Tumbler - New or Used?

Slug870

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
168   0   0
Location
ON
Hey all,

I am just about to start reloading (all my equipment just arrived), but I find myself without a tumbler. I was wondering if a tumbler is something I can get away with buying second hand, or am I just asking for trouble?

Thanks.
 
I think they'll run for years and years. If you're looking at something that is just a couple of years old and it's a deal, scoop it up. I'd recommend a model with a drain so you can separate the media and the casings expediently.
 
Last edited:
Well that would depend, how much do you plan on using it? I myself have gone through over a dozen in the past 30 years, if you bought a used one from me it wouldn't be a great idea. Now on the other hand if you bought one from a fellow who only used it once or twice a year then it would problably be fine.

BTW I used a electric drum cement mixer for really large batches of brass 10k+, haven't wore that one out yet.
 
This is the tumbler I use:

http://www.canadiantreasureseekers.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=307

The rotary tumblers are much quieter than a vibratory one. This one cost me a bit more than a vibratory tumbler, but I feel it is a much nicer machine and they will last for decades- rock tumblers are designed to run continuously for weeks on end. I would not hesitate to buy one of these or a Thumler Model B used if you could find one for a good price.
 
The only problem with a used tumbler, is finding one.

Things like presses and tumblers just don't seem to ever be available second hand.
They aren't that expensive, why wait? Buy new
 
The only problem with a used tumbler, is finding one.

Things like presses and tumblers just don't seem to ever be available second hand.
They aren't that expensive, why wait? Buy new

I found it impossible to find one used, I ended up grabbing one from Frontier Firearms the Frankford quick-n-easy for $80.00 the thing works like a champ.
 
Don't fret or panic about a tumbler. You can do a fine job without one. They do, as noted, make it easier to note potential head separations and cracked cases, but it's a matter of degree and it is by no means difficult to find such when you do your initial pre-load inspection of your brass (which you definitely should!).

For years, I used the shirt from an old flannel shirt. Threw the brass in, soaked it in lighter fluid, grabbed each end and shook!. With the exception of the new-and-shiny look, that got them as clean as clean could be.

I now have a tumbler, but it really is (for me) a conceit to show up at the range with pretty reloads.

Get used to reloading and then decide whether or not you want a tumbler.

BTW, the only reason I bought one was because it was cheaper than building one. If I'd had a a spare electric motor, I would have gone the other way.
 
I used to use the clothes dryer on the tumble only cycle. I put the cartridges in a 2 liter tupperware container with the media, snapped on the lid and jammed three big pillows in to hold it in place. The great thing was if I needed to do more I just used a larger pail. Empty drywall mud containers work well as well. They also have great lids that stay on.
 
Back
Top Bottom