Well . . . it appears that my tumbler is giving up the ghost (motor is weak) & after only cleaning around 15k brass. 

So, I found a replacement motor that is "high speed" 3k rpm vs 1.55k rpm from http://www.stainlesstumblingmedia.com/reloading-products/tumblers.html
They also sell replacement parts & accessories.

They also sell their own souped up version of it called the Rebel 17, which already has the high speed motor along with shafts mounted with bearings instead of Thumler's plastic sleeves.  I'm almost tempted to buy it . . . almost.

Check it out!   

Amazon has the tumbler with free shipping for Prime members

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00IOE5K5Y/?tag=2ahawaii-20

Another option: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00HTN4R6O/?tag=2ahawaii-20

The motor and "belt" (actually a big O-ring) arrived yesterday.  It was the belt, not the motor that was worn out.   

Oh well, now I have a spare motor. 

Finally got around to changing the motor - might as well use the higher speed one since I got it.  Brass was clean in two hours, half the time & makes sense as it spins twice as fast.  It does drain my batteries (on my little solar system) since it draws over 160W for two hours, but they recharge to full after about an hour depending on sunlight/clear/overcast.

Twice as fast works for me as I just bought a bunch of 38 spl & 9mm brass from First Class Bullets & Brass.  Check them out as they have the best prices for processed brass that I have found.    Please post if you know of a better source. 

I bought a bunch of replacement belts for the Thumler Model 'B' and will be selling the extra belts at the show this weekend - 3 belts for $5.  The Thumler is one of the best reloading items I've ever bought.

Finally got around to changing the motor - might as well use the higher speed one since I got it.  Brass was clean in two hours, half the time & makes sense as it spins twice as fast.  It does drain my batteries (on my little solar system) since it draws over 160W for two hours, but they recharge to full after about an hour depending on sunlight/clear/overcast.

Can you tell us more about your solar system? I have a 15w panel. Curious about the inverter as modified sine waves can damage an AC motor.

Can you tell us more about your solar system? I have a 15w panel. Curious about the inverter as modified sine waves can damage an AC motor.

Hey Ren!  It has been a while since I have been on this site. 

Just click on the link below for a full write up, I can't believe that it has been almost 4 years since I completed this project.  And, yes, it still is going strong - although Costco no longer sells the batteries.

https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=3361.0

Hey Ren!  It has been a while since I have been on this site. 

Just click on the link below for a full write up, I can't believe that it has been almost 4 years since I completed this project.  And, yes, it still is going strong - although Costco no longer sells the batteries.

https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=3361.0

Like this kind of system.  Thanks.

Well . . . it appears that my tumbler is giving up the ghost (motor is weak) & after only cleaning around 15k brass. 

So, I found a replacement motor that is "high speed" 3k rpm vs 1.55k rpm from http://www.stainlesstumblingmedia.com/reloading-products/tumblers.html
They also sell replacement parts & accessories.

They also sell their own souped up version of it called the Rebel 17, which already has the high speed motor along with shafts mounted with bearings instead of Thumler's plastic sleeves.  I'm almost tempted to buy it . . . almost.

Check it out!   

Is it necessary to purchase a brass tumbler to polish or can I just wash with dish soap vinegar and salt wipe and clean the exterior with brakelean. Or am I watching too much you tube!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Is it necessary to purchase a brass tumbler to polish or can I just wash with dish soap vinegar and salt wipe and clean the exterior with brakelean. Or am I watching too much you tube!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You could do it like that, but the main advantage to the SS pins is that it cleans out everything, including the primer pockets. It is harder and more involved process than a regular tumble in corncob.  I usually only use my wet tumbler for my match rounds. everything else gets a half assed clean.  It' not worth it to me to go all out on rounds that  are not needed to produce sub MOA at long range.

You could do it like that, but the main advantage to the SS pins is that it cleans out everything, including the primer pockets. It is harder and more involved process than a regular tumble in corncob.  I usually only use my wet tumbler for my match rounds. everything else gets a half assed clean.  It' not worth it to me to go all out on rounds that  are not needed to produce sub MOA at long range.

What's up Heavies - well hopefully someday i can afford that high end tumbler!  for now i going cheap route with manual wash then wipe clean with brakeleen. 
thanks for your reply