Vibratory Tumbler

[semi42]

I’ve seen a few videos showing vibratory tumblers and I’m particularly interested in those that polish aluminium to a mirror finish .
Tempted to make my own as they look quite simple.
Has anyone had any experience with this ?
What media is recommended for the mirror finish?
I intend to tumble nothing larger than say, alternator casings and other small parts.
These would be fine shotblasted before tumbled.

 

[seber]

I use them for stones and for polishing brass. In stones the final polish is very fine abrasive (titanium dioxide) with plastic pellets and water. For brass I just use walnut shells and fine abrasive (cerium oxide) dry. I haven't tried it with aluminum.