Question about optimizing tumbling, media and polish.

[hoffman223]

It seems that my tumbling method leaves a little to be desired. After 4-5 hours in my tumbler, my brass comes out with a brushed satin type finish, not exactly what I would call polished. Here is a list of the equipment that I am currently using.

Hornady M-2 Tumbler
Frankford Arsenal corn cob media
Frankford Arsenal brass case polish

I fill the tumbler about 2/3 full with the corn cob, turn it on and add the polish as per instructions. I let the tumbler run until the polish is broken down and now longer looks like "lumped cat litter". I then add my brass, various pistol calibers, sometimes .308 or 30-06. I pre-sort my brass so I only tumble like calibers together. Yet after 4-5 hours, the brass comes out clean, still slight signs of residue in the primer pocket, but for the most part, the outside of the cases are mostly clean, but as mentioned before, I get a satin looking finish. Is this to be expected, am I tumbling too much, too less, or does my media/polish need to be changed?

 

[Walkalong]

You might not have enough corncob in the tumbler, as it does better full, but if you over fill it, the tumbling action slows down again. Or perhaps it just needs a bit more polish.

 

[snuffy]

http://www.hornady.com/store/M-2-Case-Tumbler-110-Volt-1-Each/

That tumbler should make you cases bright and smooth with the midway/frankford tumbler polish.

No tumbler/vibrator is going to clean the primer pockets very well. That takes either a ultrasonic cleaner, or a drum type tumbler with wet media like the stainless pins.

+1 on what walkalong said, it sounds like you might need more corncob media in the tumbler. My midway tumbler works best when 9/10 full. I regulate it by adding media a little at a time while it is running, looking for when it turns the media/brass the fastest. A bit too much, it slows down, then you'll be running it longer to get the desired results.

 

[hoffman223]

Yep, that's the tumbler I'm using. I guess when I have it running, I should begin to add more media until it appears that the media and the brass are rolling over at it's quickest pace? That sounds easy enough. I have it running right now, let me do that and I'll report back later.

Thanks guys!!!

 

[Hesenwine]

Try adding a bit more media and 1/2 a dryer sheet (really!). Also, try some Flitz or car wax in the media.

The dryer sheet will help control the dust and keep the inside of your tumbler spic n span.

 

[hoffman223]

I'll try that as well. I love simple and practical solutions using items that wouldn't otherwise be used for such an application.

Thanks.

 

[tommyintx]

flitz will work wonders. adding (USED!) dryer sheets with a small few handfuls of brass with take the grime off your media and collect it on the dryer sheet. after about 4-5 tumbles or whenever your media gets dark, throw in 4-5 used dryer sheets with some larger rifle brass and tumble overnight. should look nearly new by the morning.

also don't overdo it with the flitz. about 2-3 tablespoons will be all you need for a long time. when media starts to lose it's effectiveness, do the dryer sheet method until clean, then add another 2-3 tablespoons of flitz.

 

[fol4321]

why does everyone say to use used dryer sheets. i use bot new and used and they both work the same. i cut them into thirds and then thirds again. so 9 little squares per sheet i guess. is there a reason everonr says to use USED sheets

 

[RandyP]

The reason we use say 'used' sheets is that they are a FREE byproduct of a person's regular laundry that works great and was headed to the trash bin in the first place.

I have never tried wasting new dryer sheets on dust collecting duty. Does it leave your brass "April Fresh"? LOL

 

[nofishbob]

I have produced "Satin finish" cases when I got greedy and put too many cases in the vibrator at once.

I think that the cases were hitting each other enough to keep them from shining up as desired. These were 45 Auto.

I just separated them into two smaller batches and re-tumbled with good results.

Hope this helps!

Bob

 

[Skyshot]

I use a whitches brew of saw dust (mostly hickory), bird seed (mixed) with crushed corn cobb. I use about a tablespoon of mothers mag polish. All of these I get free, It does a good job in about 2 hrs.

 

[dickttx]

My wife doesn't use the dryer sheets so I had to buy mine. Cheapest ones at WalMart, about $1.59.
If I don't have them handy it seems that about an inch and a half wide strip of paper towel, cut into three pieces does as good or better a job as the dryer sheets.

 

[GLShooter]

I would add more media. I have always use walnut and NuFinish in my big tumblers. Two hours makes 'em pretty shiny. I want them roiling around in that tub as much as I can. Sometimes less cases take less time and you actually get a better shine that way on your brass. I did 5,000 pieces last week and they will knock your eyes out as shiny as they are.

As for used dryer sheets. Hit the local laundromat. I bet they have tons of them in the trash. ( I am a scrounger!!LOL) Or beg one of the coworkers to get his/her used ones from them. I bet you will get plenty.

Greg

 

[hoffman223]

I have been tumbling some 5.7x28 FN brass from a friends P90. It still has that satin look, but I'm starting to think that the FN brass starts out like that.

Pictures to follow...........

 

[Walkalong]

FN 5.7 brass has a coating on it. It helps it to feed in the mag. The guys over at the 5.7 forum wash cases in Simple Green etc, instead of tumbling, to preserve the coating. I have tumbled 5.7 brass and it stays satin looking. Mine worked fine feeding through the mag in a AR 57 upper which uses the same mags as the P90 etc.

 

[hoffman223]

Ahhh, there's my answer. The brass is coated from the factory. That makes sense since I tumbled some .45 ACP this morning and it came out looking great, but the 5.7 never did get shiny.

 

[Bush Pilot]

I would add more media. I have always use walnut and NuFinish in my big tumblers. Two hours makes 'em pretty shiny. I want them roiling around in that tub as much as I can. Sometimes less cases take less time and you actually get a better shine that way on your brass. I did 5,000 pieces last week and they will knock your eyes out as shiny as they are.

As for used dryer sheets. Hit the local laundromat. I bet they have tons of them in the trash. ( I am a scrounger!!LOL) Or beg one of the coworkers to get his/her used ones from them. I bet you will get plenty.

Greg

This is pretty much my MO too. You should be able to get enough used sheets from neighbors (assure them it isn't for some kinky ritual)