Need opinion on Thumler Model AR-2

[sig228]

Hi all. Looking for a rotary tumbler and I would like to know if anyone uses the Thumler Model AR-2. I see a lot of opinions here on the Model B, but I can get an AR-2 for about half the cost of a Model B. I know it holds about half the volume overall, but I'm just a casual shooter / reloader and probably would only clean 500 casings of .357/.38/.45 brass each month. Also, I presume the small ceramic media works best in these type tumblers. Any opinions are much appreciated.

 

[esheato]

DON'T DO IT!

The A-R2 is extremely small. The individual tumblers are approximately the diameter of a one liter soda bottle and about half as tall. I would guesstimate that I could probably fit 75-100 .45 ACP cases in each tumbler. IMHO, not worth my time...but I'm a fairly high volume loader.

When it arrived, I had it in the house for about 10 minutes before calling the company and requesting a return.

FYI, walnut media works just fine in the rotary tumblers. I usually leave mine on for a few days at a time because it's so quiet. I will say that the rotary tumblers shine brass like no other. I have several other vibratory tumblers and they don't compare in the shine department.

Ed

 

[TexasSkyhawk]

Agree with Ed--the AR2 is just too small, no matter how much or how little brass you're going to tumble.

I've been using an AR12 model for twenty-plus years--has a twelve pound capacity, which I regularly go over.

I use the Zilla walnut I get from Petsmart and tumble for between six and twelve hours. Brass comes out looking better than brand new--inside AND out.

Jeff

 

[John E.]

I bought one just this Saturday for $20 at a pawn shop. Needs a new belt, but the motor works so I felt pretty good about finding a bargain.

Then I come here to do some research on it and find this thread. Bummer, but then again, I'm just getting into reloading, so if I go into it in a big way, I'll upgrade.

 

[liljohn]

For $20, it's a steal. It's still a good, dependable, quiet tumbler that will likely be trouble free for years.

I've got the little one and the big one. I use both regularly. Even the little one has enough capacity to handle 100 44mag cases; definitely useful. They are both quiet, too.

The only thing I don't like about the little one is the lid is retained with a rubber band. The rubber band holds the lid a little too tightly, and over the years it eventually broke the rubber lip on the drum. I bought a replacement drum (not cheap) and made my own lid out of a peice of hardboard (which is thicker than the stock lid). It supports the lip better so the drum should last longer.

I say this like it's a problem; the first drum lasted 20 years. Maybe my custom lid will ensure the second drum lasts 40.

I use corncob I get from Petsmart treated with a couple tablespoons of NuFinish car wax. It only takes an hour or so to get the cases good and shiny with no residue left behind.