I dry tumble and will only discuss dry tumbling in this thread.
I modified a basic economy grade concrete mixer from Northern Tool in Belleville Illinois. Notice I have added a lid as well as a strainer screen to be able to spin the barrel and separate the media. I had the holes in barrel tig welded solid and I removed the baffles.
My picture taking ability is fair at best so please do not judge the appearance of final brass as in person it is bright and reflective.
Issues I encountered were as follows, the drive belt slipped of the driver stud and pulley first time tumbling. The second issue I experienced was a very hot motor cover, upon removal it was found bo exhaust port had been put into cover to release hot air from fan. The motor when hot 119 degrees with cover in place, with cover removed it was 63-78 degrees A BIG DIFFERENCE.
The media I made as followed
Rough polish
25 pounds harbor freight 24 grit fine media
2 pints paint thinner
8 Oz Nu finish car wax
Finial finish
25 pounds 14/20 corn Cobb media
2 pints paint thinner
8 Oz Nu finish car wax
Run time was 1 hour for each process
First batch was 3000 pieces while the second batch was 5000 pieces of 45 acp brass. The same finish was had on either quantity.
I am pleased with this as it saves me considerable time using a vibratory tumbler.
Tips play with angel of drum to get maximum agitation of the brass.
I modified a basic economy grade concrete mixer from Northern Tool in Belleville Illinois. Notice I have added a lid as well as a strainer screen to be able to spin the barrel and separate the media. I had the holes in barrel tig welded solid and I removed the baffles.
My picture taking ability is fair at best so please do not judge the appearance of final brass as in person it is bright and reflective.
Issues I encountered were as follows, the drive belt slipped of the driver stud and pulley first time tumbling. The second issue I experienced was a very hot motor cover, upon removal it was found bo exhaust port had been put into cover to release hot air from fan. The motor when hot 119 degrees with cover in place, with cover removed it was 63-78 degrees A BIG DIFFERENCE.
The media I made as followed
Rough polish
25 pounds harbor freight 24 grit fine media
2 pints paint thinner
8 Oz Nu finish car wax
Finial finish
25 pounds 14/20 corn Cobb media
2 pints paint thinner
8 Oz Nu finish car wax
Run time was 1 hour for each process
First batch was 3000 pieces while the second batch was 5000 pieces of 45 acp brass. The same finish was had on either quantity.
I am pleased with this as it saves me considerable time using a vibratory tumbler.
Tips play with angel of drum to get maximum agitation of the brass.