Cheap tumbler options? For a newb

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Boostgod

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I'm new to the reloading game.

Can you guys point me to a budget minded tumbler setup. The cheaper the better, but I want it to work. This is something I will possibly upgrade if I take to the whole reloading thing.
 
These work really well for up to 50-60 cases and free shipping. h ttp://www.canadiantreasureseekers.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=321

The pins are available here on CGN from Rooky a great source.

P.M. if needed...
 
I'm currently working on a 5lb protein shake jug based, corded drill powered, tumbler. I just need to figure out the plywood framing need :) I'll post picture / video when complete, all likely within the month to come (I first need to finish that whey powder) :)
 
MattRidge said:
I'm currently working on a 5lb protein shake jug based, corded drill powered, tumbler. I just need to figure out the plywood framing need :) I'll post picture / video when complete, all likely within the month to come (I first need to finish that whey powder) :)
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Odds are, if you power it with a drill, you'll burn it out. At least that was my experience with similar experiments. If you can find a motor and gear reducer. Otherwise, you could try using a pad sander. I've had this one for years and works like a charm:


 
Papaclaude said:
Odds are, if you power it with a drill, you'll burn it out. At least that was my experience with similar experiments. If you can find a motor and gear reducer. Otherwise, you could try using a pad sander. I've had this one for years and works like a charm:
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It's not gonna be directly powered, there will be at least a 17:12 gear reduction, or more. I'll eventually add a freewheel to handle the inertia of the jug.
 
How are guys attaching containers to orbital sanders? I might build one out of a protein shake jug and a cheap palm sander.

Papaclaude said:
Odds are, if you power it with a drill, you'll burn it out. At least that was my experience with similar experiments. If you can find a motor and gear reducer. Otherwise, you could try using a pad sander. I've had this one for years and works like a charm:


Click to expand...
 
Frankfort arsenal on amazon.ca is pretty cheap. I spent the better part of a day screwing around trying to rig up a vibrating tumbler, I also used an old serpentine belt from my truck to run a 5 gallon bucket using my drill press for power, and the cheap Frankfort arsenal one I bought does a way better job, in less time. I did pick up a 12 vdc gear reduction motor from princess auto for $10 to try building a tumbler with, but haven't bothered yet. I might still use it to build a rotary with a bucket some day.
Kristian
 
LUTNIT said:
I have yet to find anyone who can cite an advantage that having cleaner cases provides.
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Primary Advantage for the cleaner case;
1) Longer Die life.
2) Easier to see flaws.

Secondary Advantage using pins;
1) Cleaner hands.
2) less lead dust in the air while cleaning.
3) Media lasts forever, no reoccurring costs.
4) You can hear yourself think while next to the machine.
5) They look dam nice!

I'm sure there is more, but the above is enough for me.
 
turbo_bird said:
Frankfort arsenal on amazon.ca is pretty cheap. I spent the better part of a day screwing around trying to rig up a vibrating tumbler, I also used an old serpentine belt from my truck to run a 5 gallon bucket using my drill press for power, and the cheap Frankfort arsenal one I bought does a way better job, in less time.
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FWIW, I'm not doing this to save time, just to have fun. A commercial tumbler is worth about a day of work, and that project will most likely take more time. Same difference between fishing and going to the grocery store to buy fish.
 
There's a great video on you tube. I don't have the link right now, but he did a great job explaining how he built his. I made one based on his concept. Works great. I would say that unless you have all the odds and ends laying around. You won't save any money over just buying one. I've been using it for close to 2 years now and have done a lot of brass with it.

Just found the link
http://youtu.be/lJMx_hzaif4
 
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supernova said:
How are guys attaching containers to orbital sanders? I might build one out of a protein shake jug and a cheap palm sander.
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Drilled some holes in the pad and put them on with nuts and bolts. Had it for about 6 years now. I don't use it a lot, but it cost me about $8
 
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