2aHawaii
Tools and Uses => Reloading => Topic started by: ren on April 30, 2011, 03:06:54 PM
-
The best cleaning I ever gave to my brass! Involves water and a a rotary tumbler but the main benefit to me is NO DUST! Everything is clean primer pocket and inside BLINGED OUT! O0
-
So how does media tumbling work anyway? Do you just stick in the media and turn a hand crank for a while?
So many things to learn.
-
So how does media tumbling work anyway? Do you just stick in the media and turn a hand crank for a while?
So many things to learn.
You just load the bowl and plug it in. It vibrates and the media polishes the brass.
-
using stainless steel media you need a rotary tumbler aka rock tumbler etc. and use water, two table spoons of Dawn, a tablespoon of Lemishine and add water. The media I bought from http://www.stainlesstumblingmedia.com/ (http://www.stainlesstumblingmedia.com/) It was rather pricey at $50 a lb. but it lasts indefinitely vs. other media like corn cob. Now there were people who are more Chinese than me and they washed it and let the corn cob dry for a week or two. I did try it but it turned out like oatmeal and threw it away.
This wet method takes a bit more tumbling time vs. a vibe tumbler combined with corn cob or walnut. But again I live in an apt. now with no garage so the dust and noise was a concern. I just use my bathtub. The results are better than the more common method of vibe cleaning brass.
I am looking to rid my vibe tumbler with about 25+ pounds of corn cob and other media, along with a half bottle of Flitz media additive.
If you are looking for media the cheapest and best place is at that blasting place in Mapunapuna...I think it is called MR. Sandman. I bought about 30 pounds of corn cob for $30. Way cheaper than ordering or buying at a local gun store. In fact, I think they mentioned that they did sell some to a few unnamed gun stores :-X
Clean brass doesn't make for accurate loads or a better shooter. But I like the bling! And the brass IS squeaky clean. 8) Totally frosty man!
-
I was looking for one tumbler for myself. You looking to get rid of yours? =Op
It's the 2nd to the last excuse I have for not having started reloading yet. I still have to bolt down the reloading tools to my desk I made. lol.
-
I was looking for one tumbler for myself. You looking to get rid of yours? =Op
It's the 2nd to the last excuse I have for not having started reloading yet. I still have to bolt down the reloading tools to my desk I made. lol.
Mine is from Frankfort Arsenal. 85$. Works like a champ.
-
Ren,
I like borrow! ;)
I have seen the results of the SS tumbler myself, all I can say is WOW. :thumbsup:
Get a universal decapping die to punch out primers first and after the cleaning is over you got some brass that looks like it just came out of the factory, sheesh, take that back, probably better looking than band new! ;D
-
very cool, that cleaning method is gaining respect. So you have the Thumlers Tumbler, high speed?
Have you noticed any signs of the media rusting during storage? Have you tried tumbling rifle brass and any rods getting stuck in the flash holes?
Thanks, i'm very close to going this route.
-
very cool, that cleaning method is gaining respect. So you have the Thumlers Tumbler, high speed?
Have you noticed any signs of the media rusting during storage? Have you tried tumbling rifle brass and any rods getting stuck in the flash holes?
Thanks, i'm very close to going this route.
I've only had the media for about a few days now and they don't show signs of rust. So far I've tumbled .308 WIN and .223 with nothing stuck (knock on wood)
The media can be picked up with a magnet.
Not sure which THumler I got but it turns rather slow. It is the Model B ...not sure about the speed but I am looking at a motor I found - 1/4 HP at 1750 RPM. :D
-
Nice! Pretty nifty.
I use an additive in my media and they come out nice an shiny every time. I know eventually the media may wear out. Will have to think about this when it comes time to replace my set up.
-
I was looking for one tumbler for myself. You looking to get rid of yours? =Op
It's the 2nd to the last excuse I have for not having started reloading yet. I still have to bolt down the reloading tools to my desk I made. lol.
sell it for $50
It's a Midway 1292 tumbler. There has been internet reports of it burning out and the reason is because the bottom lid selas the motor and prevents good air flow. I immediately took this off when I bought it in years ago from WGS. It was a pretty obvious solution. It works well since the day I bought it. Also comes with about 20 lbs of corn cob, some other coarser media and half bottle of Flitz media additive. I will post pics later.
-
I was looking for one tumbler for myself. You looking to get rid of yours? =Op
It's the 2nd to the last excuse I have for not having started reloading yet. I still have to bolt down the reloading tools to my desk I made. lol.
$50
It's a Midway 1292 tumbler. There has been internet reports of it burning out and the reason is because the bottom lid selas the motor and prevents good air flow. I immediately took this off when I bought it in years ago from WGS. It was a pretty obvious solution. It works well since the day I bought it. Also comes with about 20 lbs of corn cob, some other coarser media and half bottle of Flitz media additive. I will post pics later.
So are you selling it?
-
I was looking for one tumbler for myself. You looking to get rid of yours? =Op
It's the 2nd to the last excuse I have for not having started reloading yet. I still have to bolt down the reloading tools to my desk I made. lol.
$50
It's a Midway 1292 tumbler. There has been internet reports of it burning out and the reason is because the bottom lid selas the motor and prevents good air flow. I immediately took this off when I bought it in years ago from WGS. It was a pretty obvious solution. It works well since the day I bought it. Also comes with about 20 lbs of corn cob, some other coarser media and half bottle of Flitz media additive. I will post pics later.
So are you selling it?
yup :shaka:
-
50$? I will take it.
-
I ordered mine last week. There's a guy (Spencer) in Kaneohe selling the stainless steel media for 35.00. Really cool guy.
-
http://www.accurateshooter.com/featured/brass-cleaning-with-stainless-media/ (http://www.accurateshooter.com/featured/brass-cleaning-with-stainless-media/)
-
Interesting. I've only ever heard of Corn Cob, walnut shells or custom mixing of these as cleaning/polishing media.
-
I think I saw a sign for a guy selling SS media for $35 a pound. This was on the rifle side.
Something told me I should have taken a pic of it with my phone.
-
very cool, that cleaning method is gaining respect. So you have the Thumlers Tumbler, high speed?
Have you noticed any signs of the media rusting during storage? Have you tried tumbling rifle brass and any rods getting stuck in the flash holes?
Thanks, i'm very close to going this route.
I've only had the media for about a few days now and they don't show signs of rust. So far I've tumbled .308 WIN and .223 with nothing stuck (knock on wood)
The media can be picked up with a magnet.
Not sure which THumler I got but it turns rather slow. It is the Model B ...not sure about the speed but I am looking at a motor I found - 1/4 HP at 1750 RPM. :D
I haven't thought about this in a while and am now considering giving it a try. I won't need to sweep stuff off the laundry room floor.
Anywhooooo.........if it is SS, then you aren't picking up the media with a magnet.
-
Stainless steel has some magnetic properties.
Great explanation here: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/344832_Wet_tumbling_with_SS_media__lots_of_pics__New_info_second_post_.html (http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/344832_Wet_tumbling_with_SS_media__lots_of_pics__New_info_second_post_.html)
-
Some grades of stainless is magnetic. It has to do with what alloys make up the stainless. After all it is 'steel' that is corrosion resistant.
Depending on the intended usage there will be more or less iron in the mix, making it magnetic.
-
Got mine for $50 from Buffalo Arms. If you can get it for $35 locally, i'd jump on that IMHO.
-
Some grades of stainless is magnetic. It has to do with what alloys make up the stainless. After all it is 'steel' that is corrosion resistant.
Depending on the intended usage there will be more or less iron in the mix, making it magnetic.
Interesting.........what grades are you referring to?
-
Forgot to look at the range yesterday. I saw some on ebay about $60 shipped for
5 lbs of the ss pins. I think you need 5 lbs for a 30 lbs tumbler.
-
Some grades of stainless is magnetic. It has to do with what alloys make up the stainless. After all it is 'steel' that is corrosion resistant.
Depending on the intended usage there will be more or less iron in the mix, making it magnetic.
Interesting.........what grades are you referring to?
Magnetic response is the attraction of steel to a magnet. Austenitic grades are generally not magnetic although a magnetic response can be induced in the low austenitic grades by cold working. High nickel grades like 316 and 310 will remain non-magnetic even with cold working.
All other grades are magnetic.
I.E.
Ferritic Stainless Steels Ferritic stainless steel (http://www.azom.com/ads/abmc.aspx?b=2752) include grades like 430 and contain only chromium as a major alloying element. The quantity of chromium present ranges from 10.5 to 18%.
They are known for their moderate corrosion resistance and poor fabrication properties. Fabrication properties can be improved by alloy modifications and are satisfactory in grades such as 434 and 444. Ferritic stainless steel (http://www.azom.com/ads/abmc.aspx?b=2752) cannot be hardened by heat treatment and are always used in the annealed condition.
Ferritic stainless steel (http://www.azom.com/ads/abmc.aspx?b=2752) are magnetic. They are also not susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. Weldability is acceptable in thin sections but decreases as section thicknesses increase.
Ferritic Stainless Applications Ferritic stainless steel (http://www.azom.com/ads/abmc.aspx?b=2752) are typically used in:
· Vehicle exhausts
· Fuel lines
· Cooking utensils
· Architectural trim
· Domestic appliances
Martensitic Stainless Steels High carbon and lower chromium content are the distinguishing features of martensitic stainless steel (http://www.azom.com/ads/abmc.aspx?b=2752) when compared with ferritic stainless.
Martensitic stainless steel (http://www.azom.com/ads/abmc.aspx?b=2752) include 410 and 416. Hardened martensitic steels cannot be successfully cold formed. They are magnetic, have moderate corrosion resistance and poor weldability.
http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2873#_Magnetic_Response (http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2873#_Magnetic_Response)
-
I've never heard of 434/444, I'm wondering what they are used for?
We do run across a lot of 304/308/316 SS.
-
I wonder how they'd work loaded into shotgun shells.
-
Forgot to look at the range yesterday. I saw some on ebay about $60 shipped for
5 lbs of the ss pins. I think you need 5 lbs for a 30 lbs tumbler.
The flyer at the range is $35 for 5 lbs.
-
I have seen the results of the SS tumbler myself, all I can say is WOW.
+1 to dat!
I bought some (2500) once fired 223 brass from a source that I have purchased from before without any problems. This time, however, the brass had green corrosion inside and a few (hundred) had stuff stuck to the outside which looked like gum and sand.
Long story short, I bought the steel media from Spencer and the Thumler's rotary tumbler and ALL the brass looks factory new. And, now I can see a few cases that show signs of head separation.
I am very pleased with my purchase although it does add a few minutes to my case prep. But, reloading has become a hobby for me so I am not concerned with rushing through the process.
-
Does anyone still have Spencer's number for stainless media?
-
Does anyone still have Spencer's number for stainless media?
Here you go . . .
[attachment deleted by admin]
-
is he still selling the SS media?
-
Not sure as I do not see his flyer at the range anymore and the post is over a year old. Best to call the number & ask.