Thumler's Tumbler Model B Rotary Tumbler

[cyphur]

I switched from vibratory to stainless and I'll never look back.

I can run 100+ rounds of .45 acp through the thumbler for 4 hours and it comes out brand spankin new. The problem is, as I've found, IT'S TOO CLEAN for a progressive press. The carbon residue left over from firing actually acts as a lubricant in the dies. My SS wet tumbled brass will get "stuck" on the case flaring die in my Dillon Square Deal B.

However, for rifle ammunition, where cleanliness sorta matters, and you're going to be lubing it anyways, I prefer to wet tumble, then polish afterwards with a vibratory.

I have also tried ultrasonic, and it leaves much to be asked for compared to SS tumbling, and also vibratory. VERY low qty of brass to clean at a time, and I haven't seen any real benefits over a good SS wet setup.

I have a question, is the 100 rounds a number you picked, or is that how many that tumbler will let you polish at one time?


Don2

Yea, I just pulled it out of a hat. I honestly have not counted what "max capacity" is. I just throw everything I have in there, and let it go. I would say max capacity is closer to 300-400 .45 acp rounds.

Just wondering, I never used an actual Thumler's Tumbler.
Myself, I'd hate to get stuck with only being able to polish 100 at a time.

The problem with the average vibrating "tumbler" is that you can't get the amplitude needed to really clean them in a reasonable time. My old RCBS unit took 6+ hours to get the brass the way I wanted it.
Most time I let it go all day or night.

I'm very happy with my Burr-King 150, I got a great deal on it.
It has adjustable amplitude and a large motor and bowl...I can use walnut media and Nu-Finish and have 2000 to 2500+ pcs. of brass very clean in 6 hours. Thats about 80% + shiny inside the brass and primer pockets. I have left it running all day, about 12 hours and had the whole brass very nice inside and out. But I usually do not worry about the inside and pp's much except on rifle.

I can also use various media in my tumbler, ceramic etc. ( suppose to be able to use the SS Pins too?? ) It is a wet/dry tumbler with a drain on the bottom.
Never tried wet tumbling yet.

Maybe the ss pins will come down in price one day and I'll try them. I would have to buy about 4 packs of them for this unit. That costs way too much just to try it.

I hope it all works out for you...!!
Have fun.

Don2

I do believe rotary tumblers are required because due to the shape of the SS pin media tumbling is not nearly as effective. The rotation provides the requisite movement.

[mr surveyor]

I just run my deprimed brass about 30 minutes in an ultrasonic bath. It may not be "ultra polished", but it's totally clean inside-out, including the flash hole and primer pocket. Ready to load the next day...or within a few minutes/hours depending on the drying method used.

[rotor]

Just started in reloading and ordered a Thumbler Tumbler and of course it is back ordered. My first completed bullet will probably be in 2014 at this rate. My concern and this is really a question, is anyone concerned about the possibility of lead poisoning using a regular walnut shell or corn husk device? My understanding is that there is a risk that is reduced with a liquid media. I am a newbie though and may be wrong.

[rotor]

Just received my Tumbler yesterday and took some really old dirty brass and tumbled for three hours. A dash of dawn, a wisp of Lemee shine (spelling), a gallon of water and after 3 hours took out the cleanest brass I have ever seen. This was junk stuff that I picked up at the range. Poured the messy fluid down the drain and didn't lose one stainless steel pellet. This was so easy. I am excited about reloading, perhaps in a year I will be able to actually find a source for primers. My equipment is all coming in in dribbles. At least I will have clean brass. Fortunately I have plenty of commercial ammo.

[rotor]

Have been reloading since my last report, 380, 9, 45, 223 and all have been tumbled with ss media and do great. I deprime first, clean for 4 hours, rinse and place on a cookie sheet in the sun to dry. All look great and reload great.

FYI, standard tumbler can do 2 pounds of brass
9mm 230 pieces
223 150-180
45 160-180
etc.

No fear of lead dust.
Use what works for you. I never have to clean primer pockets though but some times ss media will get stuck and needs to be pulled out with needle nose pliers.

[J Wilson]

Moby,
When I was reloading,a bunch of us used to buy our walnut hull media from Clemtex.They sells sand blasting supplies,and it's pretty cheap.You have to buy a pretty big bag,but it's cheap enough to share with your buddies.They are located in the Irving Blvd. Inwood Road area

Clemtex
4770 Gretna
Dallas
214-631-0584