Need some ideas on a Tumble of any kind..

[WhiteMikeCN]

Ok I have come to the realization that I need a Bigger/better tumbler for what I am doing... This should give you an idea as to what I need.

My current tumbler is a Lyman Pro Magnun 2500 with Auto-Flo. It is currently running about 18 hours a day just to keep up with the amount of brass that I am cleaning. I go to the range about 4 times a week to pick up brass and I am only able to do 750 rounds of 9mm and to get them clean i have to run it for about 6-7 hours.

I need something bigger but cant have a cement mixer sitting outside of my house. Give me some ideas people...

I have thought about mounting a pool pump motor that I woul make out of balence causing the same vibrating action that the little lyman motor makes but that would only reduce time and not capicity. I have looked all over for something to use that is built for large capisity shell cleaning and have found nothing. Let me know also if you have anything to sell that would fit my needs. I would guess my goal would be to fit about 2500 9mm cases in it.

 

[ranger335v]

Get one of Harbor Freight Tools small cement mixers, leave the paddles out, and sit it inside.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

you might consider picking up a dillon CV2001.

with that and your current tumbler you could do a lot of brass at a whack.

 

[oneounceload]

An old clothes dryer can be had for $25.00 - add another few bucks for wiring it in your garage.

You might also want to check your media - if you're tumbling that much, it might be "worn out" so to speak and need replacement.
A rotary tumbler (also used for rock polishing) can use liquid cleaners and is much faster - also gets the inside clean

 

[MichaelK]

The wife does NOT know that I tumble my brass in our regular clothes drier. I have a big plastic tub with a screw-cap lid that I fill with media and cases, then duct tape it shut so it can't unscrew. This then goes in a plastic bag knotted shut and then placed in a cardboard box. I then place the box inside the drier with several pillows to hold it in place in the center of the drier drum. You have to stuff them in tight so the box doesn't shift and make the drum unbalanced. I then start it up for a 60 minute cycle with no heat. I usually set it for a second 60 minute cycle for a total of 120.

Make sure that the wife will NOT arrive home before you have finished tumbling!

 

[griff383]

That is hilarious!! My wife would kill me if I used the dryer to clean brass, but a good idea if my tumbler breaks.... or if I need a reason for her to be mad at me and leave me alone for a few days.

+1 on the media change, Midway has some good deals on bulk walnut and corn. I usually use the Iosso cleaner as a final clean before loading as it takes almost everything off the case and usually has a nice little luster.

You could also try an ultrasonic cleaner, they make all kinds of sizes for applications from gun parts to jewelry. A little research on the topic and you will find ways to clean brass with dish soap and lemon juice so the price for cleaning media is next to nothing.

http://www.cleanosonic.com/

 

[Buzzard]

Cabela's Tumbler Kit has all you need.

 

[oneounceload]

Buy your media at the big-box pet store - same stuff MUCH cheaper and no shipping

Ultrasonics are very good, IF you can find one large enough, which is why I mentioned the rotary - either will do an excellent job inside and out - your brass will blind you

 

[billybob44]

you might consider picking up a dillon CV2001.

with that and your current tumbler you could do a lot of brass at a whack.

I agree. Have had a Dillon 2001 for about 15-20 years-cleaned a lot of brass. It will hold 2K of 9MM brass + clean well. The motor is starting to make some noise now, and thinking of buying another of the same...Bill..

 

[dagger dog]

WhiteMike,

Check out the ceramic tumbling media avaliable from Cabelas, it works faster and lasts longer also cleans better than organic media. The inital cost is greater, but it gives better results.