Product Description
3lb studio quality plastic barrel - the inside of the studio barrel has vanes, like little tabs, which helps to keep your jewellery moving about so it gets polished faster and more evenly. Having vanes is especially important if you tumble flat shapes, like charms and flat pendants.
Plastic drums are the easiest barrels to care for, and also the most economical option.
Compared to a rubber barrel they can be a little fiddlesome to open and close, and a little noisier. But despite what some sellers claim, they do not leak, and they don't jump off your tumbler, unless you are using them incorrectly.
To open and close the barrel you must to warm up one end with hot water, or it will eventually crack and/or leak. When you push on the lid, ensure there is no shot stuck in the lid or along the edge of the barrel, as this could pierce or crack the lid. It's important that the lids are pushed on as far as they can go. Once the lid is pressed on it needs "burping", so you press it with the palm of your hand, whilst lifting the edge slightly to expel as much air as possible. During prolonged tumbling, the air warms up and expands - if you haven't "burped" it, this can push the lid and cause it to leak.
"Burping" the barrel can be difficult if you have long nails or not full hand strength. Have a look at the rubber barrel instead.
Don't know which barrel to choose? Call us for advice!
GOOD POINTS
- Vanes speed up polishing
- Excellent value for money
- Long-lasting
- Easier to keep clean than rubber!
NOT SO GOOD POINTS
- Not suitable if you have long nails
- A little noisier than rubber
- End caps must be warmed when opening or closing
