If you use a rock tumbler to clean coins...

bk

Bronze Member
Jan 19, 2005
1,423
65
SE Minnesota
Detector(s) used
Minelab Explorer SE pro, Minelab Explorer XS, Garrett Freedom II (3), Garrett pro-pointer.
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Don't do what I just did!

I have a 1 quart tumbler that I use to clean all my clad coins and wheat cents.
I usually fill the tumbler about 3/4 full of coins (dirt and all), then fill with water. Usually 6 hours in the tumbler will clean them well enough to be able to take to the bank. (Clads only).
I forgot to turn off the tumbler, so it ran for about 24 hours.
The following is what used to be a wheat cent:
 

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Oh! Too much rocker.

Been there and done it.

I once ruined some ancient coins this way.

Rock tumblers are awsome cleaning tools but they must be used in moderation.

Most of my valuable coins I sell on ebay spend some time in a rock tumbler (not with sand).

Better buy one of those timers.
 

Michigan Badger said:
Oh! Too much rocker.

Been there and done it.

I once ruined some ancient coins this way.

Rock tumblers are awsome cleaning tools but they must be used in moderation.

Most of my valuable coins I sell on ebay spend some time in a rock tumbler (not with sand).

Better buy one of those timers.
:-\ Hi Minelab "Badger". :) I have not been to this forum in a long while.The last time I talked to you.I asked permision to use the image of a token(D. W) you found.
I was reading a post of yours,about how you clean some valuable coins you sell on ebay......In a rock Tumbler....I wanted to ask 'What you use as a Medium'and what procedures you use?I am mainly interested in cleaning clad and mems ,and some wheats.I have used the fine ,and medium grid sands that come with a tumbler kit,but what a bloody mess.So time consuming for clad and Mems that you have to rinse these mediums off....And with a tumbler 1/2 full of mems .It just does not seem much worth my Time.I seen in the post that another guy uses just water,but that does not seem to be enough to clean his worn out wheaty....It still looks quite dirty....shiny and worn to the base,but still dirty.I want to ask what liquids you use ,and how long to leave in the tumbler?Like I said though.....I probably will only do clads and mems for a while "at first".
I also wanted to ask another question. In reading some Treasurenet Posts.I move on to the
Coin Preservation Techs.,and other subjects.I read alot of Conservators ,and Your Posts. I remember you telling me Months ago about soaking coins in Distilled Water...Now I read you are on to a "Mineral Water"Technique.
What is that all about?Where can you buy it? What procedures do you use ,and do you still conserve your finds with that Renaissance Wax ,like you used to?
Sorry ,So Many Q & so little A.....McNickle
 

Yes, I use it too, but just on the ocen money to take to the bank. Thanks for the picture
 

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