cement mixer for stainless steel pin tumbler?

[rondog]

I'd love to get into using the SS pins and wet method for cleaning & polishing brass, because I hear it works so well. But the small capacity of the Thumlers Model B is what holds me back. I could get this little cement mixer from Northern Tool for about the same price, with a far larger capacity. Has anybody done anything like this? Or know anybody that has?

 

[Ifishsum]

I've seen something similar to that being used for tumbling cases, yes. Not sure what kind of media they were using though.

 

[kingmt]

I've read about it being done several times.

 

[FROGO207]

Somebody on here made one with a five gallon bucket and it worked well IIRC. Anything that rotates and has paddles in it will do the job but one designed for the job would be more efficient/dependable IMHO. I got a Thumlers for around $25 used at a local gun shop and it works well for me small loads and all. Smaller loads for 2 hours for spotless brass as opposed to 3 times as much and run overnight for only outside cleaning is a no brainer in my book.

 

[blarby]

LOUD !

Lol.....

Otherwise, your biggest problem would be falling height brass neck dings.

Go for it.

 

[Blackrock]

Maybe reduce the heigth of the paddles or remove two if there are four of them.

 

[cberge8]

There was a guy on here last Christmas who's wife bought him one for that purpose. From what I remember, it works well, just extremely loud!

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

it'll work, but it'll take a lot of pins ($$$$)

 

[kingmt]

What I read they removed the pedals altogether. Maybe try it both ways.

 

[rcmodel]

it'll work, but it'll take a lot of pins ($$$$)

This!!

rc

 

[WNTFW]

I think there are some threads on the Brian Enos Forum for DIY wet tumblers.

Before going bigger I would go to a 2 batch system. A lot more flexibility that way. I have 3 vibratory & find it convenient to have different batches. Plus I tumble lube off at some point after sizing, so that is just a short run in the cleanest media.

The roller systems with 6" PVC can get too big (heavy) to handle according to what I have read. I have used a roller system to tumble case lube onto cases, which is why I made my own case lube.

On the cement mixer you can spray the inside with bedliner or undercoating according to legend.

I do know of 1 guy that uses the cement mixer with a solution. I heard the process second hand from his brother a few years back. The guy & his wife shoot a lot.

Personally managing any kind of chemistry is not something I want to do. I also avoid getting brass wet if at all possible. Wet tumbling sure does do a good job though.