Case tumbler, what's best?

[Jon Field]

I'm getting ready to buy a tumbler, any ideas as to a good one?

Thank.

[Litt'le Lee]

use the small Dillon Vibe-had it many years

[Dan Shapiro]

+1 on the Dillion............

http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/Case_Preparation_Equipment-8-8.html

[Richard Turner/Turner Saddlery]

I use Dillon's CV-2001, which is their large vibratory tumbler. We use it almost every day for polishing some of our sling hardware (Brass and Steel) as well as rivets and cast parts. Finally wore one out about two years ago and purchased that one in 1989. They have a very good warranty as well. I think I had to send $20 or $30 along with the old tumbler and they sent me a new one. I also have another Dillon I use for polishing cartridge cases.

If you are looking for a rotary tumbler, I use Thumler's Model A-R12 No. 130 (two small drums) and a Model B No. 140 (one large drum). Both units are rubber lined and can be run wet or dry. The large units are primarily used for rock tumbling, but work great for cartridge cases and small metal parts.

For large runs, I use an old 4 cubic ft. steel cement mixer with a combination of cob media and 15% ceramic media or steel shot. I know of several reloaders who use the small mixers to polish large quantities of cartridge brass as well.


RT

[PhillipM]

Thumbler's model B, it can use wet or dry media, including the stainless steel media that gets the cases perfectly clean, including primer pockets.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Model-A-R-Rotary-Rock-Tumbler/716831.uts?productVariantId=1666877&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=44-36918818-2&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=60001844&rid=20

[tmark]

I've had good results using the RCBS drum tumbler using liquid or dry media. It has a timer switch.

[Allen]

For those who reload a lot.

[barretcreek]

I have the big Dillon and I also have a medical ultrasonic cleaner. The ultrasonic does not get brass shiny bright but it really get the inside and primer pockets clean. I use it for my service rifle brass after decapping.

[joem]

I have the Dillon CV2001, RCBS sidewinder, a ultra sonic and two Thumblers. I recommend the thumbler mod "B". They are very quiet and can run all night and not disturb you. The ultra sonic does a good job on the primer pockets but is too slow for me.

[Jon Field]

Thanks for the ideas, good info, I have worn out 2 Lyman's wanted to try something else!

Thanks again.

[albert]

Thumbler's model B, it can use wet or dry media, including the stainless steel media that gets the cases perfectly clean, including primer pockets.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Model-A-R-Rotary-Rock-Tumbler/716831.uts?productVariantId=1666877&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=44-36918818-2&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=60001844&rid=20

+1 on the thumbler model b. Mine is 30 years old and still using original motor. i must surely have polished over 150,000 rounds with it.

[joem]

"Thanks for the ideas, good info, I have worn out 2 Lyman's wanted to try something else!"

I did wear out the RCBS sidwinder tunmble and sent it to the factory for new rear bearings. It does a fine job but Thumblers are still much more quiet.

[PhillipM]

"Thanks for the ideas, good info, I have worn out 2 Lyman's wanted to try something else!"

I did wear out the RCBS sidwinder tunmble and sent it to the factory for new rear bearings. It does a fine job but Thumblers are still much more quiet.

My drum disintegrated, I guess due to its age, I'd bought it in 1990 or so. At first, the green started flaking off where it contacted the roller, which I fixed with some jb weld, then one day I picked it up by the ring/handle and the whole top came off. I bought a new drum, stupidly forgetting it may have been warrantied.

I don't know why rcbs thinks it is a $400 machine now.

[da gimp]

we've used a Thumbler's Tumbler since 1984 & Maurie K. convinced me on the use of the wet stainless steel media being the best thing since good ale was discovered.

[Former Cav]

we've used a Thumbler's Tumbler since 1984 & Maurie K. convinced me on the use of the wet stainless steel media being the best thing since good ale was discovered
enlighten me on the stainless media. I've been using the crushed wallnut shells in my small dillon for about 20 years now. (I've changed the wallnut media about every year or so)

[StockDoc]

I bought a Lortone Rock Tumbler 40 years ago, still have it and use. Has never let me down. the QT -12

http://www.lortone.com/midsize_tumblers.html

[Allen]

enlighten me on the stainless media. I've been using the crushed wallnut shells in my small dillon for about 20 years now. (I've changed the wallnut media about every year or so)

I will start the reply and maybe others will add and improve on what I miss. Stainless steel pins are used in rotary tumblers such as the Thumbler's Tumbler model B with various liquid soaps and water (they have a rubber lined can and lid). The pins clean the primer pocket cavity (provided you have the primer punched out) and polish the brass. The main beauty of the pins (or beads or pellets) is that they are reusable and should last forever. Just empty the tumbler when finished into a strainer with a bucket under it and rinse. I bought 5# of pins for about $35 from a seller on ebay and it is the right amount for this type tumbler. You might find a better source though. Corncob and walnut media often plug the flash hole. Not so with the pins. The only downside I have found is if you want to add a wax or car polish to your brass to keep them from tarnishing as quickly you will still need to use your walnut or corncob dry media and tumble afterward. Pins probably won't work in a vibrator type tumbler due to the weight.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Pounds-Stainless-Steel-Tumbling-Media-Pins-5lb-047-x-255-1-19mm-x-6-48mm-/181306798331?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a36ba30fb

[PhillipM]

enlighten me on the stainless media. I've been using the crushed wallnut shells in my small dillon for about 20 years now. (I've changed the wallnut media about every year or so)

I do it in my RCBS sidewinder, but the Thumbler's works better.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdvq3Kc_Vm0

[Allen]

You definitely improved on my reply. The video is worth a thousand words !!!

[Sunray]

Had a Lyman something for 40ish years. Really makes no difference which one you buy though.
You can make one that'll work just as well as a commercial tumbler. Small electric motor, some pulleys and belts screwed to a hunk of plywood with a lidded plastic bucket. Same idea as Allen's, but not as flashy. snicker.

[psteinmayer]

I have a Cabelas tumbler, which does as much as a Lyman, for 1/2 the price... and ain't failed me yet!