timers for tumbling

I have this model Noma outdoor timer:

1644-20110616-1233-33826-NOMA-Multi-Purpose-Timer.jpg


It usually goes on sale for $10. Pretty simple operation with an override if you want to run it a bit longer and also grounded if you're dealing with wet tumbling, not like you'd get water all over the timer.
 
I just leave my tumbler running until I get around to emptying it. I don't think there is any way you can over-tumble brass and it comes out pretty shiny after a couple days.
 
The on off clock style 3 prong grounded will be the cheapest and easiest to use.
Most timer switches like you would like don't have longer then 1 hour times.
The one Silverfox linked to looks like it might work for you.... never seen them instore so you'd probably have to order it online.
Timers are great for this sort of thing.

I just leave my tumbler running until I get around to emptying it. I don't think there is any way you can over-tumble brass and it comes out pretty shiny after a couple days.

Once the brass is clean, over tumbling seems like a waste of power, motor life, and tumbling media too me.
 
if your decent at wiring you can make your own with a bathroom fan timer, an outlet and 2 junction boxes.

here is one that has 2 hours and 4 hours. http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-In-Wall-Digital-Countdown-Timer-15318/202788262

i made one with a dimmer switch to control a small motor. the top outlet is a regular 120v all the time, the bottom outlet is on the dimmer and controlled by the switch on the left. the red and white wire are also on the dimmer/switch for different connections.
20140226_1742200_zpswpeqgvuy.jpg
 
The on off clock style 3 prong grounded will be the cheapest and easiest to use.
Most timer switches like you would like don't have longer then 1 hour times.
The one Silverfox linked to looks like it might work for you.... never seen them instore so you'd probably have to order it online.
Timers are great for this sort of thing.



Once the brass is clean, over tumbling seems like a waste of power, motor life, and tumbling media too me.

My Lortone QT-12 has a 1/3 hp (0.25kW) motor. Assuming about 75% efficiency, power consumption would be 0.33 kW. Assuming an electricity cost of around $0.15/kW-hr, cost to operate for one day (24 hours*0.33 kW = 8 kW-hr) would be $1.20: still pocket change even if I let it run a couple days, which I don't always do (one day is more typical).

Electric motors are actually worn out more from starting than from continuous operation

As for media life, I find that it is usually good for a few months of tumbling about 1 load per week, regardless of how long I tumble.
 
My Lortone QT-12 has a 1/3 hp (0.25kW) motor. Assuming about 75% efficiency, power consumption would be 0.33 kW. Assuming an electricity cost of around $0.15/kW-hr, cost to operate for one day (24 hours*0.33 kW = 8 kW-hr) would be $1.20: still pocket change even if I let it run a couple days, which I don't always do (one day is more typical).

Electric motors are actually worn out more from starting than from continuous operation

As for media life, I find that it is usually good for a few months of tumbling about 1 load per week, regardless of how long I tumble.


Right on.
Sounds like you've done the science and figured out what works for you!
 
I use one like the second poster posted but a tiny bit different. I removed the trip dog that turns it back on and when I need it turned on, I trip it manually with a small length of welding rod. I set mine for about 4 hours when tumbling brass, set it and forget it and go in for the night!
 
Here you go
h ttp://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index.htm/Plumbing-Electrical/Electrical/Timers/Indoor/Digital/Indoor-Portable-Digital-Countdown-Timer/_/N-2pqfZ67l/Ne-67n/No-24/Ntk-All_EN/R-I3682055?Ntt=Timer&Num=0
 
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