Hi everyone.

I was looking at tumblers and hearing all different things from everyone with whom I spoke. Do any of you have experience with the different tumblers and can offer a comparison.

I'm particularly looking at the Hornady and RCBS models vs the Cabela's tumbler.

I hear they all use the "open motor" design that can lead to malfunctions/early burn out as dust can get into the motor compartment.

Some folks tell me the Dillon's have a different design with a "sealed from the elements" motor and are worth the extra price as the others will die on me in about a year if I actually USE it.

 

Also, what's your opinion on walnut vs corn cob media. Pros / cons.

I plan on using some sort of brass case polish. Any recommendations on this would be appreciated as well.

Many say I should have 2 tumblers :? :?: one for walnut to clean and one with corn cob for that nice shiny like new look.

 

All thoughts and experiences you would like to share are welcome and appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance guys!

Hi everyone.

I was looking at tumblers and hearing all different things from everyone with whom I spoke. Do any of you have experience with the different tumblers and can offer a comparison.

I'm particularly looking at the Hornady and RCBS models vs the Cabela's tumbler.

I hear they all use the "open motor" design that can lead to malfunctions/early burn out as dust can get into the motor compartment.

Some folks tell me the Dillon's have a different design with a "sealed from the elements" motor and are worth the extra price as the others will die on me in about a year if I actually USE it.

 

Also, what's your opinion on walnut vs corn cob media. Pros / cons.

I plan on using some sort of brass case polish. Any recommendations on this would be appreciated as well.

Many say I should have 2 tumblers :? :?: one for walnut to clean and one with corn cob for that nice shiny like new look.

 

All thoughts and experiences you would like to share are welcome and appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance guys!

 

I read that you should always tumble outside of your living quarters.. like outside in the shed/workshop.. reason being the tumbling action stirs up the remaining remnants of lead and it could be airborne.

I've been using a Cabela's tumbler, it came as a kit. I bought it early summer and it's still working great. I cut up some dryer sheets and put a few table spoons of mineral spirits in with the polish. The brass comes out nice and shiney. I'm going to pick up some of the lizard litter at the pet store which is crushed walnut shells and see how that works.

Check out the Midway site....I believe it's by Frankford Arsenal...works great.You can use rice, dry,

instead of the walnuts. Buy a large sack at the supermarket.

I bought my tumblel at Harbor Fright.Have cleaned thousands of rounds

and no problems.Paid around $60 +$10 insurance so if it ever breaks

take it back and get a new one.

Dave

I bought my tumblel at Harbor Fright.Have cleaned thousands of rounds

and no problems.Paid around $60 +$10 insurance so if it ever breaks

take it back and get a new one.

Dave

 

Yeah I heard that Harbor freight has some good deals

I have an older Midway tumbler and 2 years ago bought the Cabelas kit. I am very happy with the Cabelas kit, great tumbler and value.

If you are going to be doing any amount of reloading and do rifle calibers, bit the bullet and go for the Dillon. the Lyman/ Franklin/etc. are OK for light work. mine last a year before they burn out. I went through five Lyman's in six months as they had a run of bad motors. As one started burning, i would not run them unless someone is home and nearby.

 

Save yourself the trouble with the cheap ones. they will not last under heavy use.

I've been using my Lortone Lapidary tumbler since 1982. Only had to replace the motor once. It's makes much less noise then a vibratory tumbler.

 

I use corn cob media with a tablespoon of NuFinish car wax. It works just as well as the high priced polishes and has no ammonia to break down the brass.

I use my whirlpool industrial size tumbler. Pic attached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I use my whirlpool industrial size tumbler. Pic attached.

 

 

 

 

That actually might be a decent idea :?: Aw man.. my father had a washing machine that was leaking.. but I think it still turned.. I should have kept it and rigged it up.. Oh Well.

I don't know it a washer would stop the media from leaving the tub. Plus you would spend some time trying to retrive the brass even if bagged. Plus i think the noise might be a bit much.

 

But on a more serious note, there are commercial thimbles available that will do large loads of brass and withstand the abuse. But they aren't cheap.

I don't know it a washer would stop the media from leaving the tub. Plus you would spend some time trying to retrive the brass even if bagged. Plus i think the noise might be a bit much.

 

But on a more serious note, there are commercial thimbles available that will do large loads of brass and withstand the abuse. But they aren't cheap.

 

Oh well.. it's a project for when I actually get a man cave.

I have a Midway vibratory tumbler I've used for years with no problems. It's got a cover of clear plastic, so no dust gets out.

I've used for years

 

That's probably the reason. The newer ones are junk. I get little use before they burn out. I use Lyman but I wouldn't doubt they all, (except the Dillon line) all come from the same manufacturer. The cheaper ones might be OK for light loads but a lot of heavy brass and they die. When I had one go in fire I lose any confidence in them and will no longer let them run unattended.

 

I friend up here has a stone and gem store and doe quite a bit of custom work. I'm going to have him check for a commercial tumbler. The vibrating type just won't hold up and at best have limited capacity. I have no doubt what kills mine is the extreme loads I'm cleaning.

 

When I first started handloading in the 60's, I have a Thumler's Tumbler. That will probably be where I start when I replace the Lyman 3200.