Thinking about a SS pin tumbler

[Steve H]

My 20+ year old corn cob/walnut vibratory cleaner/polisher is starting to show it's age. I'm thinking that I really like the results I have seen of those of you that have gone the tumbler with the stainless pins. what are your recommendations to buy? Pros /cons? Which liquid "soap" do you use?

 

[Gage]

Here are some links that helped me decide to go the SS route. They do an impressive job.

I went with a Thumler's Tumbler. At the time it was a good choice. But then the Home Built plans came out. They have a bigger volume, for sure, and are more durable as long as you make it so.

Since then, Frankford Arsenal has been selling one that is pretty good and the container is a little lighter that the Thumler. that translates to a higher brass content per batch.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/344832_Wet_tumbling_with_SS_media__lots_of_pics__New_info_second_post_1_18_2012_.html

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/344986_How_i_built_my_own_rotary_tumbler.html

 

[Schwing]

I went for the Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler and have not regretted it. The upfront cost for the unit and pins (I bought 5 extra pounds) was a lot more than dry tumbling but it takes about 1 hour and your brass looks new inside and out each time. Separating the pins is a little more time consuming but I just use the same media separator that I used for dry.

I would never go back to dry tumbling.

 

[GBExpat]

Here a recent THR thread on the subject:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=775570

 

[Steve H]

You guys and the other thread convinced me.............the FART is on order as well as the magnet, media separator and the polish. Now I need to build a drying rack.

THANKS MUCH for the help and info

 

[Gravedigger56]

You guys and the other thread convinced me.............the FART is on order as well as the magnet, media separator and the polish. Now I need to build a drying rack.

THANKS MUCH for the help and info

You'll love it. I let my granddaughter wet tumble my brass in my FART and she has a blast. As for drying, I simply use a cheap food dehydrator I picked up at a garage sale. Throw the brass in, set the temp. and in less than an hour it is completely dry and ready for storage.

 

[lauderdale]

That's the way to go! F.A. .

 

[USSR]

Regarding drying, simply toss them in one of those disposable aluminum casserole or turkey pans they sell at the supermarket, turn the oven on it's lowest setting, and in 20 - 25 minutes your brass is dry. Drying quickly helps prevent water spots on the brass.

Don

 

[Schwing]

I dump mine on an old towel and let them air dry overnight. Any way you do it, it doesn't take long.

 

[Gravedigger56]

As for drying, I simply use a cheap food dehydrator I picked up at a garage sale.

I should have added that before I load the dehydrator I do a pre-dry in a kitchen gadget called a "Salad Spinner" that I also picked up at a garage sale. That thing creates some G's and after a few dozen "spins" the brass comes out almost dry even on the inside which I feel helps speed up the drying time considerably. As a bonus, the spinner helps dislodge and spins out SS pins you may have missed.

 

[Toprudder]

This is my setup for drying. 1x2 frame with screen stapled to it. In the winter, I use a small Vornado heater set on low (since I have to heat the shop anyway). In the summer, I just run a fan across it, or set it out in the sun.

 

[lauderdale]

Yep what T. Rudder said. on a timer is what I do. and also the big cookie sheets that come from in store bakery/something that you can put a big beach towel on w/fan. I put the brass in towel and shake dry/partly dry. and next I think I will be scouting out some window screens! No doubt. I use dillion separator for pin removal. And a fabric store like jo anns/prob. H-lobby? magnetic paint brush style pin picker upper.