Cheap Media Separator

[MeanStreaker]

I've just gotten started and I've already had a couple stupid questions answered with the search function. Now I could use some advice from the collective wisdom here.

I found out tonight I NEED a media separator. I have this 5 lb metal vibratory tumbler from Harbor Freight: Link

It sure is a pain to use a slotted soup spoon to dig out all of the cases. Most solutions a search found involved dumping the entire bowl into another media separator.

Is there something else you guys use so that I don't have to have the pain (and the mess) of dumping the entire bowl out and then dumping it right back in for the next tumbling load?

 

[1911user]

Pouring the media and cases into a rotary seperator is by far the easiest way to do it.

 

[Car Knocker]

Brass magnet.

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

OK, I now use a Dillon media separator. But... I used to use a rock polisher for a tumbler/polisher and then would fish the brass out by hand or pour it through a large metal mesh strainer -similar to one used for pasta. I've still got it, it's a collapsable type chain linked thing. I would just pour through it into a bucket. Pour the bucket full back into the tumbler can.

If I'm only tumbling 50 or so rounds, I just fish them out by hand.

There are several media separators similar to the Dillon with tub. Worth the money to me. -Just my $.02.



-Steve

 

[armoredman]

Been using it for a few years now, cost less than $5, including cardboard box...

 

[Sunray]

Armoredman's plastic colander is exactly what I've been using for eons. Look in a 'dollar store', then drill the bottom holes a bit bigger.

 

[SDC]

If you can find a couple of plastic 5-gallon buckets, just drill a bunch of 1/4" holes all over the sides and bottom, fill 'er up, and give it a good shaking (over a clean garbage can to catch the media).

 

[IDriveB5]

For those looking to buy a tumbler:

Hornady's model sold in Cabela's comes with a second slotted top for separation. Works fairly wel.

 

[db_tanker]

heck...you can always use the wife's collander...I did that...once...



D

 

[ID_shooting]

I used the wifes collander ONCE as well.

I now use one of these:

http://www.rcbs.com/default.asp?menu=1&s1=4&s2=3&s3=25

I was surprised the first time I used it. They work EXTREEMLY well. They even get the media out of bottle-neck cases like our .223. I still heck of course, but several thousand of .223 and 30-06 and have yet to have media inside the case when finished.

 

[MeanStreaker]

I think I like the idea of the 5 gallon buckets. Seems like that and a tall-ish trash can would eliminate dust getting everywhere when pouring into a smaller colander or something.

Thanks for the great ideas guys!

 

[wolf_from_wv]

http://www.alpharubicon.com/leo/mediasep.htm

I use a cat litter scoop I bought at the Dollar Tree for $1...

 

[slylikea_fox]

I use a wire waste basket and platic bin bought from the dollar tree for a whopping 1 dollar each.

 

[Bronson7]

I saw on one of these forums where a guy used a nylon laundry bag over a box. Sounded good to me. He liked it.
Bronson7

 

[Walkalong]

I use these stainless "strainers". They are used to hold surgical instraments while they go through the sterilizers. Surgery was tossing them out! Cheap! Work Good.

 

[Snagglepuss]

Go to the pet section of Wally World and buy a cheap cat litter box with the built in cat crap screen. Empty tumbler contents and rock and roll. Will totally screen in 10 seconds or so. You can do large or small amounts.
Curious about this setup. Let me know and I will post a pic.

 

[db_tanker]

LMAO....you know that sounds like it would work like a champ...but jeez....to explain it to the wife...


"Honey...keep the cat out of the reloading room from now on, okay?"


lol


D

 

[Bronson7]

Yah, it sounds funny but really a good idea.
Bronson7

 

[redneck2]

I have a rotary one from Midway (Frankfort Arsenal) that fits on a 5 gallon bucket. I used a collander for a while, but the rotary does a much better job of getting media out of the cases. They're only maybe $15 IIRC. Dump the tumber into the seperator, roll the handle a few times, and pour the bucket back into the tumber.

FWIW....primers have a lot of lead dust and it gets into the media. You should really try to avoid the dust from tumblers

 

[Bula]

I use those mesh bags that grocery produce comes in. They last a good while and you only need to buy 2 cantalopes at Costco to gett'm.

 

[MeanStreaker]

I use those mesh bags that grocery produce comes in. They last a good while and you only need to buy 2 cantalopes at Costco to gett'm.

Now that I like!!!