Which tumbler

[fstdraw]

I've been rolling my own for several years. I've only used a vibrating cleaner with various media like corn cob/walnut shells. Recently a forum member gave me some used brass that was the most beautiful I'd ever seen. I've decided to switch to wet tumbling, what size tumbler do you guys use? I see a lot of double 3 pounders for sale cheap but it doesn't look like they hold many cases. Suggestions? Thank you.

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[P7M13]

Depends how many you tumble at a time.
I use the Frankford tumbler, and do anywhere between 300 (308 cases, etc) and 2K (9mm / 9x18 / 380) of cases at a time.
I'll use ~2lbs of stainless pins in the batch.

 

[fstdraw]

Good to know, how many pounds is it rated? Thank you.

 

[oremike]

I use the 15 lb Thumblers Tumbler

Thumler's Tumblers - MP-1, A-R1, A-R2, A-R12, Model B

Thumler's has been a favorite brand of rock tumblers for almost 60 years. They are quiet, easy-to-use, and make beautiful tumbled stones. We have sold thousands of their tumblers and the supplies needed to run them. Come on in, we have a tumbler for you!

rocktumbler.com

 

[P7M13]

Good to know, how many pounds is it rated? Thank you.

LOL, no idea. I've loaded it to the top with brass, added a quart mason jar full of stainless pins, and filled with water and cleaning agents to cover the brass. My guess is I've had it between 25 -35 lbs, and tumbled it continuously for the max timer limit, 3 hours. I've done this perhaps a dozen times, and no smoking motor yet.
I short, the thing is a beast.

 

[fstdraw]

oremike, too much capacity for me, you're big time. Me? I just need smalltime! I see Harbor Freight has a duel 3 pound unit for $69.00. It looks small to me thou.

 

[P7M13]

oremike, too much capacity for me, you're big time. Me? I just need smalltime! I see Harbor Freight has a duel 3 pound unit for $69.00. It looks small to me thou.

I have a harbor freight single stack unit (rock polisher). It works. You dare not overload it or motor-go-smokey.

 

[fstdraw]

LOL, thank you.

 

[CLT65]

I have a Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler. I've had it since not long after they came out, several years, and have used it a LOT. I have no idea how many hours it's ran, or how many loads of brass. It has been solid and reliable. The only issue has been the timer; it stopped working reliably a long time ago. Doesn't really bother me. I just watch the time and let it run for two or three hours.

 

[DizzyJ]

Depends how many you tumble at a time.
I use the Frankford tumbler, and do anywhere between 300 (308 cases, etc) and 2K (9mm / 9x18 / 380) of cases at a time.
I'll use ~2lbs of stainless pins in the batch.

I second this. Mine has done an amazing job.

 

[Lesliet]

I use a Lyman Cyclone. Might be overkill, from what you said, but I wanted a "tank" that would keep rolling for many years. Holds 1000 .223, I typically do about 1k of 9mm at a time. I don't think it's possible to overload it. 3 hour mechanical timer, and a really good belt drive motor. ( the weak spot in Chinese designs seems to usually be the motor, which you can pretty much plan on replacing Real Soon. )

 

[aasbra]

I use the 15 lb Thumblers Tumbler

Thumler's Tumblers - MP-1, A-R1, A-R2, A-R12, Model B

Thumler's has been a favorite brand of rock tumblers for almost 60 years. They are quiet, easy-to-use, and make beautiful tumbled stones. We have sold thousands of their tumblers and the supplies needed to run them. Come on in, we have a tumbler for you!

rocktumbler.com

Same for me. Purchased through Brownells 5-6 years ago. Can do a pretty large amount of brass cleaning at a time. No issues yet, I've run it with SS pins, but I've heard others say that wet tumbling also works well without.

 

[Stomper]

I have a harbor freight single stack unit (rock polisher). It works. You dare not overload it or motor-go-smokey.

Hey, it's legal now!

 

[bionic knees]

I use an old rock tumbler. it has minute rice, oatmeal, and a little dried rubbing compound in the drum. works like a champ.

note, small-batch loader here.

once fired .270 WSM ready to go.