Alternative tumbling media to remove lube?

[jcwallace84]

Hi guys, I switched to using a rotary Thumler tumbler and the wet pin method for cleaning brass. And for removing lube off of sized cases I also have used just soap and water in that tumbler. But I was wondering if anyone has used the rotary tumblers with dry corn cob media, or more interestingly perhaps ceramic media to remove lube? My idea about the ceramic media was that it would not produce as much dust. Also less dust would be nice if I wanted to tumble lube off of loaded rounds. The loaded rounds were lubed with one shot, and are .38 special.

 

[cfullgraf]

Yes, before the days of affordable vibrating "tumblers", rotary tumblers with dry media were used.

Rock tumblers were the mainstay. I still have mine somewhere in the house.

 

[jcwallace84]

Good to know, thanks!

Anyone try using ceramic media for purposes or removing lube? Or would it just redistribute it? I've never used it before.

 

[medalguy]

Ceramic media will fill up with lube if you use that. Cob is much better as it's cheap and can be replaced anytime for very little money. If you remove the lube before priming, add a dash of mineral spirits to the cob to cut the lube even faster.

Ceramic media will also leave a scratched looking "satin" finish on your brass.

 

[Centaur 1]

I use my Graf's vibrating tumbler with walnut lizard litter. When I get home with the dirty brass it all goes in the tumbler with media which has been treated with an extra fine polishing compound. Then I size and trim the brass before it goes back in the tumbler with walnut media that's been treated with NuFinish car polish and a squirt of LemiShine dishwasher rinse aid. The dust problem is an easy fix, save your used dryer sheets when you take laundry out of the dryer. Before you put the lid on the tumbler add 2 full sheets. Every time you open the lid to check on the brass, remove and discard the dryer sheets that are now full of dust, and replace them with 2 more. Don't skimp on the dryer sheets, my family has never failed to produce way more used sheets than I could ever need. I cleaned a used grated parmesan cheese container, the type with flip-up lids. I keep open the lid that covers the larger opening, and I put a label on the outside asking to "please save the used dryer sheets when removing clothes from dryer, thank you."

 

[jcwallace84]

Thanks medalguy! It sounds like ceramic isn't a great choice in this case. I ordered some more corncob. I used to use flitz polish and a dryer sheet. I will have to try a bit of mineral spirits.

 

[jcwit]

I rinse mine in gas, ya I know its flammable, its flammable when I fill my lawn mower too.

BTW takes all of 15 min. to 1/2 hour to dry, just enough time to do something else.

 

[Rule3]

I use a diluted water base lube and do not remove it If it is a tad heavy on some cases I use a damp cloth.

 

[Chevota]

When I use lube I use water based and rinse in hot water, I hate getting the stuff on me and my equip. For 38 and all straight cases I always used a carbide die to avoid using lube at all.