New tumbler

[Tisto]

I'm in need of a nww tumbler. The first RCBS I had lasted about 12 years, and I beat the piss out of that one. When it died, I called RCBS to order a new motor. They said "Sure ! No problem ! $ 22 + shipping." The next day they called me back and said, "Sorry, we can't ship you just a motor, but we will sell you a new tumbler for the same price." Awesome ! I thought. That tumbler arrived and after only 1 month was dead. Again I called them and they shipped me another new one with a label to return the "new" dead one. Well, this one is on it's last legs now too. It's maybe 2 years old now, and I'm looking for a replacement. I won't bother with another RCBS because the bearings wear out too fast. I'm looking at the Lyman 2500 Pro Magnum, and the MEC.

Any recommendations for either of these two ? Maybe something different ? I'm not opposed to spending $$ on quality, but who makes one that won't wear out ?

 

[Darth]

What about a rotary? I switched to Stainless Steel rotary years ago.

 

[Chevusa]

when I read tumbler I thought drinking glass.
*sips booze*
never mind

 

[kev74]

You can use a rotary tumbler wet or dry.

Check out the Thumlers Tumblers. They're made for polishing rocks and are built to run constantly - usually a week or more non-stop.

 

[MilesTeg]

A lot of people are now using the rotary ones without the SS media using this cleaner.

BRASS JUICE CASE WASH

No Stainless Steel Media Required Designed for use with sonic cleaner and rotary tumblers Removes fouling, tarnish and oxidation from brass cases Cleans cases inside and out including primer pockets Made in the USA Brass Juice Case Wash is formulated to remove carbon buildup, tarnish and...

www.thereloadingstation.com

I used it a couple of times in my ultrasonic and it did well.

 

[JohnD13]

I've used the Lyman tumbler for many years but the next one, when this one goes, will be a rotary tumbler.

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

I've been doing ultrasonic for awhile now. Upgraded recently. Large enough capacity for brass, and other shop needs. Unit has plenty of heat. Use Simple Green (Lemon scent) with Lemi Shine. 30-40 minutes, done. Primer pockets and all. Relatively quiet. Here's the one I use....

Amazon.com: VEVOR Ultrasonic Cleaner 15L Commercial Ultrasonic Cleaner Total 760W for Cleaning Eyeglasses Rings Large Capacity Heated Ultrasonic Cleaner (15L, 760W) : Industrial & Scientific

Amazon.com: VEVOR Ultrasonic Cleaner 15L Commercial Ultrasonic Cleaner Total 760W for Cleaning Eyeglasses Rings Large Capacity Heated Ultrasonic Cleaner (15L, 760W) : Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

Think I paid under $200.00. Can be used for bolts, muzzle brakes, etc.

 

[Tisto]

What about a rotary? I switched to Stainless Steel rotary years ago.

Not onterested in a rotary type. I had one, and it took FOREVER. I already have an ultrasonic tank. That gets the brass clean, but nothing makes them shiny and smooth like a dry tumbler.

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

I still use my Hornady dry after wet ultrasonic.

 

[Deplorable Me]

I've been doing ultrasonic for awhile now. Upgraded recently. Large enough capacity for brass, and other shop needs. Unit has plenty of heat. Use Simple Green (Lemon scent) with Lemi Shine. 30-40 minutes, done. Primer pockets and all. Relatively quiet. Here's the one I use....

View attachment 73461

Amazon.com: VEVOR Ultrasonic Cleaner 15L Commercial Ultrasonic Cleaner Total 760W for Cleaning Eyeglasses Rings Large Capacity Heated Ultrasonic Cleaner (15L, 760W) : Industrial & Scientific

Amazon.com: VEVOR Ultrasonic Cleaner 15L Commercial Ultrasonic Cleaner Total 760W for Cleaning Eyeglasses Rings Large Capacity Heated Ultrasonic Cleaner (15L, 760W) : Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

Think I paid under $200.00. Can be used for bolts, muzzle brakes, etc.

What's your diution rate on the Simple Green?

 

[Carlos Hathcock]

What's your diution rate on the Simple Green?

It's nothing scientific. I use enough water to cover the cases and then usually use a cup of SG. Sprinkle lemi-shine like a sous chef. No real science. Just comes clean.

 

[Deplorable Me]

It's nothing scientific. I use enough water to cover the cases and then usually use a cup of SG. Sprinkle lemi-shine like a sous chef. No real science. Just comes clean.

Wildcat reloading extreme.

 

[meketrefe]

I have tried all methods over the years. I have concluded washing and Sonic cleaning is the cleanest and easiest method.
I also wash brass after prepping so there is zero trace of lube or dust.
It just becomes a matter of managing batches and rotating.

 

[Tintalieau]

I used these plans as a basis for my homemade wet tumbler, i can run 1000-1500 pistol bra, 750 223, wet clean with 1tsp dawn, 1 tbsp lemishine, and they come out purdy too.

DIY Wet Tumbler

 

[meketrefe]

What's your diution rate on the Simple Green?

Simple green is acidic so it might tarnish the brass if using too much or left unattended but at the same time a
small % dilution will loose any gunk and brass will clean real well.
The best thing is to rinse a couple of times with hot water and in the first riinse put a couple of spoons of
baking soda that is great for neutralizing any acids.
Even a slight darkening does not do anything because brass doesn't have to be shiny to be very clean.
The shining is just a cosmetic preference vs. a patina that might result from a cleaning agent.