Got my polisher today!!

[DougsGraphics]

Got my vibratory polisher today! Seems like I've been waiting forever. Anyway, loaded it up with plastic beads, some silica carbide, and a big mess of clad, maybe 600-700 coins! I'm nearing 2 hours in the polisher and I had to just check them out. This thing is working great. Another hour or two and these coins can go back into circulation!

What kind did you get?
Please let me know how the plastic beads do.

[EPC Guy]

I'd like to know what kind of machine this is and how well it works as well...I've got some cruddy clad to put back into circulation...thanks!

[JCWhite]

Please let us know how it works.

[DougsGraphics]

Originally Posted by boobieinPa

What kind did you get?


Please let me know how the plastic beads do.

It's a Chicago Electric Power Tools vibratory polisher. It has a 5-lb capacity. It was a good deal on Ebay, new for about $60 delivered. Anyway, the beads I'm using are just some Hama beads that the kids had for their crafts. It was the best I had, plus I had some polishing media from my rotary tumbler (now defunct) so I added that. So far, it looks to be working pretty well, though I underestimated the time required (figured about 3 hours). I've run it for about 3 hours and it still requires more, but it's working pretty well. You can identify the coins now, and some are almost clean, though most still have a layer of dark oxide on most of the non-raised surfaces. I've probably got $80-90 worth of nickels, dimes, and quarters in with enough beads to fill the tumbler to just over 1/2 full with a few tablespoons of carbide powder added. The tumbler is meant to run dry... we'll wait and see. I've turned it on again tonight. I'll post some pictures once I figure this out.

I have never heard of carbide powder.
What is it & what are supposed to be it advantage?

[DougsGraphics]

Originally Posted by boobieinPa

I have never heard of carbide powder.


What is it & what are supposed to be it advantage?

Silicon carbide is a ceramic powder used as an abrasive. In lapidary work (polishing rocks) it is normally the first, most coarse abrasive. It was probably a bit too agressive. I let the tumbler run overnight and this morning things were pretty clean, but also a bit worn. No matter, its a learning experience and the clad is good enough to return to circulation.

[mtpockets]

they look pretty good doug.
I think I'll still opt for the Coinstar mach. I don't think I could handle the sound of all the clad turning about.