Which tumbling media is best for cleaning clad

[Digger Don]

I just picked up a 5 lb. Vibratory tumbler. Is it best to use dry media or can I use wet ceramic media?
I guess what I'm asking Is What do you use ?
Thanks

[coinnut]

I have been thinking the same, since I'm just not happy tumbling the clad. Either contact the people you bought it from and ask what you would use to polish up coins, copper and also nickel. They may tell you. The other option is to look at E bay and find someone selling media for vibratory tumblers and pick their brain. The third option is to just buy and try some media and see how it works.

[POKIE73]

i use aqurium gravel and dawn soap seems to work good the bank takes them dennis

[freemindstuck]

My buddy who reloads ammo just uses white rice when cleaning his brass. Not sure how that will translate over to coins? But some experimentation and the results would be interesting.

[giant056]

What I use for clad in my tumbler is dish soap, the clad and I have a hand full of square nails I'll throw in with it, it seems to work good enough for me. I just roll them up after and take them to the bank.

[Tony Two-Cent]

I can't help you with a vibratory tumbler, I've only used a rotary. I've never used any media with it, just some water and dish soap.

[Digger Don]

Thanks everyone, I'll do some experimenting this weekend

[coinnut]

Whatever you do, don't use sand :lol: they come out frosted like beach coins

[Skamaniac]

I've got a vibrating tumber and use the plastic pyramid shaped pieces that are for removing rust from nuts and bolts. When I clean the clad, I just want them clean enough to read the dates and be accepted by the coin counting machines, and it does a nice job in two hours. The directions on my tumbler say to use only dry media, but have wondered about using wet. Please let know what you find that works well.

[Mayadigger]

Ave!

Duh...what's clad?

Best,

Kevin

[coinnut]

Clad is what we call post 1964 dimes, quarters...etc But we also include nickels and zinc and copper alloy memorials. We hate clad but love it when we cash it in :lol:

[BTV Digger]

I'm similar to Tony in that just use a rotary tumbler with water, aquarium gravel and a few drops of dish soap for my clad. Coins turn out just fine.

BTV Digger