Question for those who tumble etch their beads

Angie09 · #1 2013-03-30, 5:48am

I really like to tumble etch my beads but haven't figured out a way to make it less messy. The silicate (I think that's the name .... the black fine sand) gets everywhere when I get the beads out of the tumbler. Currently I am just picking them out one by one .... is there a better way? I'm sure the black gunk isn't good for the drain pipes!!! Thanks!!

Dragonharper · #2 2013-03-30, 6:04am

The tumbling grit is reusable, you could rinse your beads using a kitchen sieve, and a large pot, like stock pot to catch the rinse water. Let the rinse water settle and pour off the clear water and keep the grit.

Croft Eeusk · #3 2013-03-30, 6:12am

I use a big sifter, put it over a bowl, pour about half barrel into sifter. Use rest of water in barrel to swirl/loosen rest of beads, pour into sifter. Lift sifter off bowl, pour water back into barrel as many times as needed, put sifter back on top of bowl. Still have to pick through, but not as much. I let the final bit of water in the bowl settle, pour out - outside - all but the bit of sludge left. That I put back into the barrel. Needless to say you can't use the stuff you use w/food again,

dj

glassymom · #4 2013-03-30, 7:15am

I use a small slotted spoon to get them out, then put them into a small plastic bowl of water. I give them a little scrub with a toothbrush and then into another bowl to rinse. I don't have plumbing in my studio. All the water/grit can be reused and I've had mine months now and it still works great. (my bowls are yogurt containers and stuff)

losthelm · #5 2013-03-30, 4:46pm

There are a few options, dumping into a large developer tray.
The trays have a little spout that helps poor the sand back in.

A small basket just like the sounder they use for fried food.
A strainer or sifter of some type.
Threading the beads prior to tumbling may also work.
I have not tried it with beads but it does wonders for small jewlery components.

28676bhe · #6 2013-03-30, 6:38pm

I thread mine on fishing line and just tie them in a circle. Works great!

Angie09 · #7 2013-03-30, 6:59pm

Thanks everyone .... I knew you'd have answers. I think tieing them together maybe the easiest for me but I may look for a sifter as well.

Elizabeth Beads · #8 2013-03-30, 7:18pm

Try letting the tumbler contents settle overnight. The silicon carbide will settle and you can fish out the beads with a long tweezer. Rinse and repeat.