Rotary Tumbler

[User00044]

Was considering a move across to rotary tumbling brass . Given that I'm not a large batch reloader I thought the prices for the tumblers a little out there.
As an alternative I considered using a "rock tumbler " , at about £70 , big cost saving . Pins obviously bought seperately.
Thoughts please ?

 

[enfieldspares]

They aren't as efficient at cleaning cases as are vibratory tumblers. They are good at cleaning rocks. And given the continued calls to ban gun ownership might not be a bad investment as, one day, throwing rocks will probably all we will be allowed to do. But for the price that you've quoted you can find several vibratory tumblers used,,,and new....out there.

 

[wytonpjs]

I recently imported a Frankford Arsenal Lite from the US at a very good price following a similar thread on here. Having used ultrasonics up to that point I have to say that I’m very pleased with the tumbling results so far. I separately imported the steel pins too and that worked a dream through the evil bay global shipping programme. It takes longer but the results are very worthwhile. Off to do another batch now

 

[1066]

They aren't as efficient at cleaning cases as are vibratory tumblers. They are good at cleaning rocks. And given the continued calls to ban gun ownership might not be a bad investment as, one day, throwing rocks will probably all we will be allowed to do. But for the price that you've quoted you can find several vibratory tumblers used,,,and new....out there.

Can't agree with that at all. In my experience, having tried about every method over the last 50 years, nothing compares with a wet rotary tumbler with stainless steel pins for efficiency - it's a lot quicker and does a better job, both inside and out, primer pockets included. Whether you need to clean them to that extent is open to debate and personal preference.

Using a "rock tumbler" is a sensible idea, as long as you pick the required size. They are designed to run continuously for days at a time and you will avoid paying a premium price that seems to be added on to anything shooting related.
Here's how I do my cases (using an old rock tumbler)

 

[User00044]

Every now and then just fancy trying something new .
Presently I decap, ultrasonic clean (to clean pimer pockets and protect dies )and tumble after sizing ( I like shiny brass , what can I tell you ).
Cheers

P.S . Looking at catapults or using blow darts. Lead free and expanding!

 

[User00044]

The rock tumbler I spotted was a National Geographic, looks as though it would hold approx 100 243 cases . Ample for me .
Add a plug in timer and pins . Could be a good saving to be made and I wouldn't be filling the house wit dust !

 

[DeLaRue1953]

Plus one on 1066 comment, I have tried all the dry media vibratory tumblers, ultrasonic etc & nothing cleans brass like the wet stainless pin tumblers. It cleans the insides of the cases as well as the primer pockets & with the right mixture combo brings the brass up like new.

 

[mealiejimmy]

Another in agreement with 1066
Tried dry tumbling and ultrasonic before buying a cheap rock tumbler and some stainless pins from E Bay.
That produced the best results by far - the brass comes out as clean as new.
Eventually, the cheapo chinese rock tumbler drive motor gave up so I bought a Franford Arsenal Lite from a US E Bay seller and some new (longer and thicker) stainless pins from Hannams.
These work just as well, but noticeably quicker than my earlier set up.
BTW the Frankdord Arsenal lite is a lot cheaper to buy from the USA (even after postage etc) but it will be 110 volt so you'll need a transformer

Cheers

Bruce

 

[rwade545]

I got a 3kg rotary tumbler off a well know auction site , 1/2kg of pins. A squirt of fairy 1/2 teaspoon of citric acid and 45min later lovely clean brass. Just fits 100 6.5x47 cases in.

Regards

 

[dreddrockz]

Tried all 3 tumbling methods and firmly say wet is best. The Frankford one works very well but would also spend £30 on eBay and get yourself a food/fruit dryer to pop them in straight after

 

[75]

Likewise - cheap 3kg rock tumbler off eBay works for me. Pins from Spud1967 and all in for about £70 ish

 

[mealiejimmy]

Tried all 3 tumbling methods and firmly say wet is best. The Frankford one works very well but would also spend £30 on eBay and get yourself a food/fruit dryer to pop them in straight after

I wrap the wet, clean cases in a towel and shake them about a bit to get most of the water off then put them on a baking tray in the oven at 50 deg c for 20-30 minutes - they come out clean shiny and dry.

Cheers

Bruce