Rotary Tumbler for De-burring and Polishing Metal Parts

**Max Maker** · Jun 9, 2019, 12:09 PM

I use a lot of laser cut parts and they always have a burr on the underside. So I made a rotary tumbler to finish a lot of parts simultaneously. The builder only took about half a day and is well worth it. Now when I take some parts of the CNC I can just throw them in there and not worry about de-burring anything.

There is also a full Instructable in the description.

**Altair** · Jun 9, 2019, 07:55 PM

Thanks Max Maker! We've added your Rotary Tumbler to our Buffing and Polishing category,
as well as to your builder page: Max Maker's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Rotary Tumbler by Max Maker

tags: polisher, tumbler

**oi789** · Jun 11, 2019, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by Max Maker

I use a lot of laser cut parts and they always have a burr on the underside. So I made a rotary tumbler to finish a lot of parts simultaneously. The builder only took about half a day and is well worth it. Now when I take some parts of the CNC I can just throw them in there and not worry about de-burring anything.

There is also a full Instructable in the description.

Why did you use a threaded rod and not just a solid rod for the drive?

**piloon** · Jun 16, 2019, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by oi789

Why did you use a threaded rod and not just a solid rod for the drive?

I had a friend that made small automotive parts that needed 'finishing'.
His solution was a DIY drum type concrete mixer, the 1 bag type.
He'd toss in some sand and tumble away.

**Toolmaker51** · Jun 16, 2019, 05:26 PM

Tumbler works well, and granite is a good substitute for commercial ceramic media. That it produces a good surface texture is equal or better proof than deburring corners.
I have one suggestion; one to three helical fins inside will increase the 'agitation' and reduce processing time. Rivets and silicone sealant will do the trick.