Is a tumbler worth it?

I'm seriously thinking of making a rotary tumbler.
Main concern is a variable speed motor.
There expensive and I would like it to be as cheap as possible.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/220669139405?redirect=mobile
The variable speed I would like to have because after a little bit of research I found it best to be between 45-60rpm.

I was thinking about an wash-dryer motor.
Treadmill motor.
Maybe even a microwave motor.

Suggestions would be more then welcome!!!
 
Ok I am still a little confused. I have been reading threads on tumblers for a couple of days now and I need a little more info.

First: Yes I know the SS option seems to be the best but I just can't justify the cost for the amount I reload.

Second: The standard tumbler ( Lyman or Hornady) using walnut or corn cob media is dusty so you have to wash the brass after the tumbling ? Does this type of tumbler clean the inside of the case ?

Third: The ultrasonic cleans the inside and outside but does not shine the brass ? Am I missing something here ? How shiny does it make the brass ? or is this just splitting hairs.

Does this sound about right ?
 
You dont need a variable speed motor, get a motor that turns 1100 rpm or such (1050 being the common speed they are rated at) and do a little math on pulleys. motor to intermediate shaft - 4:1 or so Inter shaft to tumbler shaft 4:1 or so for a total of 16:1 or 69 rpm. With an 8 or 10 inch doameter this is about perfect, its what i use. If you want it a little slower just go with 5:1. Like I said a little math will get you there, and pulleys can be mad from MDF board to keep cost down, but you gotta be good at cutting circles. AGain thats how I did mine

Oh and a rotary model turning that slow pretty well produces no dust, just duct tape the door and switch it on
 
Checked out Tumblers and then looked at my old AR-6. While it still works it is not without modifications. The lid started coming off while tumbling. A hole was drfilled as near to centre as possible through the bottom and lid. A threaded rod was bolted in place, and a wing nut secured the lid. Eventually the base collapsed and the lid leaked again. The last mod was to bolt a 7" circular saw blade to the base and now the lid can be securfed without collapsing the base. I have had this tumbled for over 25 years and have alays used walnut media.
 
I heard it was too heavy and just sat on the bottom in a vibratory tumbler, not doing much to the brass.
 
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