Crazy question.

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Jstorm

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I have a cheap tumbler and I want to try to learn how to tumble. I know the video's are out there but is it true you can crush up old bottles and use them to tumble your bottles? Yes I am cheap and trying to experiment a little instead of buying the copper. Thanks
 

Roy

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I have a cheap tumbler and I want to try to learn how to tumble. I know the video's are out there but is it true you can crush up old bottles and use them to tumble your bottles? Yes I am cheap and trying to experiment a little instead of buying the copper. Thanks
Wow!!! I would wish you well with that.
I doubt you will have the results you are looking for. Roy
 

willong

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Checking in to see what opinion others have voiced, I don't see what I wrote this morning. I must have neglected to click on the "Post reply" button. (One more hazard of advancing years.)

So, here goes again. Since particles of ground up bottles are not much different than the sand the glass was made of, other than having sharper edges, I suspect that if you tumble with such material you will end up with a "sandblasted" appearance on your tumbled bottles. The effect should be similar to that produced on the surface of a bottle that has tumbled in the surf on a sandy beach for a long time, though achieved faster with the sharper glass particles.

I would not suggest trying the process unless you desire a matt finish. Of course, you could always tumble a low-value or otherwise worthless bottle as an experiment. A matte-finished and wide-mouthed blue, green or amber bottle might make an attractive bud vase or a pencil holder for your desk and thus not be a total waste of time :D !

Let us know the results--photo preferred.

WL
 

Len

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Ok J-Storm,

Here is another 411. The place where many new tumblers get their start, Harbor Freight, sells inexpensive finely ground glass, 40/70 grit, 5lbs., for about $6. Used dry its like they say--a slow process for marginal returns in most cases. However, used wet like in a slurry with a probe and wad the results are quicker and much better. The prior steps in cleaning and type of stain will also dictate use... Good to see you on site again. "Go White Sox!" ...Btw, the question wasn't crazy, rooting for the 'Sox de blanco might be. "Aren't we all?" said the TX Rangers fan. :)
 
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Jstorm

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Checking in to see what opinion others have voiced, I don't see what I wrote this morning. I must have neglected to click on the "Post reply" button. (One more hazard of advancing years.)

So, here goes again. Since particles of ground up bottles are not much different than the sand the glass was made of, other than having sharper edges, I suspect that if you tumble with such material you will end up with a "sandblasted" appearance on your tumbled bottles. The effect should be similar to that produced on the surface of a bottle that has tumbled in the surf on a sandy beach for a long time, though achieved faster with the sharper glass particles.

I would not suggest trying the process unless you desire a matt finish. Of course, you could always tumble a low-value or otherwise worthless bottle as an experiment. A matte-finished and wide-mouthed blue, green or amber bottle might make an attractive bud vase or a pencil holder for your desk and thus not be a total waste of time :D !

Let us know the results--photo preferred.

WL
Thanks for that info
 

Jstorm

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Ok J-Storm,

Here is another 411. The place where many new tumblers get their start, Harbor Freight, sells inexpensive finely ground glass, 40/70 grit, 5lbs., for about $6. Used dry its like they say--a slow process for marginal returns in most cases. However, used wet like in a slurry with a probe and wad the results are quicker and much better. The prior steps in cleaning and type of stain will also dictate use... Good to see you on site again. "Go White Sox!" ...Btw, the question wasn't crazy, rooting for the 'Sox de blanco might be. "Aren't we all?" said the TX Rangers fan.
Thanks Len for that. I will send you an email!
 

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