Wet tumbling problem; answers anyone?

[4dogs]

The last couple of batches of brass came out tarnished (for lack of a better word) and I had to run them through my vibratory tumbler to remove it. So, I have been using distilled water with a few drops of Dawn dish detergent and Lemishine to clean things, using stainless steel media in a Lyman Cyclone tumbler. What gives, anyone?

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[Crohnos01]

I had a similar problem when I started to run a wet system. My solution was more Dawn and less LemiShine

 

[DizzyJ]

How long are you tumbling them?

 

[osprey]

Give us some details. Amount of brass, dawn, and lemi shine along with duration of tumbling. We are here to help.

 

[Mooseman]

I had the same problem when i ran really dirty range brass...I use lemishine , and a small amount of dawn with the pins.
I had to run them a second time with clean water/ lemishine and dawn for about an hour for them to shine.
I changed water and add some liquid car wash/ wax and run them for about 15 minutes and they shine like new !
I found if i remove the primers they seem to shine up the first run after an hour...

 

[4dogs]

How long are you tumbling them?

Each batch is tumbled about an hour and a half. The other thing I did not mention is that I use a garden hose to rinse the brass since my shop is not plumbed. I have not been measuring either products although it's a few drops of each. I will try using less of the lemishine.

Thank you for your responses!

 

[Member 5605]

When brass comes out of tumbler:

Is it black? If so, cut back on shine and add a tad more soap.
​

Water on clean brass with leave spots. I use a car soap with wax. Cold water rinses and water beads up with each coating.

 

[edzz]

And after rinsing the brass with the garden hose you dry the brass how?

 

[Hemlock]

Always deprime first. The chemicals in even the used primers will stain the brass. Dawn is the cleaner. The amount depends on the size of the drum you're using. I use the Harbor Fright tumbler so I use one tea spoon full. The Lemishine is the release agent. It keeps the wet from adhering to the brass and keeps the water spotting away. Any product used in a dishwasher will work. I use Finish. (It's the wife's ) Again one teaspoon full. If you have a food dehydrator, put the cleaned brass in there to dry for 45 minutes or so. Ready to reload!

 

[9mm guy]

In my experience, I have found the Dawn/Lemishine cleaning recipe to not be strong enough adequately clean and produce that shine on my brass. I would also recommend either of these products from which I have had better results:

https://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arsenal-Ultrasonic-Cleaning-Reloading/dp/B07PPTTQVZ

https://www.amazon.com/Brass-Shine-...+shine&qid=1553443014&s=sporting-goods&sr=8-2

 

[DizzyJ]

In my experience, I have found the Dawn/Lemishine cleaning recipe to not be strong enough adequately clean and produce that shine on my brass. I would also recommend either of these products from which I have had better results:

https://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arsenal-Ultrasonic-Cleaning-Reloading/dp/B07PPTTQVZ

https://www.amazon.com/Brass-Shine-...+shine&qid=1553443014&s=sporting-goods&sr=8-2

I've actually used the top one several times. Works great!

 

[Hemlock]

I've actually used the top one several times. Works great!

I agree. There is always something better to try. But Dawn and Finish are right under the kitchen sink, and I don't have to buy it.
Why pay more when you don't have to.

 

[RVTECH]

This is Dawn, lemon juice and about three hours on some 70+ year old 30-30 brass.
This is my typical result with any brass - new or old.
The cool part is the 'old' brass patinas to a deep, yellow orange color after a couple weeks
- and nothing further.

 

[DizzyJ]

This is Dawn, lemon juice and about three hours on some 70+ year old 30-30 brass.
This is my typical result with any brass - new or old.
View attachment 562570

Three hours! Dang! My timer only goes to 2 on the Frankford!

 

[xvz12]

I've been using the Brass Shine in Dizzyj's second link, in my hf tumbler. Been very happy with the results so far.

 

[Crohnos01]

I actually have had a problem with the Dawn/LemiShine combo getting the brass TOO clean. I was having problems with the brass sticking in the Dillon. I thought that maybe some brass particulate had stuck in the die. Called Dillon and the guy asked how I was cleaning my brass. I told him, and he said that was the problem. I started using a little carwax/wash in the rinse and ta-da problem solved.

 

[DizzyJ]

I actually have had a problem with the Dawn/LemiShine combo getting the brass TOO clean. I was having problems with the brass sticking in the Dillon. I thought that maybe some brass particulate had stuck in the die. Called Dillon and the guy asked how I was cleaning my brass. I told him, and he said that was the problem. I started using a little carwax/wash in the rinse and ta-da problem solved.

What are you using to lube the brass prior to sizing?

 

[Crohnos01]

I'd have to look again, but I think it's called "Nu-Finish"

 

[DizzyJ]

I'd have to look again, but I think it's called "Nu-Finish"

I've never heard of brass being so "clean" it sticks in the die after being properly lubed?

Sounds more like a lubrication issue imho.

 

[Member 5605]

What are you using to lube the brass prior to sizing?

There is a residual wax on the brass from the car wash.

This of course is no substitute for properly lubing for sizing. When I run pistol brass, there is a smoother stroke when flaring and crimping/tapering in the dies.