Rotary Tumbler

[wiiawiwb]

I've been using a Harbor Freight single-drum tumbler with stainless-steel pins. It has served me well but has been acting a little funny lately, so I am planning on replacing it fairly soon.

I'm looking at both the Franklin Arsenal rotary tumbler and the Thumler's rotary tumbler. Which of these two looks better?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/PLATINUM-SERIES-ROTARY-TUMBLER-L/1811194.uts

http://www.brownells.com/reloading/...umler-s-model-b-rotary-tumbler-prod42994.aspx

 

[pert near]

I've used both the Thumbler & the F.A.R.T. They both did identical brass polishing jobs. I sold the Thumbler & bought the Frankford, finding it much more convenient & obviously designed for the task at hand.

JIMHO...

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

I've had a FART for a few years and it works great.
You can find a much better price on it than Cabela's has.
Look on gundeals.com

 

[cfullgraf]

I have both. The Thumbler tumbler being originally designed for rock polishing where it runs for days or weeks at a time is probably more reliable and longer lasting.

But the Frankfort Arsenal unit is geared more to brass cleaning with its accessories.

I still mostly dry tumble but I do some wet tumbling two or three times per year. The last couple times I wet tumbled cases I used the Frankfort tumbler. You be the judge.

 

[JO JO]

I have a frankford works great for a couple of years now, the frankford comes with pins the other doesn't so you have to factor that in , also watch amazon they runs sales on the frankford often the last month sale the frankford was as low as $119 , I think the thumbler only holds 3 lb brass the frankford holds a lot of brass , the positive on the thumbler is it has serviceable parts and have less noise
Still I would pick the frankford kit it's made for brass 2 big screw on on lids and mine works great

 

[Kaldor]

My vote goes to an STM tumbler if you are looking to upgrade. Better quality than a Thumbler IMHO. Yes, more $$, but full bearings and better motor.

The next option for better is to roll your own.

 

[ponchh]

View attachment 758801 Building one is kind of nice.

 

[salpal48]

Since Your working with Just 2 Choices . You will be missing the boat if you do not Look @ Lortone. QT12. . Yes 12 Pounds But It will last a life time. Check out The Rockshed.com.
I have been Using my 2 for 2o years with no repairs
Good pricing , parts and belts

 

[Dudedog]

I use the Lyman Cyclone, got it on sale. It came with pins.
Happy with it so far.

F.A.R.T ing to clean brass does seem to be a favorite however.

I use a case full of Citric acid (canning section at the supermarket) and Autowash and wax. (prefer Formula 1 but Armour All and other work as well)

 

[Hokie_PhD]

On YouTube there's a video on Jerry Miculek's channel of him tumbling brass with a gas powdered concrete mixer!

I guess when you shoot A LOT you use A LOT of ammo and need a HUGE mixer!