Wet tumbling question?

[cberge8]

Whenever I come back from the range, I inevitably have brass that buries itself deep in my pockets and manages to evade my brass bucket. I have always noticed that after a wash/dry cycle of my clothes this brass is always spotless and shiny.

On a hunch, I gathered up all of the most horrid looking brass in my collection, threw it in a tide delicate wash bag, and put it through a wash/dry cycle with my usual detergent.

I was quite surprised to find the entire bag looked like new brass!

Has anyone else ever done this long tern? Could this harm the brass in any way?

 

[PCCUSNRET]

Don't see how it would hurt the brass. I would be more concerned about a piece escaping the bag and damaging the washing machine. She who must be obeyed would frown upon having her washing machine put out of commission due to me cleaning my brass.

 

[Cosmoline]

My concern would be the lead and burned powder residue sticking around and getting on clothes and towels and such.

 

[cberge8]

I had also considered this, Cosmoline. BTW, just reading your screen name makes me cringe!

I was actually thinking about picking up a second hand washer for cleaning my brass, as I can get them fairly cheap locally.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

you can probably find a used washer for less than you can buy a thumler's model B

 

[06]

A friend just bought a Thumler and is using stainless media. She just loves it as it cleans inside.outside. and even the primer pocket shiny clean. The water gets filthy dirty with every batch.

 

[Cosmoline]

The thumbler is great. Very low-maintenance and uses a lot less water than the washer.