Tumbler timers

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I have some really good (expensive) timers but have been using a cheap (actually free) lamp timer for years.

If I were to buy one it would be one of the "one shot" style timers that someone will post a link to shortly. They are inexpensive and won't keep tumbling your brass the next day if you forget about it.
 
I bought a digital countdown timer that fits in standard wall electrical box. I made an "extension cord" with it in an exterior wall box, appropriate cover and sealed box penetrations for the cords.

Available in the electrical department of Home Depot and other fine big box hardware emporiums.
 
I don't have timers on my tumblers. Thumblers are quiet and I let them run over night. sSometimes they run for two days.
 
I hate to hear that yours failed because I've been using one that looks exactly like it since 2011. I hope this isn't an omen.
 
I have been using the same $5.00 manual lamp timer set on three hours for about 15 years.

All you have to remember is to go back once a day.

rc
 
"Heavy Duty" (3 prong) cheap ones from Homer Depot or Wal Mart. With the manual pins, no digital junk. 2 hours at the most.
 
Tell ya what brass tumbled in corncob for about 24 hours sure is shinny.
Click to expand...
BTDT. It sure was shiny. And my media sure was black and completely shot. Next batch wouldn't shine up, at all. So yeah, a timer is a good idea. I tumble for about an hour, max.
 
I have been using the same light timer as some also that cost me 5 bucks the new one is on my peg board for my 3rd. system as my F.A. has timer on it.:)
 
Plain old analog lamp timer works fine, the kind with the round dial and the "pins". Don't need to use a "start" pin, don't need to set the time of day. Plug in tumbler, turn on timer, insert an "off" pin for the amount of time you want, go watch TV and drink beer.
 
What was cool about the one I had was with the push of a button it is on, each push of the button increased the time to 1,2,4,or 8 hours. If I wanted a light tumble set 1 hour, tumble for dirty brass then set 2 hours. I noticed there was another brand with similar controls so maybe I will try that one.
 
I'm sure many of you fellows have heard of X10 products ... for those who have never heard or know anything about it ... it uses control signals that are sent down the 110 volt wiring in your home/shop ... and controls many different "modules" ... lights, shutters, motors, sprinklers and the list goes on ....

I have a an X10 controlled receptacle out in my shop(along with several lights) ... that I have my tumbler connected to ... so I can turn my tumbler on/off while I am logged on here with you guys ... I use ActiveHome Software that I can set a timer to turn my tumbler on when I want ... run as long as I want and shut off when I want ... all while sitting here with my computer ...

I can set up different timers for say "cleaning lube" ... any number of minutes/hours .... or one for really bad range brass ... it takes a couple of minutes to initially "program" the settings(On time, Off time & amount of run time) ... but after that it is clicking a check box and press run ....

It may sound complicated and expensive ... but really pretty easy to set it all up and the cost is not bad at all compared to a lot of "home control" products ....

Forgot to add that I can control any of the "Modules" from my smart phone ... including the tumbler!
 
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I must have a dozen assorted timers around here and have yet to bother connecting one to any of my tumblers. Just one more thing I need to get around to. :)

Ron
 
ya memory works but I don't like listening to the tumbler run while I'm doing things in the reloading room all the time so I like to start it when I am done for the night which is usually bed time.

If you don't use a timer that's fine with me but why interject into this post? I don't care if you don't use a timer so why do your care that I use one?
 
Muddydogs said:
ya memory works but I don't like listening to the tumbler run while I'm doing things in the reloading room all the time so I like to start it when I am done for the night which is usually bed time.

If you don't use a timer that's fine with me but why interject into this post? I don't care if you don't use a timer so why do your care that I use one?
Click to expand...
I really do not believe the choice to time or not to time a tumbler is really that big of an issue. Everyone who hand loads has their own little methods and procedures. There have been a few humorous post in this thread including your very own comment:

Tell ya what brass tumbled in corncob for about 24 hours sure is shinny.
Click to expand...

Yes, it really is shinny. :)

I had a timer setup at one time and took it apart as I wanted the timer for another application, never did replace it. :(

Overall there is no shortage of good timers to be had and most are pretty inexpensive. JimKirk takes the process to a new level including tumbling brass into home automation. As to memory? Remember what? Yeah, I really need to get timers back online around here.

Ron
 
Never even thought of using timer. Take a look in about a couple hours and see if it's shiny enough, if not let it go, if it is, shut it off.
 
Simple lamp timer to allow it to run overnight. Use the same thing on my smoker, probably should have a higher wattage model for the smoker. Heard of guys using them on their block heaters too.
 
I don't use one myself, but if I were.....I'd get the amperage rating on the tumbler and get a timer that matched it.

I'll admit that I did not read the previous posts so this may have been mentioned already? :what:

It's the only way to buy electrical items.

TxDon
 
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