing
Question: Where can I buy more grit
Answer: The power supply will work with 100-240v. It has a US plug.
Question: Can this be used to tumble glass to make sea glass
Answer: grit is available on the Amazon site....I bought extra when I bought the tumbler :)

Hengwei 110V 45W Roller polishing Machine Jewelry Gold Silver Cleaning Machine Tumbler Rotary Tumbler Jewelry Polisher Finisher Polishing Bead Cleaner

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description



Description:



1.Addition of burnishing compound and detergent keep parts cool and avoids drag during tumbling



2.Used with stainless steel shots or media to the purchased separately



3.Rotary tumblers polish rocks,coin,polish brass,stones,etc



4.Process times are longer than vibratory finishing,but a distinct advantage is that the surface of work pieces get work hardened



Parameter:



1.Input voltage:110V



2.Power:45W



3.Drum size:length:15cm,Diameter:15cm



4.Bidirectional rotation,rotation can be timed,five-speed optional



5.Size:230*180*100mm



6.Capacity:3KG



7.Total weight:5KG



Package Included:



1 x Rotary Tumbler Jewelry Polisher



1 x Bag of Polishing Bead

  • 1.Addition of burnishing compound and detergent keep parts cool and avoids drag during tumbling
  • 2.Used with stainless steel shots or media to the purchased separately
  • 3.Rotary tumblers polish rocks,coin,polish brass,stones,etc
  • 4.Process times are longer than vibratory finishing,but a distinct advantage is that the surface of work pieces get work hardened
  • Tumbler jewelry polisher voltage: 110V.Power: 45W.Capacity: 6.6LBS.Hole diameter: 3.15''.Glass barrel dimensions:5.9'' x 5.9''.Machine size: 9'' x 7'' x 3.9''

220V Mini Professional Tumbler Rotary Tumbler Jewelry Polisher Finisher Tool Jewelry Gold Silver Cleaning Machine

Product description

Feature:

1. Rotary tumblers polish rocks, stones, coins, clean cartridges, polish brass and other metals

2. Excellent for studio and small jewelry projects

3. Used with stainless steel shots or media to the purchased separately

4. Process times are longer than vibratory finishing,but a distinct advantage is that the surface of work pieces get work hardened

5. Addition of burnishing compound and detergent keeps parts cool and avoids drag during tumbling



Parameter:

Power supply:220V

Power:45W

Drum size:length:15cm,Diameter:15cm

Bidirectional rotation,rotation can be timed,five-speed optional

Size:230x 180x 100mm

Capacity:3kg

Total weight:5kg



Package include:

1x Jewelry polisher

1 bag of polishing bead



Fast shipping with DHL

  • Rotary tumblers polish rocks, stones, coins, clean cartridges, polish brass and other metals
  • Addition of burnishing compound and detergent keeps parts cool and avoids drag during tumbling
  • Excellent for studio and small jewelry projects
  • Process times are longer than vibratory finishing,but a distinct advantage is that the surface of work pieces get work hardened
  • 1 YEAR WARRANTY: If you have any issues with this product, please feel free to contact seller "chenwenweius"

User questions & answers

Question: HI dear, Can anybody let me know the speed, rpm or how many circles per second? Appreciated
Answer: I don't know if this cloth can be used on brass but I use Bar Keeper's Friend on brass. It's next to Comet Cleanser at grocery or big-box-stores. It's pretty cheap. Other ways to clean silver include 1) rub with tooth paste, 2) rub with baking soda added to a bit of water, 3) rub with plain kitchen salt mixed with a bit of water, 4) soak in a tub of water with aluminum foil at the bottom- one side is supposed to be towards the silver- shiny or dull- I don't remember which but if it doesn't work, flip the aluminum foil over. Once the silver is "clean" and fairly shiny (compared to nearly black), then use this cloth to "polish" to a nice shine :)

Stainless Steel Tumbler Pin Durable Anti-rust Polishing Media Pins 0.3mm,for Tumber,Polisher,for Jewelry Making

Product description

Features: 

It is about 250 grams per package, meeting your needs definitely. It is specially made to work with tumbler and polisher.  Pins are prepared and made from stainless steel that will be attracted to the movement of the magnets and yet not rust like steel shot media. Tiny pins reach into the tightest areas.  The pins having a smaller diameter provide a lighter weight and less impact on the surface during the finishing operation. 

Specification: 

Material: Stainless Steel

Color: Shown As Pictures

Diameter: Approx. 0.3mm

Length: Approx. 5mm

Item Weight: 250g

Type: Jewelry Making Tool Sets

Package Weight: 252g



Package List:

1 * Pack of Polishing Pin (250g)



Notice:

It is reusable, use with care. And, When it is not used, please clean it and keep it dry.

  • Tiny pins reach into the tightest areas
  • It is specially made to work with tumbler and polisher
  • It is about 250 grams per package, meeting your needs definitely
  • Pins are prepared and made from stainless steel that will be attracted to the movement of the magnets and yet not rust like steel shot media
  • The pins having a smaller diameter provide a lighter weight and less impact on the surface during the finishing operation

GOWE Mini Magnetic Tumbler Machine Jewelry Polisher Finishing jewelry surface polisher Jewelry

Product description

GOWE Mini Magnetic Tumbler Machine Jewelry Polisher Finishing jewelry surface polisher Jewelry

  • Jewelry Tools & Equipments Type: Engraving Tools; weight: 7.2kg; size: 20*20*30cm; bucket size: 11* 10cm; voltage: 110/220; power: 0.5kw; packing size: 24*24*34cm; capacity: 0.6kg;

MXBAOHENG 185 Magnetic Tumbler Jewelry Polishing Machine Jewelry Polisher (110V)

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The product usually takes 7--13 business days to arrive to your hand after your order is confirmed



Description

1. Designed for polishing intricate details, tiny crevices, and multiple settings, but not flat surfaces.

2.This magnetic tumbler can be used to process some rings with stones intact, such as ; cubic zirconia (cz), rubies, sapphires & diamonds.

3.Supplied complete with an acrylic bowl.

4.Magnetic tumbling is an automated polishing process that nearly eliminates the need for cyanide bombing, stripping, and thrumming.

5.Most finishing operations are completed in under 30 minutes, just place your jewelry pieces, the steel pins, water, and special burnishing compound in the bowl, and press the "on" button.Tiny steel pins are driven by powerful rotating magnets at the base of the finishing bowl



Application:

This machine is suitable for polishing and polishing non-magnetic metals such as platinum, gold, silver and stainless steel.



Technical parameters

1. Glass tank size:160*100mm

2. Size:280*260*400mm

3. Speed:2000rpm

4. Voltage:110V/220V



NOTE:

we will send the product to you as soon as possible

If you have any questions , please feel free to contact us

  • 1. Designed for polishing intricate details, tiny crevices, and multiple settings, but not flat surfaces. 
  • 2.This magnetic tumbler can be used to process some rings with stones intact, such as ; cubic zirconia (cz), rubies, sapphires & diamonds. 
  • 3.Supplied complete with an acrylic bowl.
  • 4.Magnetic tumbling is an automated polishing process that nearly eliminates the need for cyanide bombing, stripping, and thrumming. 
  • 5.Most finishing operations are completed in under 30 minutes, just place your jewelry pieces, the steel pins, water, and special burnishing compound in the bowl, and press the "on" button.Tiny steel pins are driven by powerful rotating magnets at the base of the finishing bowl.

User questions & answers

Question: What warranty do you offer for this product
Answer: It does tumble. The enhancements you describe may well optimize the design but it is what it is and it seems to do a good job.

Welljoin Medium Size Vibratory Media Tumbler Jewelry Polisher Finisher Cleaner

Product description

Medium Size Vibratory Media Tumbler Jewelry Polisher Finisher Cleaner

Can be used with a flow system wet or dry.

Features:

1, Polishing surfaces to a high shine.

2, Polishing nuts and bolts and other hardware.

3, Cleaning ammunition reload cases.

4, Cleaning jewelry.

5, Cleaning rocks and gems.

Specifications:

Power supply AC : 220 - 240 volt.

Overall unit dimensions L*W*H (mm) : 320 X 320 X 360

Inside bowl diameter : 320(mm)

The bowl lid diameter : 235(mm)

Capacity : approx. 6kg media (not included), or approx. 10kg S.S shots (not included).

Warranty: 12 months

Please feel free to contact with us if you have any question.

  • Polishing surfaces to a high shine
  • Polishing nuts and bolts and other hardware
  • Cleaning ammunition reload cases

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