How long can I run a tumbler

[ilmonster]

Just a curiosity...how long can I run a tumbler without harming the motor? I usually run my Lyman tumbler 1-2 hours, but could it be run 4 or 5 hours without harming it? Thanks!

 

[Jaymo]

I often run my 1996 Midway vibratory polisher for 4 hours at a time. The motor has a cooling fan, IIRC.

 

[Wildbillz]

I leave mine run over night all the time. Plug it in when I go to work and unplug it when I go to bed at night. I would guess you could run one fro days with out hurting it.

WB

 

[RustyFN]

I forgot to turn mine off once and it ran 24 hours with no problems. I have seen where some people run their tumbler overnight on a regular basis with no problems.

 

[rcmodel]

I have used my Dillon continuously for days at a time without harming anything.

If it burns out a motor in 4 - 5 hours, or two days, it was a bad motor from the get-go.

rc

 

[JLDickmon]

I have an RCBS tumbler, and I load it before I go to bed and shut it off when I get up in the morning.

 

[Walkalong]

I also tumble overnight, or all day while at work. My tumblers are out back, and I have forgotten about them for days on end before. Yea, I know, they make timers.

 

[Blue68f100]

I have the Cabela's tumbler and have left it on over night and once for 2 days. I don't think you will burn these out very quick. I have a timer but I don't always use it.

 

[Joe_556]

I've forgotten mine was running several times. Still going strong after 5+ years. RCBS

 

[Cherokee305]

I always tumble my brass at least 12 hours.

 

[mdi]

Your unit should be designed with cooling fan/fans for the motor to enable the tumbler to run 'till the cows come home...

 

[mbopp]

I made a 12-hour timer wired to an electrical outlet receptacle. I run my home-made coffee can tumbler for 4 hours or so. I also use the timer for my cordless drill battery charger - it keeps the batteries from being overcharged.

 

[cfullgraf]

I run my tumbles overnight.

Frequently, I will run one overnight, dump it and refill it with more un-clean cases and let it run all day.

One of my tumblers is from the mid nineties.

 

[JohnM]

I have a couple rotaries my Dad used to run 24 hours a day for months on end polishing rocks.
I have a vibratory I bought new in the 80's that still runs like a top.
Then I've heard of some that go up in smoke in a short time, pays to get a good one I guess.

 

[gamestalker]

I have a rather old Ultra Vibe that gets run for 8-10 hrs. per session. But some tumblers don't have a colling system and might over heat, ultimately causing failure.

 

[GP100man]

My loading area is in another house & I forgot mine for a week once !!!

I don`t like gettin old !!!

 

[cemjr]

I also tumble overnight, or all day while at work. My tumblers are out back, and I have forgotten about them for days on end before. Yea, I know, they make timers.

That's me right there

 

[altitude_19]

I've run my lyman for a week straight, only pausing to swap out brass. It's built pretty tough. No worries.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like most reloaders I've forgotten a running tumbler which ran overnight. (8+ hours) The motors used in quality tumblers are very tough and can probably be ran for days without doing them harm.

 

[tomj44]

I have seen a couple of the vibratory type catch fire. Run them where you won't burn anything up.

 

[newfalguy101]

Just remember to keep the area around the base of the tumbler clear of any debris that can clog the openings around the base to prevent overheating

 

[Hondo 60]

I've forgotten mine & had it run for about 18 hrs.
Man that was pretty brass too

 

[dickttx]

I have mine on a 24 hour timer, runs for about 3 hours. BUT--if I forget to unplug it it runs that 3 hours every day, until I remember.

 

[Old Dog Man]

Running brass tumblers

Dang I thought I was the only one that forgot stuff like that. Leaving my tumbler running for 24hrs. I may not be as bad off as I thought. Al

 

[evan price]

I've run my Berry's/Cabela's for weeks and months at a time, stopping only long wnough to dump and change the media and brass. Keep them clean, don;t put them on carpet.