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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Wet tumblers - Which one? (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 3/27/2016 7:58:10 AM EDT
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I am looking to get a wet tumbler.
I am seeing 3 models/manufacturers that seem popular. Frankford Arsenal Thumbler's StainlessTumblerMedia.com Lyman's is coming out with a wet tumbler that is priced on par with the Frankford Arsenal's at around $170. But they are not available yet. Any recommendations on which to go with? |
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I'm quite pleased with my F.A.R T. All blown poly drum with clear windows can't rust and quite durable. Only issue I've been reading about the FA tumbler is that the motor mounts either break during shipping or are not sturdy/loosen etc. Otherwise, the price point is great. |
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I bought the FA when it first came on Graf's website. I had one issue with it in first few months where the timer stopped working. I called the company and they shipped a new motor system right away with a return label for old motor. Great service. Haven't had an issue with it since.
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If you know or are a welder you can make your own, there is a thread here that shows all the parts you need to build one I make my own and it cost me about 125 to 150 dollars and I can tumble much more than the tumblers you can buy if that is not an option the thumbler tumbler seems to be the best built. here is a picture of mine as I was finishing it.  |
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FART with replacement chips Any particular reason why you used replacement pins? I do not need a huge volume tumbler. All of my brass is already sorted, so I'd keep it that way. I am handy, but not that handy to build my own tumbler. I am just trying to figure out if I will regret buying the FA tumbler down the road and end up buying the THumbler or STM. |
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You won't regret buying the FA.
Lots of people complain that they get 2 pins stuck in the flash holes so they get a different diameter. I have NOT replaced my pins. However, for 30 cal, I consistently get a pin stuck across the case mouth. Not sure what to do about all that. Sigh... Someday I will replace the pins, as is, it's pretty obvious when it happens so it's easy to screen. I suspect it would be impossible to place a bullet in with the pin like that unless you are not looking. Quoted:
Any particular reason why you used replacement pins? I do not need a huge volume tumbler. All of my brass is already sorted, so I'd keep it that way. I am handy, but not that handy to build my own tumbler. I am just trying to figure out if I will regret buying the FA tumbler down the road and end up buying the THumbler or STM. Quoted:
Quoted:
FART with replacement chips Any particular reason why you used replacement pins? I do not need a huge volume tumbler. All of my brass is already sorted, so I'd keep it that way. I am handy, but not that handy to build my own tumbler. I am just trying to figure out if I will regret buying the FA tumbler down the road and end up buying the THumbler or STM. |
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Just looking at replacement pins, I am looking at about $40 for a 5 lb bag.So with that cost, plus the FrandfordA tumbler, it closes the price gap between the Frankford Arsenal vs the STM/Thumbler.
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You won't regret buying the FA. Lots of people complain that they get 2 pins stuck in the flash holes so they get a different diameter. I have NOT replaced my pins. However, for 30 cal, I consistently get a pin stuck across the case mouth. Not sure what to do about all that. Sigh... Someday I will replace the pins, as is, it's pretty obvious when it happens so it's easy to screen. I suspect it would be impossible to place a bullet in with the pin like that unless you are not looking. Quoted:
You won't regret buying the FA. Lots of people complain that they get 2 pins stuck in the flash holes so they get a different diameter. I have NOT replaced my pins. However, for 30 cal, I consistently get a pin stuck across the case mouth. Not sure what to do about all that. Sigh... Someday I will replace the pins, as is, it's pretty obvious when it happens so it's easy to screen. I suspect it would be impossible to place a bullet in with the pin like that unless you are not looking. Quoted:
Quoted:
FART with replacement chips Any particular reason why you used replacement pins? I do not need a huge volume tumbler. All of my brass is already sorted, so I'd keep it that way. I am handy, but not that handy to build my own tumbler. I am just trying to figure out if I will regret buying the FA tumbler down the road and end up buying the THumbler or STM. |
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My pins from the FA measure .040" diameter and just over .33" long. Not sure if they changed since purchasing. I forget the recommended size. Again, I have never had the problem most people have with pins stuck in primer hole.
Someone will be along shortly to tell you recommended size I am sure.. I am not familar with Thumbler. Not sure why you would want all that metal around a wet process. Also, is it closed with multiple nuts or what? I like the FA large twist off lid. All a matter of opinion. Quoted:
Just looking at replacement pins, I am looking at about $40 for a 5 lb bag.So with that cost, plus the FrandfordA tumbler, it closes the price gap between the Frankford Arsenal vs the STM/Thumbler. Quoted:
Just looking at replacement pins, I am looking at about $40 for a 5 lb bag.So with that cost, plus the FrandfordA tumbler, it closes the price gap between the Frankford Arsenal vs the STM/Thumbler. Quoted:
You won't regret buying the FA. Lots of people complain that they get 2 pins stuck in the flash holes so they get a different diameter. I have NOT replaced my pins. However, for 30 cal, I consistently get a pin stuck across the case mouth. Not sure what to do about all that. Sigh... Someday I will replace the pins, as is, it's pretty obvious when it happens so it's easy to screen. I suspect it would be impossible to place a bullet in with the pin like that unless you are not looking. Quoted:
Quoted:
FART with replacement chips Any particular reason why you used replacement pins? I do not need a huge volume tumbler. All of my brass is already sorted, so I'd keep it that way. I am handy, but not that handy to build my own tumbler. I am just trying to figure out if I will regret buying the FA tumbler down the road and end up buying the THumbler or STM. |
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<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/user/dryflash3/media/Wet%20Tumbling/P7040197.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg272/dryflash3/Wet%20Tumbling/P7040197.jpg</a> I have the Thumbler's. They have held up to the last 4 years of tumbling. A friend now has the blue one in this pic. <a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/user/dryflash3/media/Wet%20Tumbling/P6040123.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg272/dryflash3/Wet%20Tumbling/P6040123.jpg</a> The drum has a rubber liner, no media or water on the metal. Don't know what I would buy if I was starting to wet tumble today, all I know is with the Thumbler. <a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/user/dryflash3/media/Wet%20Tumbling/P1200453.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg272/dryflash3/Wet%20Tumbling/P1200453.jpg</a> Can't be a proper wet tumbling thread without a bling pic. Love your set up, beautiful brass. I've been happy with every batch I've wet tumbled. Especially the primer pockets on rifle brass. That was always a tedious task. |
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The pins come with it. Get some lemshine. Table spoon of dawn dish soap, empty 9mm brass of lemshine, ss pins, fill FART 3/4 full of brass, run 3 hrs. BLING I am aware that the kit comes with media. Based on multiple reviews, the media is course with a lot of burrs. Along with the size being ~.3 (big enough to get stuck pins in the case neck). The STM size is .043x.255". I guess I will inspect the FA media before picking up the STM stuff. |
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A low cost option to consider is the Harbor freight tumbler. $50 on sale/coupon.
I bought mine at least 4 yrs ago, still going strong, one belt change. It's not high volume(75 cs per drum) but I've got the ratios down and it does a wonderful job. If it dies on me, not sure I wouldn't just buy another. |
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I am looking to get a wet tumbler. I am seeing 3 models/manufacturers that seem popular. Frankford Arsenal Thumbler's StainlessTumblerMedia.com Lyman's is coming out with a wet tumbler that is priced on par with the Frankford Arsenal's at around $170. But they are not available yet. Any recommendations on which to go with? This is not on your list, but I have a homemade one. Simple fun project. Complete thread put HERE FROM BIGDAWG where he teaches how to make one. Or you can buy one from BIGGDAWG Don't let the large sizes bother you ... the one I made can easily hold over 1000 pieces of 223 or a ton of pistol and has enough media in it to do that ....... but if I only have a few to run, I just throw them in without changing from the recipe a large batch would take, and it works just fine - small batches don't take long. Meaning ... you can easily run small batches in a big tumbler if you need to and/or grow into one. hope this helps |
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Where are you guys getting these "chips" for replacement? I've seen some of you guys post that every so often. I'm just a bit curious. Can anyone post a picture of those chips? This is the only place that I have seen them, but have not used them. I have not had any problems with the pins that came with my F.A.R.T. https://www.facebook.com/southernshinetumblers |
| Like the FA tumbler. I have the skills and tools to make a tumbler, but not the time. Picked mine up on Dvor for $150 shipped when they were on sale. Haven't had any pins get stuck with all the different types of cases I reload.... have the magnet, but need to get the separator basket. Separating the pins takes way too much time. |
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Quoted: Just looking at replacement pins, I am looking at about $40 for a 5 lb bag.So with that cost, plus the FrandfordA tumbler, it closes the price gap between the Frankford Arsenal vs the STM/Thumbler. Oh man, don't pay $40 for 5 lbs. I got 20 lbs of those chips for about $65 delivered. So far they work better than the pins. I got into this wet tumbling pretty early with some pins I got from a group buy over on the old SH. Only issue is them getting doubled and stuck in the flash hole. I have a thumler's model B. A buddy gave it to me in the late 90s. It was his dad's, and he remembers it from the late 70s. Only thing I've done to it is replace the belt. |
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This is the only place that I have seen them, but have not used them. I have not had any problems with the pins that came with my F.A.R.T. https://www.facebook.com/southernshinetumblers Quoted:
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Where are you guys getting these "chips" for replacement? I've seen some of you guys post that every so often. I'm just a bit curious. Can anyone post a picture of those chips? This is the only place that I have seen them, but have not used them. I have not had any problems with the pins that came with my F.A.R.T. https://www.facebook.com/southernshinetumblers Oddly enough I've not had any problems with the pins that came with the tumbler either. |
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Quoted: Oh man, don't pay $40 for 5 lbs. I got 20 lbs of those chips for about $65 delivered. So far they work better than the pins. I got into this wet tumbling pretty early with some pins I got from a group buy over on the old SH. Only issue is them getting doubled and stuck in the flash hole. I have a thumler's model B. A buddy gave it to me in the late 90s. It was his dad's, and he remembers it from the late 70s. Only thing I've done to it is replace the belt. Quoted: Quoted: Just looking at replacement pins, I am looking at about $40 for a 5 lb bag.So with that cost, plus the FrandfordA tumbler, it closes the price gap between the Frankford Arsenal vs the STM/Thumbler. I have a thumler's model B. A buddy gave it to me in the late 90s. It was his dad's, and he remembers it from the late 70s. Only thing I've done to it is replace the belt. When you say the chips work better than the pins, does that mean less tumble time? Or? |
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Quoted: When you say the chips work better than the pins, does that mean less tumble time? Or? Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Just looking at replacement pins, I am looking at about $40 for a 5 lb bag.So with that cost, plus the FrandfordA tumbler, it closes the price gap between the Frankford Arsenal vs the STM/Thumbler. I have a thumler's model B. A buddy gave it to me in the late 90s. It was his dad's, and he remembers it from the late 70s. Only thing I've done to it is replace the belt. When you say the chips work better than the pins, does that mean less tumble time? Or? Sorry, failure to communicate. I mean that they don't get stuck -- anywhere so far. Biggest place I had pin sticking problems was in the flash hole, doubled up pins. That seems to happen the most on 40 and 308, to me anyway. No real verdict on time yet. I usually let it run for several hours with both media. |
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This is the only place that I have seen them, but have not used them. I have not had any problems with the pins that came with my F.A.R.T. https://www.facebook.com/southernshinetumblers Quoted:
Quoted:
Where are you guys getting these "chips" for replacement? I've seen some of you guys post that every so often. I'm just a bit curious. Can anyone post a picture of those chips? This is the only place that I have seen them, but have not used them. I have not had any problems with the pins that came with my F.A.R.T. https://www.facebook.com/southernshinetumblers Thanks for the link. Looks interesting. |
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Quoted: Sorry, failure to communicate. I mean that they don't get stuck -- anywhere so far. Biggest place I had pin sticking problems was in the flash hole, doubled up pins. That seems to happen the most on 40 and 308, to me anyway. No real verdict on time yet. I usually let it run for several hours with both media. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Just looking at replacement pins, I am looking at about $40 for a 5 lb bag.So with that cost, plus the FrandfordA tumbler, it closes the price gap between the Frankford Arsenal vs the STM/Thumbler. I have a thumler's model B. A buddy gave it to me in the late 90s. It was his dad's, and he remembers it from the late 70s. Only thing I've done to it is replace the belt. When you say the chips work better than the pins, does that mean less tumble time? Or? Sorry, failure to communicate. I mean that they don't get stuck -- anywhere so far. Biggest place I had pin sticking problems was in the flash hole, doubled up pins. That seems to happen the most on 40 and 308, to me anyway. No real verdict on time yet. I usually let it run for several hours with both media. Thanks for the answer. The way I eliminated pins sticking is to remove those stuck pins and NOT return them to the tumbler. I have 10 pounds of pins and about 60 bad out of spec pins. This fix was posted here years ago and it works well. |
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Quoted: Thanks for the answer. The way I eliminated pins sticking is to remove those stuck pins and NOT return them to the tumbler. I have 10 pounds of pins and about 60 bad out of spec pins. This fix was posted here years ago and it works well. I'm sure I've read where that worked well for you. I don't know what size my pins are supposed to be, but no matter how many I don't return to the pile because they've gotten stuck, I still keep getting more every time I tumble -- somewhere in the 20-30 cases range per batch. Eventually got tired of it... |
| I have a Thumbler model B, and am happy with the results. My only complain is the capacity. I'm now considering the FA Rotary Tumbler. Have any of you folks started with the Thumbler and "upgraded" to the FA? One concern would be durability of the plastic parts, as the Thumbler is mostly metal. Also from the pictures, the tub doesn't look that much bigger than the Thumbler's... |
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I have a FART - tumbling 9 and 380, I've yet to have a pin stick. The FART has excellent capacity and does a nice job, the pins are a pain in the ass, but it's a worthwhile trade off in my opinion.
I could have built a tumbler, but the FART was $130 on sale through Amazon. |
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If you know or are a welder you can make your own, there is a thread here that shows all the parts you need to build one I make my own and it cost me about 125 to 150 dollars and I can tumble much more than the tumblers you can buy if that is not an option the thumbler tumbler seems to be the best built. here is a picture of mine as I was finishing it. http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee419/my2dogs/Mobile%20Uploads/20150719_152953.jpg Heck you don't even need to weld. I built a wooden frame for mine from a scrap of ¾" plywood and two pieces of 2x4 |
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I am aware that the kit comes with media. Based on multiple reviews, the media is course with a lot of burrs. Along with the size being ~.3 (big enough to get stuck pins in the case neck). The STM size is .043x.255". I guess I will inspect the FA media before picking up the STM stuff. Quoted:
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The pins come with it. Get some lemshine. Table spoon of dawn dish soap, empty 9mm brass of lemshine, ss pins, fill FART 3/4 full of brass, run 3 hrs. BLING I am aware that the kit comes with media. Based on multiple reviews, the media is course with a lot of burrs. Along with the size being ~.3 (big enough to get stuck pins in the case neck). The STM size is .043x.255". I guess I will inspect the FA media before picking up the STM stuff. I've had no issues with the pins that came with my FART. I did a batch of .308 cases last night. No stuck pins. 
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| I'll second the harbor freight tumbler. I've been using one for a while now with very good results. I have not used any SS pins yet, and so far I don't think they are necessary. My cases come out looking new. The primer pockets dont get cleaned out that well, but are easily cleaned out on a towel while they are still wet. The cases hitting each other provide sufficient polishing action in a solution of lemon juice, dish soap, and or a little lemishine in some hot water. Cheap and easy! |
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I'll second the harbor freight tumbler. I've been using one for a while now with very good results. I have not used any SS pins yet, and so far I don't think they are necessary. My cases come out looking new. The primer pockets dont get cleaned out that well, but are easily cleaned out on a towel while they are still wet. The cases hitting each other provide sufficient polishing action in a solution of lemon juice, dish soap, and or a little lemishine in some hot water. Cheap and easy! I figured out the same thing. I de-cap my brass then run through the wet tumbler with no pins. Rinse, dry and no pins to screw with. The primer pockets and interior may not look like new but they are still gtg. The only time I use the pins now is if the cases are very dirty and crudy. |
[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Wet tumblers - Which one? (Page 1 of 2)
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