Huge brass tumbler for 6 bucks!!!!

A

aesache

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London Ontario
Hey all I have been lurking here forever and have had the itch for to long to get into reloading. A friend of mine mentioned I should post this.

I started to build this about 2 years ago but had some health issues and so the idea got shelved. Total actual build time is about 40 min

I have coasted bullets for ever but have always had a friend do the reloading. I just bought dies, and full reloading setup as well as a new gun which left me about 10 bucks in the bank for a good brass tumbler. I always tell my wife that when I make something she has option. Good, fast and cheap but she can only pic two. This project is good and cheap but it does not cleanse brass as fast as other systems. 6hrs of tumbling seams to be the manic number but it will do 10 pounds of brass at a time 1000 5.56 cases at a time is no problem. I just use some new finish car polish and crushed walnut shells for media. A lifetime supply of the media was 20 bucks (40lb bag)

Ok to much talking here. Pics or it didnt happen right. Total cost was 6 bucks for a bucket and lid and some scrap wood
I had the power supply and windshield wiper motor kicking around.

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This is the Tumbler in action


This is the computer power supply and wiper motor. The blue clear plastic is just a dollar store "rubbermaid" bid that I cut up. I originally designed it to be used with an automotive battery charger. however switched to the computer power supply because it has short circuit protection and overload protection built in. As well it is fan cooled an virtually silent. (my battery charger hums and is passively cooled)


Closer look at the wiper motor the fan keeps things cooler. It gets warm but not to hot to touch or be concerning for the wood to be in contact with.


Here is the brass. I know its not perfect but keep in mind this is Chinese mill surp Good ammo cleans up to a mirror finish


Before and after (this had a 40 pistol cartridge stuck on it)

I should also mention this thing is QUIET. i can listen to the tv at regular volume in the same room.No one in the house even knows it on.

This also has 2 speeds and is reversible
 
You should give it a spin with half as less brass, SS media, water, dove dish soap and lemi shine.
Could give you a brighter finish, and you wouldn't have lead dust particules in the air you are breathing in that room.

Looks cool and a great way to do this on a budget
 
I thought about fins but the media seams to tumble well inside. If i shine a light on the top I can see what it's doing and it's not slipping

I never even thought about lead dust......... Maybe I should only use this out doors.... The bucket is water tight I could use the ss media method but media is expensive. Surely this can't be worse than a vibratory tumbler?

When I did my 1000 pieces of brass I did use a 5 gallon pail not the 3 gallon show
 
zuke said:
Any lead dust goes out with the waste water
Click to expand...

Yes but in my case I have been using dry crushed walnut shells same as what would be used in a vibratory. Is dry in general a bad idea

What I meant in my previous edit post is I could switch to a wet system if there is a danger associated with dry tumbling
 
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The danger is only as real as you wish it to be
I have more than 1 friend that has experienced lead poisoning, myself never wanted to get tested
We go out to the range twice a week for many years and reload lots

Wet tumbling is popular among us, as it's one less lead ingesting factor.
Myself is the reason why i quit the dry tumbling, it may not be dangerous, but just another way of ingesting lead
Dry tumble in your shed or garage?
 
Thanks for this!

I have a very similar build. Using a motor from a dishwasher I picked up at the dump. Then cut off some 110v plugs from a fridge near by to power the unit.

So far I've paid nothing and I have 2, 1/3 HP motors. Awesome stuff, thanks for the post!
 
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