After having my beads tumble in the tumbler for 8 hours, using 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper, I changed them over to the other barrel.  This time I am using 800 grit wet/dry sandpaper.  I found the finer grits at an auto supply store.  I checked all of the beads before I closed the barrel.  They where glossier and also smoother and none of them damaged.  I am re-using the sandpaper in the first barrel to work on other beads.  I am trying not to mix light and dark colored beads together.  I have heard of them becoming discolored.  In the second batch I started, I also added three barrettes that where made with the same cane as the beads.  I will see how that works out.  I will check both barrels after four hours and check on the beads inside.  I think that I will allow the tumbler to run all night.  It is very quiet and won’t keep any one up with the noise.

Posted by Helen in Tips and Techniques on March 2nd, 2007 |