coin tumbler question

I have tried various methods and products in my tumbler.
I would like to know if anyone has ever just used just water and coins in one. Without any soap at all.
If you have what is your opinion of it.
I have noticed that when I use the aquarium gravel I do get very tine marks on the coins, and I really didn't care for the walnut shells.

[dfxmaine]

I tried no soap.........results are not good harder to rinse the grime......I tumble for an hour rinse and reload makes a big difference......i just clean clad so I'm not worried about marks..........

[dewcon]

I didnt care much for the results. Have you tried those tiny yellow plastic bee bees that walmart sells?

No I haven't tried them yet. How did they work for you?

Hey Boobie what kind of soap are you using? I have been thinking of using plastic beads that you string to make jewelry with. like the diamond shaped ones

I use WASHING SODA.
It may be hard to find. It only takes about a tablespoon.
Most places just carry baking soda.

what about (Borax) I don't use it on my silver but do on copper

I only clean clad that I am planning to turn in to the bank with a tumbler. I would never do this to any keeper coins. I use a just regular old pea gravel. I put in a squirt of Dawn dish washing soap, and I fill my tumber about 1/4 of the way with water. Tumble for a few hours. The coins are not shiny new but clean enough to trade in at the bank.

In your opinion, what is a "keeper coin" (past what year? 64' ...earlier?).

Keepers for me are any copper and silver coins. I would probably keep gold coins too, just haven't run across any yet . There are a few others that I will keep also such as Sacagawea dollars and Kennedy halfs, just cuz I like em.