ModelSpace
»
Tutorials & Helpful Topics
»
Model Making Know-How
»
Magnetic Tumbler - Preparation of die cast parts
|
|
|
|
I’m trying something new ( for me ) with my MFH Alfa 158 kit build and I thought this may be the place to share the experience and invite comment from anyone who may have tried the same.
To help with the preparation of the die cast parts such as those in MFH kits, I have purchased a magnetic tumbler. It is a relatively pricey item but so are these multi media 1/12 scale kits and since I intend to build more I thought it to be worthwhile. ( I should have bought it for I built my 1/20 scale kits. It would have helped a lot ).
This Chinese one is quite easily found on the net and came with 400gm of 0.5mm stainless steel rod media to do the polishing work. There’s a solid base unit with controls for time and rotation ( single or alternating direction ). A plastic bowl and lid sits on top to contain the media and work pieces.RM1 attached the following image(s):
|
|
|
|
|
The mechanism is a slow speed rotating set of magnets below the table which “tumbles” the pins and work pieces in a water based solution in the plastic tub on top.RM1 attached the following image(s):
|
|
|
|
|
It needs a smallish liquid level in the container and I’m trying this solution for ultrasonic cleaning. It’s a sort of lubricant and degreaser which I’ve found gives good results.
One or two ml's in the water is quite sufficient. So the bottle will last ages.RM1 attached the following image(s):
|
|
|
|
|
My experience is that around 20 minutes with alternating direction gives a great result. Serious flashing has to be removed by hand first but the tumbling gives a great prep’ for painting or further polishing ( by Micromesh etc. ) to get a mirror finish where required.RM1 attached the following image(s):
|
|
|
|
|
It's difficult to see the great job that this does from just the photograph. But it really is a worthwhile process. Before and after shots below.
I'd be interested to know if anyone else on the forum has used this equipment.
Malc.RM1 attached the following image(s):
|
|
|
|
Guest
|
ModelSpace
»
Tutorials & Helpful Topics
»
Model Making Know-How
»
Magnetic Tumbler - Preparation of die cast parts
Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.
US
