Tumblers
- Thread starter Brad5192
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I got the Lyman 1200 Auto-Flo and it seems to work, although I have nothing to compare it to. I've found that just pulling the plug will not drain away all the media, lots still remains in the cases. But stirring it around for a minute or two will usually gets nearly all of it to drain. It comes with a black plastic tub to catch the media, and a couple bags of treated corn cob to start. The only thing I can think of to make it better would be a longer spout to drain the media further into the collection tub.
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I have that exact kit and have had zero problems in almost 2 years. In fact, it's running right now. I also have nothing to compare it to, but for the money, it gets the job done well. I'm sure there are better out there, but this one cleans my brass just fine.
LiveLife
Member
I used both old and new Frankford Arsenal tumbler and media separator kits.
Good: The new kit has larger capacity (800 9mm) with clear plastic top so you can see the tumbling progress and has a convenient in-line on/off switch. The tumbler is quieter than the old one and works well.
Bad: Costs $52. New FA tumbler comes with short power cord (like 2.5 feet) and you have to use it near a power plug - not very convenient. The new kit's media separator is smaller than the old one and is "roundish" sized to fit inside the 3 gallon bucket it comes with. It has "wings" that clip unto the bucket lip to keep the media particle from flying all over the place, but really does not do a good job. You have to carefully turn the media separator slowly to keep most of the media inside the bucket wings. The older media separator was a larger unit that's similar to Cabelas's separator without the top lid and works well.
If you want just the tumbler, new FA tumbler from MidwayUSA is not bad. If you want a better tumbler and media separator, check out the Cabela's tumbler and rotary media separator - http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...=cabelas tumbler&cm_ite=netcon&rid=2146251080
Cabela's tumbler has even higher capacity (1000 9mm, 800 40S&W, 600 45ACP), larger quieter motor, longer power cord (5.5 feet) with in-line on/off switch and large plastic knob for clear top instead of a wing nut. Cabela's tumbler costs less at $49, so unless FA tumbler is on sale, it's a no brainer.
Cabela's rotary media separator ($29) fits on any 3 or 5 gallon bucket and comes with a top lid so no media particles fly out will hold 2000 9mm cases.
I highly recommend both.
Good: The new kit has larger capacity (800 9mm) with clear plastic top so you can see the tumbling progress and has a convenient in-line on/off switch. The tumbler is quieter than the old one and works well.
Bad: Costs $52. New FA tumbler comes with short power cord (like 2.5 feet) and you have to use it near a power plug - not very convenient. The new kit's media separator is smaller than the old one and is "roundish" sized to fit inside the 3 gallon bucket it comes with. It has "wings" that clip unto the bucket lip to keep the media particle from flying all over the place, but really does not do a good job. You have to carefully turn the media separator slowly to keep most of the media inside the bucket wings. The older media separator was a larger unit that's similar to Cabelas's separator without the top lid and works well.
If you want just the tumbler, new FA tumbler from MidwayUSA is not bad. If you want a better tumbler and media separator, check out the Cabela's tumbler and rotary media separator - http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...=cabelas tumbler&cm_ite=netcon&rid=2146251080
Cabela's tumbler has even higher capacity (1000 9mm, 800 40S&W, 600 45ACP), larger quieter motor, longer power cord (5.5 feet) with in-line on/off switch and large plastic knob for clear top instead of a wing nut. Cabela's tumbler costs less at $49, so unless FA tumbler is on sale, it's a no brainer.
Cabela's rotary media separator ($29) fits on any 3 or 5 gallon bucket and comes with a top lid so no media particles fly out will hold 2000 9mm cases.
I highly recommend both.
Jwbfx4
Member
At work we use to have the Frankford arsenal tumbler. It always seemed to work good, I had no complaints.
But I have to say I really like the cabelas tumbler, plus its got good reviews.
But I have to say I really like the cabelas tumbler, plus its got good reviews.
reloader492
Member
Frankford arsenal tumbler
Got one and it does a great job.Also have a lyman,a midway, and a harbor freight.I like the Frankford arsenal over the other three.I bought the kit and like it except for the media seperator.I use a RCBS media seperator.
Got one and it does a great job.Also have a lyman,a midway, and a harbor freight.I like the Frankford arsenal over the other three.I bought the kit and like it except for the media seperator.I use a RCBS media seperator.
Sin City Shootist
Member
I use a FA separator. Its made cheap and its flimsy, but it works pretty good.
Hondo 60
Member
sorry reloader but it drives me nuts when ppl make statements like this but then don't say WHY. Why do like the FA over the other brand names??????? Just my pet peeve
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I recently bought a Cabela's Tumbler and I'm very happy with it. The price is right, it's quiet and it works quickly. Everyone I spoke to who has one told me to buy it and IMO they were right...
reloader492
Member
The FA tumbler is quiet and you can see the movement through the clear top.Also has a large cap.
472x1A/B
Member
Can't answer your question about the tumbler of your choice. But, for what it's worth, I have a Thumler's Tumbler, model Ultra-Vibe 18, I bought in Santa Maria Ca. in Mar. 1987 for $129.00.I have used this tumbler since that date with no problems what so ever. It is very quiet, has a tight fitting lid, and will hold just as much brass as any other tumbler. I use lizard litter with Dillon rapid polish 290 every 3rd load. I have run well over 40,000 pices of brass through this tumbler. Thumler's makes good tumblers.
ranger335v
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The working part of a tumbler is the motor. So far as I can tell, all the common tumblers use virtually the same motors, cheap shaded pole induction motors with cheap bronze bearings. Exactly the same motor is used in bath and kithcen hood exhausts. It's luck of the draw, not the brand, that determines how long any of those motors will last.
It will help, a lot, if the user takes them apart at least once a year to clean and re-oil the bearings with a slow drying, non-gumming light oil (do NOT use WD-40!). I use Automatic Transmission Fluid with good results. It's a good gun and reel oil too.
It will help, a lot, if the user takes them apart at least once a year to clean and re-oil the bearings with a slow drying, non-gumming light oil (do NOT use WD-40!). I use Automatic Transmission Fluid with good results. It's a good gun and reel oil too.
Shadow 7D
Member
What about the rubber rock tumblers from harbor freight, about the same price, you can use them with liquid or media, and as much or more capacity, I have been hankering for one of them for a while.
giggitygiggity
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Get the Cabelas brand kit from Cabelas. It is like $60 and works great. Has everything you need.
Up front, I have to state that I haven't used any other tumblers so take my comments as you will but you can add another name to the list of folks who own and love the Frankford Arsenal tumbler.
Some features I really appreciate are...
- See-through but unvented lid (keeps the nasty lead-laden dust to a minimum)
- Quiet operating volume (except for that one pesky case that like to rattle against the bolt in the center
)
- Capacity is sufficient for anything I'd ever need to do
- Power switch...not sure why other tumblers don't have one
- Short power cord...some people don't like this but I see it as a blessing, it's less for me to wrap around it at the end of the day. If it doesn't reach a power outlet, that's why I own extension cords
~ Jech
Some features I really appreciate are...
- See-through but unvented lid (keeps the nasty lead-laden dust to a minimum)
- Quiet operating volume (except for that one pesky case that like to rattle against the bolt in the center
)- Capacity is sufficient for anything I'd ever need to do
- Power switch...not sure why other tumblers don't have one
- Short power cord...some people don't like this but I see it as a blessing, it's less for me to wrap around it at the end of the day. If it doesn't reach a power outlet, that's why I own extension cords
~ Jech
Hondo 60
Member
I have a Lyman 1200 Turbo. Like most i don't have anything to compare it too. The only negative on this is that it didn't have an in-line on/off switch. So I made a short extension cord & put a switch in it. Other than that it's worked great.
I accidentally left it on the workbench one day & it walked it self off. Broke the cover & bent the threaded rod. A quick call to Lyman & for $11 sent a new rod & cover. That was 6 months ago. Still works great!
I accidentally left it on the workbench one day & it walked it self off. Broke the cover & bent the threaded rod. A quick call to Lyman & for $11 sent a new rod & cover. That was 6 months ago. Still works great!
Sidewinder72
Member
Berrys makes a good tumbler too. Clear lid and large bowl. Mine has been used hard for about 12 years. It is noisy, but most are.
Rollis R. Karvellis
Member
I have two F.A., and there have been times were they have been left on for day's, and they are still working well.
mmorris
Member
Slip a plastic drinking straw over the threaded rod. Cut the straw to the correct length to allow the lid to bend down as usual when the nut is tightened. No more case rattle.
Not my idea... don't remember who's
IMO, you should post that in the "clever inventions/discoveries" sticky thread...works great!Slip a plastic drinking straw over the threaded rod. Cut the straw to the correct length to allow the lid to bend down as usual when the nut is tightened. No more case rattle.
Not my idea... don't remember who's
~ Jech
1SOW
Member
Go with Cabellas, clear lid, on-off switch and fairly quiet, works well and comes with a separator and polish.
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