Tumbler running for days

[Maqaiti]

2 days ago, I dumped some brass into the tumbler. I was going to turn it off just before midnight... but forgot about it. This evening I went into the shed to cut some 2x4s and the tumbler was still running.
Is there a chance of wrecking a tumbler running for a couple days? At least the brass couldn't be shinier. It is a Hornady tumbler, not sure of the model.
Thanks.

Ronnie

 

[Eagleye]

No harm done! I've forgotten mine a couple of times. Brass just very shiny, as noted, Eagleye.

 

[HOT270]

Depends on freshness of media & abrasive. Check brass thickness & primer pocket size.

 

[Maqaiti]

The media is darker now and didn't deprime them. I don't have a case neck guage, are brass easily eroded or thinned?

 

[jimbubba]

Tumbler abuse!

You won't have done any harm to the brass.If the tumbler didn't like it,it would stop.I am thinking it might catch fire if it was over worked,so I leave mine running away from fuel/flammables.If it catches fire it will melt into an interesting puddle,but won't burn my house down.

 

[CyaN1de]

I highly doubt you "eroded" the brass even .0001"

 

[Gatehouse]

I've left mine going for days, no worries...

 

[Claybuster]

The only damage will be the minor impact on your electricity bil.

 

[SandRoad]

No damage. Some tumblers, such as those used to polish rocks (similar to ones for brass), run for months at a time.

I have left a tumbler on for the better part of a week. The batch was pistol cases, mixed brass and nickel. They all came out brass as the added polishing compound took off a lot of the nickel!!!!.

Unless you are using a lot of coarse abrasive mixed with your media, the dimensions won't change.

 

[CanAm]

I worry about fires in unattended tumblers.

 

[big dog]

I use a timer on my tumbler. Set it for 2-3 hours and forget about it. works great.

 

[Maqaiti]

I use a timer on my tumbler. Set it for 2-3 hours and forget about it. works great.

Good idea on a timer.

 

[Boomer]

If I get a bunch of really corroded brass I have no problem letting it tumble for 4-7 days, empty the tumbler, and load up with another batch to tumble for another week.

 

[Boomer]

I worry about fires in unattended tumblers.

This might be a concern with a belt driven tumbler if a bushing wears out, but not much of a worry with a good quality vibrating tumbler.

 

[big dog]

I use a timer on my tumbler. Set it for 2-3 hours forget it. Works great.

 

[Amphibious]

I have a timer on mine, it runs for 6hrs every night. i go away on tour and come back 2 weeks later to shiny cases.

 

[Puma]

Green waxy deposits

Just dont leave your brass in a tumbler for a long period of time not running. A green waxy deposit will form on the brass and stain it.

I had this happen with rouge bearing walnut media.

Puma

 

[fwm]

As long as your tumbler is CSA or UL approved, I see no reason it couldn't be left running until the motor gives out without causing a fire. That is what these labs test for. The old extension cord that you used to plug it into could be another story though.