Rotary vs. Vibratory Tumbler

[dispatch55126]

I know vibratory tumblers are more or less the standard to cleaning brass but does anyone use a rotary tumbler? To me they seem like they would have some advantages such as quieter operation. Living in Minnesota, I'm not going to run a vibratory out in the unheated garage if I'm using a liquid additive. Likewise, I don't want to listen to the vibratory tumbler running down in my lower level (split level so no door to shut).

I understand that it would take longer to clean but it seems like that's a small price to pay.

 

[rondog]

BIG difference in price, AFAIK. My $40 Lyman 1200 works incredibly well with walnut lizard litter from PetSmart, followed up with corncob mixed with a capfull of Nufinish car polish.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I've used both and prefer the vibratory tumbler. I've even made two of the rotary tumblers in years past, and did use them for a couple of years. Now I have three vibratory tumblers that I use all the time, and find them better for my needs.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Sagetown]

I know vibratory tumblers are more or less the standard to cleaning brass but does anyone use a rotary tumbler? To me they seem like they would have some advantages such as quieter operation. Living in Minnesota, I'm not going to run a vibratory out in the unheated garage if I'm using a liquid additive. Likewise, I don't want to listen to the vibratory tumbler running down in my lower level (split level so no door to shut).

I understand that it would take longer to clean but it seems like that's a small price to pay.

Never have used a Rotary Tumbler, but read lots of post of those that have both, and they like the Rotary best. My vibrator tumbler isn't too loud, but if I'm working in the shop with it running, it eventually gets on my nerves.

 

[Blind Bat]

I've been meaning to scrounge together a rotary tumbler. My hope is that the rotary will do a better job cleaning inside the cases. Then the vibratory would be devoted to case polishing.

I knew I shouldn't have thrown away that old washing machine motor...

 

[Galil5.56]

Using a 40 year old rotary that did double duty as a rock polisher... Can barely hear it running once the media gets well distributed, aside from a soft clop, clop, clop... It works well, but as mentioned does not clean the inside of the case as well as a vibratory.

 

[pinkymingeo]

Lots of guys use rotarys. I use a Thumlers Model B. It isn't noticeably slower than a vibratory, but it's a whole lot quieter. It'll clean brass OK in 2-3 hours, but it's so quiet that when I'm in no hurry I just let it run. Brass cleaned overnight looks like it just came from the factory.

 

[Molasses]

Had the motors eventually go bad on two vibratory tumblers from two different mfgs. The current one is a rotary and haven't (knock on wood) had to replace it yet after several years of use.

 

[paperpuncher49]

QUOTE:
Never have used a Rotary Tumbler, but read lots of post of those that have both, and they like the Rotary best. My vibrator tumbler isn't too loud, but if I'm working in the shop with it running, it eventually gets on my nerves.

Go to Wally World and get one of those Rubbermaid storage boxes large enough to enclose the tumbler when it is inverted. It goes a long way to reducing the noise. If that's too expensive, get an appropriately sized cardboard box. Heat build-up is really not an issue. I have done this for years and the vibratory tumbler is still going strong.

 

[qajaq59]

I put a rotary together years ago with a small motor and some large plastic pipe. It's not too pretty but it sure cleans cases.

 

[oneounceload]

Go to Wally World and get one of those Rubbermaid storage boxes large enough to enclose the tumbler when it is inverted. It goes a long way to reducing the noise. If that's too expensive, get an appropriately sized cardboard box. Heat build-up is really not an issue. I have done this for years and the vibratory tumbler is still going strong.

What will also work well is an inexpensive styrofoam cooler - helps to insulate the noise.

The other option would be to run it when you're not out there

 

[Sagetown]

What will also work well is an inexpensive styrofoam cooler - helps to insulate the noise.

Go to Wally World and get one of those Rubbermaid storage boxes large enough to enclose the tumbler when it is inverted.

Hey Guys; thanks for the input. Very clever idea. I'll do that.......

 

[rwrobel]

rotary tmbler

I,ve used one for years and works great. I fill the rotary with water just to cover cases being cleaed add about a tablespoon of concetrated lemon juice and about four drops of dish detergent. tumble about 1/2 hour inside and outside perfectly clean. Looks just like new brass. Even the old range brass that looks green will be shinny in just a few minutes

Rick