Raytech 9/16 in XF Plastic Cone Tumbling Media for Fine Surface Conditioning

Raytech 9/16 in XF Cones are plastic tumbling media for very fine surface conditioning in a vibratory tumbler. Raytech designs them for soft metals such as copper, brass and aluminum, and says they leave a smooth finish with little shine. They suit detectorists and hobbyists cleaning up brass and copper relics, jewelry and hardware, and anyone smoothing soft-metal parts before plating, painting or anodizing.

Who Raytech XF plastic cones are for

These cones fit someone who wants to smooth and clean soft-metal pieces without heavy cutting. Typical jobs are removing light scratches and tool marks or taking a relic down to an even surface. Raytech states the media does not discolor metal and does not peen over burrs.

Look at a different media if you need shine, heavy cutting or steel. For a bright finish, follow the cones with a burnishing step, such as Raytech porcelain balls with a burnishing compound. For faster cutting on harder parts, Raytech's ceramic and Ceramalite media cut more aggressively. You will find both in our Raytech collection.

A caution for coin hunters: tumbling removes patina and changes the surface of a coin. Our practical recommendation is to keep these cones for relics, jewelry and common finds, and never tumble a coin that may have collector value.

Key features and what they mean in use

• XF plastic, very fine conditioning: Smooths and evens out the surface rather than grinding metal away. Raytech notes low RMS finishes are commonly achieved.
• Smooth finish, little shine: This is a conditioning and pre-finish step, not a polish. Plan a separate burnishing or polishing step if you want a bright result.
• No discoloring, no peened burrs: Safe on soft metals that mark easily, and burrs are removed rather than folded over.
• 9/16 in cone shape: The pointed tip reaches into recesses and inside corners.
• 55 lb/cu ft density: Raytech rates its plastic media about 30% lighter than ceramic, which keeps the action gentle on delicate pieces.
• Made for Raytech Compound B: Raytech specifies Compound B solution with these cones. It keeps the media and parts clean and carries away the fines while you run.

What is in the box

• Raytech 9/16 in XF plastic cones, 20 lb (Raytech 41334R) or 50 lb (Raytech 41337R)

Not included: Compound B solution, a tumbler or a separating screen. Compound B is sold separately in our Raytech collection.

Compatibility and how much media you need

The cones are made for vibratory tumblers and are used with liquid Compound B. At 55 lb/cu ft, a 20 lb bag is about 0.36 cu ft of media and a 50 lb bag is about 0.9 cu ft. Compare that with your tumbler bowl's capacity in cubic feet. A 20 lb bag gives a small hobby tumbler several fills and spare media, while the 50 lb bag suits larger bowls or frequent runs. Find tumblers, bowls and parts in our tumblers and cleaning supplies collection.

Our practical recommendation for sizing: choose media that cannot jam in your parts. A 9/16 in cone suits pieces with no small holes or slots it could lodge in. For tiny pieces or fine openings, Raytech's 1/4 in pyramids are the better size.

Where XF cones work well, and where they do not

• Brass, copper and aluminum: The intended metals. Raytech's guidance is for soft metals, and its tech note also lists zinc.
• Pre-plating, pre-paint and pre-anodizing prep: A listed Raytech use. It produces an even, smooth surface for the coating.
• Relics and hardware from the field: Good for evening out light pitting and scratches after initial cleaning. Heavy corrosion needs a more aggressive first step.
• Steel and titanium: Not the right media. Raytech's ceramic media is made for harder metals.
• Final shine: Not this media's job. Expect a smooth, satin-like surface.

How XF cones differ from other Raytech media

Compared with Raytech's 1/4 in plastic pyramids, the cones are larger, which makes them easier to separate from small parts but a poor fit for tiny pieces or fine holes. The pyramids come in light, medium and very fine cut grades if you want to step through stages in the small size. Compared with Ceramalite and ceramic media, the plastic cones cut far less and are lighter, so they are the gentler option for soft metals and a final conditioning step. Browse tumbler bowls and parts in our tumbler parts and accessories collection.

California Proposition 65 warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.