Cooksongold Help CentreAnswer
Aug 15, 2023 - 08:00 AM
For a 3lb Barrel it is recommend using 500 grams of shot, a level teaspoon of Barrelbrite compound and to half fill the barrel with cold water.
We always suggest running the barrel first without any jewellery to ensure that the inside of the barrel is completely clean.
As well as the inside of the barrel, the shot must also be kept clean and never allowed to oxidise or rust. Always keep the Shot under a solution of water and Barrelbrite powder.
Please ensure that all pieces are thoroughly cleaned using an Ultrasonic Cleaner before barreling. Any traces of dirt will contaminate the Shot and Barrelbrite compound.
Highest efficiency is obtained when the proportion of compound and work items is correctly balanced. The maximum size should be around 30% of the barrel volume.
As the range of jewellery items that can be processed is so large we can only suggest a starting point. As a guideline, for pieces around the size of a coin, try about 10 items or less.
Expect a finishing time of around 30 minutes – 2 hours. The finish can be varied by altering the water content, more water gives a gentler action.
If items are very dirty , wash out the barrel thoroughly and replace the Barrelbrite solution – items will not clean properly in dirty compounds.
