Case tumbler question

[hakasaw]

I just finished useing my new case tumbler, I used the cream type polish as recommended with corn cob media. After running for a couple of hours the cases look really good but the gooky polish and media is inside some of the cases. What do you guys do in this case. Thanks Larry

 

[cfullgraf]

Generally, when I add polish, I let the tumbler run for a while without cases to get it distributed. Then I add cases.

It usually does not take too much polish. Folks using Nu-Finish add a cap full. I use my grandmother's measuring method--"That looks like enough".

In any case, a little goes a long way.

Hope this helps.

 

[springer99]

I'd try adding the polish first and running the tumbler with just the media for a few minutes. After the polish is distributed in the media, then add the cases. The problem will go away.

Yup, what he said.

 

[jcwit]

Yes, let the polish distribute thru-out the media, also wait for it to pretty much dry out.

How much did you use? A teaspoon or teaspoon and a half is plenty to start out with with fresh media.

 

[Bush Pilot]

I just finished useing my new case tumbler, I used the cream type polish as recommended with corn cob media. After running for a couple of hours the cases look really good but the gooky polish and media is inside some of the cases. What do you guys do in this case. Thanks Larry

Most of us learned the hard way about running the tumbler to mix in the polish. Welcome to the school of experience.

 

[Fishslayer]

Be careful loading those cases. Sometimes the polish & media will make a solid plug in the case if you don't let the polish distribute itself. Ask how I know...

Yes. Let the brassless tumbler run a bit to let the polish disperse.

 

[Josh45]

Had this problem before. Learned the second time around to let the tumbler run with the media and the polish WITHOUT the cases. Let it on for about 10-15 min.
Then add cases. I had to dig out the media in 30-06 cases. Not fun...

 

[dab102999]

Not to hyjack this thread but is there a "correct" ratio of tumbler media / brass. Or doesn't it matter??

Thanks,
Doug

 

[Josh45]

I usually run about 100 cases of .45 ACP with about half or a tad more media. It gets them cleaned up for me.

 

[joecil]

I have a Franklin Arsenal which is nothing fancy at all. I use walnut and use their polish also. The first time I added two table spoons and let it run as someone else state about 10 to 15 minutes than add my brass. Now a lot of my brass has been fired using black powder or pyrodex which can really discolor. I put about 250 cases in and let it run about 5 to 6 hours. I also add a piece of lint rags like one uses in their dryer. I have no polish residue at all from the polish and reuse the media again. When I notice the polish not being as good as it is supposed to be I add another table spoon and go.

 

[coalman]

Add polish. Avoid big clumbs. Run tumbler. I use car polish and it will do the same thing otherwise.

 

[gamestalker]

Re-tumble them until the the build up of polish/media has been knocked off. Or you can pain stakingly use a Q-tip to get them cleaned out. I vote for re-tumbling. I made the same mistake first time using this method.

I quit using corn cobb media because I personally feel walnut does a better job in about half the time.

GS

 

[joecil]

I agree that walnut does as good if not better a job than corn cobb media beside being easier to find, gamestalker. I actually bought a 20 lb bag at Harbor Freight in their fine walnut sand blasting media. Cheaper than the pet stores which are cheaper than the gun shops also.

 

[hakasaw]

Yep, I got a mess here, I'm gonna run the again and see what happens. Thanks

 

[morrow]

You might have to rinse out the cases, or at least the ones with gunk media in them, and then re-tumble.

 

[jcwit]

Neither walnut nor corn cob is hard to find, altho walnut you pay for shipping and/or gas money to get it. Corn cob comes to your door freight free. Here you go:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=walnut+blasting+media

$ .92 cents per lb.

http://www.drillspot.com/search/?q=blasting+media

$ .82 cents per lb.

Plus the 20/40 grit corn cob is fine enough you will never have to pick media from the flash holes.

 

[Samari Jack]

like others, I found out the hard way to run the tumbler first. Got me in the habit of swabbing out the inside of the case with a Q-tip. I still do that, just in case, especially if after tumbling they are soaked in any kind of liquid. Only takes a minute while watching TV.

 

[GLOOB]

Not to hyjack this thread but is there a "correct" ratio of tumbler media / brass. Or doesn't it matter??

AFAIC, there's "enough" media and "not enough." You obviously need enough media for the cases to "swim" around it. Otherwise, you just have a bowl full of brass rattling against each other with a little media at the bottom!

You can also get corn cob cemented in the bottom of a rifle case if you drop it in there full of water. I usually wash my cases off in water, cuz I shoot in the sand/dirt. I shake out each rifle case before dropping them in the tumbler.