9 quick guidelines for selecting the proper tumbling media:

1. Large media will cut faster than small media of the same bond (formulation)
2. Small parts, small media; large parts, large media
3. Flat (vs. round) media will do more work on edges
4. Large media is generally less expensive than small media
5. Soft metals usually demand lighter cutting and lighter weight media
6. Small media will produce a finer surface finish
7. Rounder shapes have more impact on the surface (vs. edges) than flatter shapes
8. Denser (heavier) media will lead to a higher polish
9. More aggressive bonds break down more quickly than less aggressive bonds