Frankford arsenal tumbler failure.

[gfpd707]

I am a little disappointed today. Earlier I noticed a small amount of dust coming from the bottom of my tumbler bowl. I emptied it and found a 1 inch long crack in the bottom. After removing the bowl for further examination I found two of the three mounting points are cracked halfway through the bolt holes. I know this was a low end piece but I expected more the a 18 month service life. I have and estimated 75 to 100 hours of operation on this machine.

 

[HankC]

Were the bolts tight? Put stress to the mounting points if bolts came loose. I better inspect mine! Thanks for the warning.

 

[gfpd707]

Were the bolts tight? Put stress to the mounting points if bolts came loose. I better inspect mine! Thanks for the warning.

When I took it apart everything appeared to be tight. I remember when I put it together being concerned about over tightening them. I checked them several times over the last year and a half.

 

[GBExpat]

I am sorry to hear of your premature equipment failure.

A Frankford Arsenal brand Vibratory Case Cleaner, yes?

I just want to make sure that everyone reading this understands which product-type, since "tumbler" can be reference more than a single type of equipment.

 

[gfpd707]

I am sorry to hear of your premature equipment failure.

A Frankford Arsenal brand Vibratory Case Cleaner, yes?

I just want to make sure that everyone reading this understands which product-type, since "tumbler" can be reference more than a single type of equipment.

Yes it was the vibratory tumbler.

 

[WestKentucky]

it happens over time, sometimes more quickly than others. I don't so much think its an issue with the FA equipment, but rather the materials used to make the FA equipment, and the same materials being used in other companies products. Things wear out over time, and it seems like the bowls on vibratory machines are made of a material more susceptible to wear than what was on older thumblers machines and such. They do make new bowls for the machines, and until you get one of those you could epoxy your current bowl to get by. I personally would have a problem with paying very much to replace the bowl when you can buy a new machine as cheap as they are. If you do decide to replace the machine, I would also look at the harbor freight machines, mine is working on almost 3 years and it is still going strong. I would estimate close to 1000 hours of use because im bad about forgetting to turn it off for a full day or two.

 

[lauderdale]

No biggie but yeah vibro. had me starting to wonder also? My other would be a dillion. w/ walnut media. I would try to call them. I really like my ss/pin fart.

 

[Dudedog]

After 3 years and LOTS of use the bottom of my FA bowl cracked-yep about 1". I just bought the "Plastic" epoxy at OSH and glued it up. Any epoxy would probably work, I just bought the one for plastics since I didn't have any on hand.
Bummer it cracked, easy fix.

 

[PCFlorida]

My big Dillon is 28 years old and still going strong. As someone said, the quality of the plastic makes a difference.

 

[2011redrider]

Have the Cabelas version of the Berry 400. had the lid crack and Berrys replaced it. has lifetime on the bowl and lid.
Does Frankford only have a yr warranty or what? I've had good luck with their CS.

 

[HankC]

Or go Goodwill Store buy an old cooking pot, attach to the tumbler base to use it as the bowl. Last a life time and you know when the tumbler is running!

 

[Bullseye]

My F A tumbler was a pain using the square nuts on the underside.
I just took them out and epoxied my bowl right fast to the base and that's the end of that problem.
If I had cracks, I would just drill a small hole at the end of them to stop further cracking and epoxy that too.

 

[tcoz]

My FA unit has been used at least three times a week for almost five years and it's still going strong.

 

[gfpd707]

Just a quick update.

I emailed Frankford Arsenal and the unit has a one year warranty. They sell replacement bowls for $9.

 

[drband]

I replaced my FA bowl a while back after 2-1/2 years of use. Got a crack near the center screw post. New one works fine but tends to leak dust a little under the the lid. I guess it's just a little out of spec.

 

[salpal48]

I found Reloading Co, Make and sell the worst Tumbling equipment. . Most loader want cheap stuff and there willing to make it and sell it. . I only use either Lortone, Diamond Pacific Or Older Sears machine. Most I have for 20 years. never a Problem. Same Belt . Even Thumlers Now are Cheaply made.
Buy it once and Forget It.
Even the new Lyman Cyclone . Looks good But Cheap. There all good @ first. but all will not stand the Test of Time.
Sal