PaFrank
Member
I posted this on another forum, but all I got was a lot of palavering about "this is what I do..." So I offer it to you for discussion....
I have both a Thumler's model B and a Vibratory. Actually my 3rd vibratory. the Thumler I bought in 1976 and its still going strong. Vibratory polishers just do not last.
Secondly, Vibratory polishers are Noisy, and I think use more power. A Thumler is so quiet, you will forget its running! I once left it running for several days... and yes, the brass was mirror finished!
You can use ANY kind of media in a rotary tumbler. Wet or dry. Dry stuff only in a vibratory.
Long before the steel pins were available, I used to use steel BB's, a cup of water, and ONE drop of dish soap. Worked just fine, but doesn't clean the primer pockets.
Now the Media:
I've always preferred the walnut media, I think it lasts longer than corn cob. But I, as many other have complained about, the media gets stuck in the flash holes.
I figured that one out too. Buy smaller media. It comes in sizes, ya know. I've been using the 20/30 mesh size and it DOES NOT get stuck in primer pockets, and DOES clean them.
You can buy just about ANY type of tumbler media here, and at priced definitely better than any LGS, or gun show.
the downside (or up side depending on your point of view) is there is no polishing compound impregnated in the media. (surf the site, there is a photo of every mesh size offered shown on a dime to give you some perspective on the size.
And while I'm satisfied with the walnut media, you guys that like the SS pins media might look into this. The company below offers a SS media called the "jewelry mix" Their claim is that the irregular mixed shapes improves the cleaning process.
Here's the link....... http://www.kramerindustriesonline.co...comparison.htm
I have both a Thumler's model B and a Vibratory. Actually my 3rd vibratory. the Thumler I bought in 1976 and its still going strong. Vibratory polishers just do not last.
Secondly, Vibratory polishers are Noisy, and I think use more power. A Thumler is so quiet, you will forget its running! I once left it running for several days... and yes, the brass was mirror finished!
You can use ANY kind of media in a rotary tumbler. Wet or dry. Dry stuff only in a vibratory.
Long before the steel pins were available, I used to use steel BB's, a cup of water, and ONE drop of dish soap. Worked just fine, but doesn't clean the primer pockets.
Now the Media:
I've always preferred the walnut media, I think it lasts longer than corn cob. But I, as many other have complained about, the media gets stuck in the flash holes.
I figured that one out too. Buy smaller media. It comes in sizes, ya know. I've been using the 20/30 mesh size and it DOES NOT get stuck in primer pockets, and DOES clean them.
You can buy just about ANY type of tumbler media here, and at priced definitely better than any LGS, or gun show.
the downside (or up side depending on your point of view) is there is no polishing compound impregnated in the media. (surf the site, there is a photo of every mesh size offered shown on a dime to give you some perspective on the size.
And while I'm satisfied with the walnut media, you guys that like the SS pins media might look into this. The company below offers a SS media called the "jewelry mix" Their claim is that the irregular mixed shapes improves the cleaning process.
Here's the link....... http://www.kramerindustriesonline.co...comparison.htm