Rotary tumbler question

[Longstrider]

I'm thinking of making a case tumbler (rotary drum type) and would appreciate it if someone who has a 'proper' one could tell me what RPM the drum turns at. Looking to try wet tumbling with SS pins without forking out sillypennies for something posh
With the right info I'll know what motor/gearing I need. The rest I can knock up in the workshop.

Thanks in advance

 

[splash]

Land Rover windscreen wiper motor should be perfect

 

[Tonup]

There isn't a simple answer to this.
It depends on the internal diameter of the drum. A rotating drum has a "critical speed", the speed at which centrifugal forces balance with gravitational forces so the stuff in the drum sticks to the side wall for a complete revolution. For maximum tumbling effect you want your drum to run at about 70% of critical speed.
This link will take you to a critical speed calculator,

SAGMILLING.COM .:. Mill Critical Speed Determination

Hope this helps

 

[Stalker62]

Land Rover windscreen wiper motor should be perfect

Well it does **** all on my 110's windscreen...

 

[Mike_E]

Well it does **** all on my 110's windscreen...

I was going to say of all the manufacturers to choose Land-rover would not be the one !! That's coming from a 90 driver too...

 

[splash]

The motor is fine, cheaper than most too !
I also have a 90
It’s the gearboxes on the wipers that are shall we say iffy.
The motors last years

 

[gonzo]

Mine has stirer baffles, like in a washing machine or cement mixer. So it doesn't matter what speed.
But prob about 20-30rpm

 

[jimmer.13]

I made mine from an old drinks cooler and some skate board wheels. A bit of theaded bar a few washers and nuts and a couple of bits of old timber.
I use a cordless drill to power it and set the speed using a cable tie round the trigger.
I currently use brown rice as media and I am happy with the results.
Just check for rice stuck in the primer pockets.

 

[Stiffy]

tell me what RPM the drum turns at

I use Beach Tumblers, my old one ran at 45rpm until I geared it to run at 40rpm, and the newer one runs at 60rpm.
They're easy enough to make, but if you're using it within earshot, consider getting a rubber barrel, otherwise the noise is torturous.

 

[safer]

Go for around 60 revs per minute but if you have faster motor you can easily install speed controller. Most old wiper motors have at least two speed motor.

 

[Longstrider]

Go for around 60 revs per minute but if you have faster motor you can easily install speed controller. Most old wiper motors have at least two speed motor.View attachment 193888

Now THAT's what I call a tumbler

Question now is .. If I plan on cleaning up 100 .270 cases at a time, how much SS pin media will I be wanting to chuck in with them ? I'll be doing .204 cases as well so I'm thinking of getting the smaller pins, especially if someone has a good link to finding them at sensible money.

 

[AN DU RU FOX]

Well it does **** all on my 110's windscreen...

doesn,t need to it doesn,t move!

 

[safer]

Now THAT's what I call a tumbler

Question now is .. If I plan on cleaning up 100 .270 cases at a time, how much SS pin media will I be wanting to chuck in with them ? I'll be doing .204 cases as well so I'm thinking of getting the smaller pins, especially if someone has a good link to finding them at sensible money.

I use two pounds of pins to clean 50 of 308s or 100 of 357. I don't put more than that because of the motor. It takes an hour's for each cycle. Brass comes out like new with right mix with water. I use washinb up liquid, Ciff cream cleaner and cider vinegar. Wash them well after because vinegar will make them go dark later. I dry brass in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes at 100 degree Celsius.

 

[mallettn]

Nice rig you've made Safer. What is the motor from if you don't mind me asking?

 

[safer]

Nice rig you've made Safer. What is the motor from if you don't mind me asking?

Its car window wiper motor. This one is from Golf MK5 but because it is electronically controlled I had to bypass and wire straight to the motor. If you can find older non-electronic motors you can just connect to the outside connector and even get two different speed. I have used old VW or Skoda motors. I have used these to make spit roast rigg among other car parts

 

[mallettn]

Great stuff - thanks for the tips

 

[25 Sharps]

You could always get a replacement pigeon magnet motor from eBay and a speed controller

 

[Jamsie]

I use two pounds of pins to clean 50 of 308s or 100 of 357. I don't put more than that because of the motor. It takes an hour's for each cycle. Brass comes out like new with right mix with water. I use washinb up liquid, Ciff cream cleaner and cider vinegar. Wash them well after because vinegar will make them go dark later. I dry brass in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes at 100 degree Celsius.

I use a splash of fairy liquid, a dishwasher tablet and a couple of teaspoons of citric acid crystals, top up with warm water then tumble for an hour. Same procedure as you for drying them off. Works a treat.

Jamsie