Tumbling Tight Chain Maille Weaves.
by Kylie Jones
Here's a quick tip about tumbling tight chain maille weaves for a fine finish, and how to avoid getting tumbling media stuck inside.
Instructions
For weaves like byzantine that have tight small crevices throughout the weave I have a special stainless steel shape mix that I use. I used to use a mix of small steel balls and other shapes but for tight weaves the small balls can get caught throughout the chain, they are difficult to see and can be even harder to get out of the chain. Spending an hour checking every link can be frustrating and you will never be sure if you have missed one. If you sell your chain maille you don't really want a customer to open their beautiful gift box and find a couple of small steel balls sitting next to their beautiful chain. The small balls look like they are too big to get trapped inside but when you add the slippery burnishing compound and the pressure of the tumbling it is surprising how many will find their way inside.
Kylie Jones's Tumbling Tight Chain Maille Weaves.  - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Filing, Finishing, Tools, tumbling chain maille
So I have 2 mixes, one with no small balls for tight weaves and another for everything else. I substitute the small balls for small pins that can still get into tight areas to polish the chain but because of their length they won't get trapped.
Kylie Jones's Tumbling Tight Chain Maille Weaves.  - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Filing, Finishing, Tools, tumbling chain maille
Kylie Jones's Tumbling Tight Chain Maille Weaves.  - , Chain Maille Jewelry, Making Chain, Chain Making , Filing, Finishing, Tools, tumbling chain maille

Materials

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Tools

Stainless Steel Shot - 1 lb Bag
G24-4
  • G24-4
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $43.95
  • Gold Club Price: $32.96
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WireJewelry Professional Single Barrel Rotary Rock Tumbler with 3 Pound Capacity Drum (2021 Version)
G24-1V2
  • G24-1V2
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $106.60
  • Gold Club Price: $79.95
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  • Category: Chain Maille
  • Technique(s): Chain Making, Filing / Finishing, Tools