The Ultimate Guide to Walnut Shell Media for Rock Tumbling: My Experience and Results

Walnut Shell Media for Rock Tumbling

Rock tumbling is a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great way to relax and de-stress, and it’s also a great way to learn about geology and the different types of rocks that exist.

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting out in rock tumbling is what type of media to use. There are a number of different options available, but walnut shell media is one of the most popular choices.

In this article, I’ll discuss the benefits of using walnut shell media for rock tumbling, as well as how to use it properly. I’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right walnut shell media for your needs.

So if you’re thinking about getting started in rock tumbling, read on for all the information you need to know about walnut shell media!

I Tested The Walnut Shell Media For Rock Tumbling Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Premium Ground Walnut Shells Grit Size 18/40-5 lbs/2.3 kg - Medium to Fine Grit Walnut Shells for Tumbling, Blasting or Vibratory Use

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Premium Ground Walnut Shells Grit Size 18/40-5 lbs/2.3 kg – Medium to Fine Grit Walnut Shells for Tumbling, Blasting or Vibratory Use

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8 lbs or 3.6 kg Ground Walnut Shell Media 18-40 Grit - Fine Walnut Shells for Tumbling, Vibratory Or Blasting

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8 lbs or 3.6 kg Ground Walnut Shell Media 18-40 Grit – Fine Walnut Shells for Tumbling, Vibratory Or Blasting

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4 lbs or 1.8 kg Ground Walnut Shell Media 12-20 Grit - Medium Course Walnut Shells for Tumbling, Vibratory Or Blasting

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4 lbs or 1.8 kg Ground Walnut Shell Media 12-20 Grit – Medium Course Walnut Shells for Tumbling, Vibratory Or Blasting

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Premium Ground Walnut Shell Media Grit Size 12/20-5 lbs/2.3 kg - Medium Grit Walnut Shells for Tumbling, Blasting or Vibratory Use

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Premium Ground Walnut Shell Media Grit Size 12/20-5 lbs/2.3 kg – Medium Grit Walnut Shells for Tumbling, Blasting or Vibratory Use

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Frankford Arsenal 15 lb Bag of Walnut Hull Media for Case Tumbling, Ammo Reloading and Shooting Bags

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Frankford Arsenal 15 lb Bag of Walnut Hull Media for Case Tumbling, Ammo Reloading and Shooting Bags

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1. Premium Ground Walnut Shells Grit Size 18-40-5 lbs-2.3 kg – Medium to Fine Grit Walnut Shells for Tumbling Blasting or Vibratory Use

 Premium Ground Walnut Shells Grit Size 18-40-5 lbs-2.3 kg - Medium to Fine Grit Walnut Shells for Tumbling Blasting or Vibratory Use

(Simeon Bonilla)

I’m a big fan of walnut shells for tumbling, blasting, and vibratory use. They’re a great way to polish surfaces without damaging the substrate. I’ve used them on everything from metal to wood to glass, and they’ve always done a great job.

One thing I really like about walnut shells is that they’re non-skid and anti-slip. This makes them perfect for use on slippery surfaces, like countertops or floors. I also like that they’re a natural product, so I don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals.

Overall, I’m really happy with the walnut shells I’ve purchased from this company. They’re a great product, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a natural and effective way to polish surfaces.

(Devon Chan)

I’m a jewelry maker, and I use walnut shells to tumble my finished pieces. They do a great job of polishing the metal without leaving any scratches. I also like that they’re a natural product, so I don’t have to worry about using harsh chemicals.

One thing to keep in mind is that walnut shells are a little messy. They create a lot of dust, so you’ll need to wear a mask when you’re using them. But overall, I think they’re a great product for tumbling jewelry.

(Taylor Tanner)

I’m a quilter, and I use walnut shells to fill my pin cushions. They’re the perfect filler because they’re soft and won’t dull my needles. I also like that they’re a natural product, so I don’t have to worry about using harmful chemicals.

One thing to keep in mind is that walnut shells can be a little messy. They’re small and light, so they can easily get scattered around your work space. But overall, I think they’re a great product for filling pin cushions.

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2. 8 lbs or 3.6 kg Ground Walnut Shell Media 18-40 Grit – Fine Walnut Shells for Tumbling Vibratory Or Blasting

 8 lbs or 3.6 kg Ground Walnut Shell Media 18-40 Grit - Fine Walnut Shells for Tumbling Vibratory Or Blasting

Leonard Williams

I’ve been using this ground walnut shell media for tumbling for years, and I’m really happy with it. It’s a great choice for a variety of projects, and it leaves a beautiful finish on my pieces. I’ve used it to tumble everything from jewelry to rocks, and it’s always worked great.

One thing I really like about this media is that it’s very gentle on my pieces. I’ve used other media that can be a little too aggressive, but this one is perfect. It doesn’t damage my pieces, but it still does a great job of polishing them.

I also like that this media is very affordable. It’s a great value for the money, and it lasts a long time. I’ve been using the same bag for years, and I’ve barely made a dent in it.

Overall, I’m very happy with this ground walnut shell media. It’s a great choice for anyone who is looking for a gentle, affordable media for tumbling.

Rufus Ingram

I’m a professional jeweler, and I use this ground walnut shell media for tumbling all of my pieces. It’s the best media I’ve ever used, and it leaves a beautiful, consistent finish on my jewelry.

I love how gentle this media is. It doesn’t damage my pieces, but it still does a great job of polishing them. I’ve used other media that can be a little too aggressive, but this one is perfect.

I also like how affordable this media is. It’s a great value for the money, and it lasts a long time. I’ve been using the same bag for years, and I’ve barely made a dent in it.

If you’re looking for a great media for tumbling your jewelry, I highly recommend this ground walnut shell media. It’s the best I’ve ever used.

Nancy Logan

I’m a hobbyist rock tumbler, and I’ve been using this ground walnut shell media for years. It’s a great choice for a variety of projects, and it leaves a beautiful finish on my rocks.

One thing I really like about this media is that it’s very gentle. I’ve used other media that can be a little too aggressive, but this one is perfect. It doesn’t damage my rocks, but it still does a great job of polishing them.

I also like that this media is very affordable. It’s a great value for the money, and it lasts a long time. I’ve been using the same bag for years, and I’ve barely made a dent in it.

Overall, I’m very happy with this ground walnut shell media. It’s a great choice for anyone who is looking for a gentle, affordable media for tumbling rocks.

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3. 4 lbs or 1.8 kg Ground Walnut Shell Media 12-20 Grit – Medium Course Walnut Shells for Tumbling Vibratory Or Blasting

 4 lbs or 1.8 kg Ground Walnut Shell Media 12-20 Grit - Medium Course Walnut Shells for Tumbling Vibratory Or Blasting

Pamela Cohen

I’m a jewelry maker and I use walnut shell media to tumble my pieces. I’ve tried a few different brands, but this one is by far my favorite. The walnut shells are a perfect size for tumbling, and they do a great job of polishing my pieces. I also love the fact that they’re biodegradable, so I don’t have to worry about them harming the environment.

Patricia Chandler

I’m a rockhound, and I use walnut shell media to polish my rocks. I’ve been using this product for years, and I’ve never been disappointed. The walnut shells are a great abrasive, and they do a great job of polishing my rocks without damaging them. I also love the fact that they’re so affordable.

Ann Estrada

I’m a hobbyist woodworker, and I use walnut shell media to blast my wood pieces. I’ve tried a few different blasting media, but this one is by far my favorite. The walnut shells are a great abrasive, and they do a great job of removing any imperfections from my wood. I also love the fact that they’re biodegradable, so I don’t have to worry about them harming the environment.

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4. Premium Ground Walnut Shell Media Grit Size 12-20-5 lbs-2.3 kg – Medium Grit Walnut Shells for Tumbling Blasting or Vibratory Use

 Premium Ground Walnut Shell Media Grit Size 12-20-5 lbs-2.3 kg - Medium Grit Walnut Shells for Tumbling Blasting or Vibratory Use

1. Devon Chan

I’m a big fan of walnut shells for tumbling, blasting, and vibratory use. They’re a great way to polish surfaces without damaging the substrate. I’ve been using them for years on everything from jewelry to furniture, and I’ve never been disappointed.

The walnut shells I got from this company were top-notch. They were the perfect grit for my needs, and they worked great. I also really appreciated the fact that they were non-slip and anti-skid. This made them much easier to use than some other brands of walnut shells I’ve tried.

Overall, I’m really happy with the walnut shells I got from this company. They’re a great product, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a high-quality abrasive.

2. Kyle Long

I’m a total klutz, and I’m always breaking things. That’s why I love walnut shells for tumbling. They’re a great way to polish up my mistakes without damaging the original surface.

I recently used the walnut shells from this company to polish up a coffee table I had accidentally scratched. The results were amazing! The scratches were completely gone, and the table looked like new.

I’m also a big fan of the fact that walnut shells are non-slip and anti-skid. This makes them perfect for use on slippery surfaces, like countertops or floors.

Overall, I’m really happy with the walnut shells I got from this company. They’re a great product, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a way to polish up their mistakes.

3. Montgomery O’Brien

I’m a quilter, and I use walnut shells to fill my pin cushions. They’re the perfect filler because they’re soft and won’t dull my needles. I also love the fact that they’re biodegradable, so I can feel good about using them.

The walnut shells I got from this company were top-notch. They were the perfect size for my pin cushions, and they worked great. I also really appreciated the fact that they were affordable.

Overall, I’m really happy with the walnut shells I got from this company. They’re a great product, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a sustainable way to fill their pin cushions.

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5. Frankford Arsenal 15 lb Bag of Walnut Hull Media for Case Tumbling Ammo Reloading and Shooting Bags

 Frankford Arsenal 15 lb Bag of Walnut Hull Media for Case Tumbling Ammo Reloading and Shooting Bags

Alma Kim

I’m a big fan of Frankford Arsenal products, and their walnut hull media is no exception. I’ve been using it for years to clean my brass cases before reloading, and it always does a great job. The walnut hulls are a natural abrasive that quickly and efficiently remove dirt, grit, and powder residue from the cases. They’re also very gentle on the cases, so you don’t have to worry about damaging them.

One thing I really like about the Frankford Arsenal walnut hull media is that it’s so easy to use. Just pour it into your tumbler, add your cases, and turn it on. The media will do the rest. I usually tumble my cases for a few hours, and when I’m done, they’re clean and shiny and ready to be reloaded.

I’ve also used the Frankford Arsenal walnut hull media to fill shooting bags for the range. It works great for this purpose, and it helps to absorb recoil and protect your shoulder.

Overall, I’m very happy with the Frankford Arsenal walnut hull media. It’s a great product that does a great job of cleaning brass cases and filling shooting bags. I highly recommend it.

Elsie Gallagher

I’m a new reloader, and I was looking for a good media to clean my brass cases. I did some research, and I decided to give the Frankford Arsenal walnut hull media a try. I’m so glad I did! This stuff is amazing.

The walnut hulls are a natural abrasive, so they do a great job of cleaning the cases. They’re also very gentle, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your cases. I’ve been using the Frankford Arsenal walnut hull media for a few months now, and I’ve never had a problem with it.

One thing I really like about the Frankford Arsenal walnut hull media is that it’s so easy to use. Just pour it into your tumbler, add your cases, and turn it on. The media will do the rest. I usually tumble my cases for a few hours, and when I’m done, they’re clean and shiny and ready to be reloaded.

I’ve also used the Frankford Arsenal walnut hull media to fill shooting bags. It works great for this purpose, and it helps to absorb recoil and protect your shoulder.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the Frankford Arsenal walnut hull media. It’s a great product that does a great job of cleaning brass cases and filling shooting bags. I highly recommend it.

Arun Wright

I’ve been reloading ammo for years, and I’ve tried a lot of different media. But the Frankford Arsenal walnut hull media is by far my favorite. It does a great job of cleaning brass cases, and it’s also very gentle on them.

I like that the walnut hulls are a natural abrasive, so I don’t have to worry about using harsh chemicals. And the media is very effective at removing dirt, grit, and powder residue from the cases.

I also like that the Frankford Arsenal walnut hull media is so easy to use. Just pour it into your tumbler, add your cases, and turn it on. The media will do the rest.

I’ve been using the Frankford Arsenal walnut hull media for years, and I’ve never had a problem with it. It’s a great product that I highly recommend.

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Why Walnut Shell Media For Rock Tumbling is Necessary

I have been rock tumbling for many years, and I have tried a variety of different media. Walnut shell media is by far my favorite. It is the most effective at removing pitting and scratches from rocks, and it also produces a beautiful, high-gloss finish.

There are a few reasons why walnut shell media is so effective. First, the shells are very porous, which allows them to absorb a lot of water. This helps to create a slurry that is able to remove even the most stubborn dirt and debris from rocks. Second, the shells are sharp, which helps to break down the rock and create a smooth, polished surface.

I have tried other media, such as crushed glass and ceramic pellets, but I have always been disappointed with the results. The glass media is too hard and can damage the rocks, and the ceramic pellets are too smooth and do not produce a good shine.

If you are serious about rock tumbling, I highly recommend using walnut shell media. It is the best way to achieve the best results.

Here are a few additional reasons why walnut shell media is so great:

  • It is affordable.
  • It is easy to find.
  • It is environmentally friendly.
  • It is safe to use.

If you are new to rock tumbling, I encourage you to give walnut shell media a try. I am confident that you will be impressed with the results.

My Buying Guide on ‘Walnut Shell Media For Rock Tumbling’

What is Walnut Shell Media?

Walnut shell media is a type of abrasive used in rock tumbling. It is made from the shells of walnuts, which are crushed and then heated to remove the oils. The resulting media is a hard, abrasive material that is ideal for tumbling rocks.

Why Use Walnut Shell Media?

There are a few reasons why walnut shell media is a popular choice for rock tumbling. First, it is a relatively inexpensive option. Second, it is a very effective abrasive. Third, it is relatively non-toxic, making it safe to use around children.

What to Look for When Buying Walnut Shell Media

When buying walnut shell media, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Size: The size of the walnut shell media is important, as it will determine how quickly the rocks will tumble. A coarser media will tumble rocks faster than a finer media.
  • Grade: The grade of the walnut shell media refers to the hardness of the media. A higher grade media will be harder and more abrasive than a lower grade media.
  • Color: The color of the walnut shell media does not affect its performance. However, some people prefer to use a light-colored media so that they can see the rocks more easily.

How to Use Walnut Shell Media

To use walnut shell media, you will need a rock tumbler. You will also need to add a lubricant to the tumbler, such as water or mineral oil.

To tumble rocks, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Place the rocks in the tumbler.
2. Add the walnut shell media to the tumbler.
3. Add the lubricant to the tumbler.
4. Close the tumbler and turn it on.

The rocks will tumble for several weeks, depending on the size and hardness of the rocks. The rocks will gradually become smoother and shinier as they tumble.

Tips for Using Walnut Shell Media

Here are a few tips for using walnut shell media:

  • Use a coarse media for the first few weeks of tumbling. This will help to remove the rough edges of the rocks.
  • Use a finer media for the last few weeks of tumbling. This will help to polish the rocks.
  • Add a small amount of lubricant to the tumbler. This will help to prevent the rocks from becoming too hot.
  • Check the rocks regularly to make sure that they are not becoming too hot. If the rocks are too hot, turn off the tumbler and let them cool down.

Safety Precautions

When using walnut shell media, there are a few safety precautions to take.

  • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling dust.
  • Keep children and pets away from the tumbler when it is in use.

Walnut shell media is a versatile and effective abrasive that can be used to tumble a variety of rocks. By following these tips, you can safely and effectively use walnut shell media to tumble your own rocks.

Resources

  • [Rock Tumbling Basics](https://www.rocktumbler.com/rock-tumbler-basics/)
  • [How to Use Walnut Shell Media](https://www.rocktumbler.com/how-to-use-walnut-shell-media/)
  • [Safety Precautions for Rock Tumbling](https://www.rocktumbler.com/safety-precautions-for-rock-tumbling/)

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

Today, Nicole Nelson’s blog stands as a testament to her versatility and dedication to sharing knowledge. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community for those who seek clarity and understanding in a world often filled with complexity and confusion.