I've got the earlier model and it's been great. I use corn-cob media and just let the thing run for a couple of hours. Mine has the transparent lid, and it's fun to just sit there with a cup of coffee and watch my brass get squeaky clean. This one is a lot quieter than mine.
Using a standard pc cord is genius. Most of the things i've dinged up over the years in the shed are power chords. Either they wear out or get caught in drawers, doors and whatnots.
I've had my Lyman vibrator for several years. It does the same thing. Just use the sifting lid, that way you can see the cases as they are getting cleaned. I then lube, decap and size (neck or FL) clean the cases one more time (Liq case cleaner) then finish loading. I have used a lot of the information from your channel to set up my 6.5 Creedmoor. I just want to say thank you for the information.
I have a plastic pail with 1/4" hardware mesh screen cut to fit the inside lip of the pail, and the screen has a 1/4" hole drilled in the center of it. After I tumble, I remove the tumbler lid, place the screen and pail on top of it, flip tumbler and pail over, and turn on the motor for a minute or so. Let the motor do the shaking. Works great.
Now that I am no longer a competitive shooter, I can sell my Dillon Magnum and accompanying media separator and get the small RCBS vibrator... of for real shiny, a Frankfort wet tumbler... both great options. Thanks for the informative video.
Place a rubber washer on the bottom of the threaded rod and hold it on with a nut. When you have those few stingy cases with media stuck inside, simply turn the tumbler on and place the mouth of the case on the rubber washer, and the media will fall right out. No digging it out or tapping the case potentially bending the mouth getting out stuck media. FYI
I have the older model with the clear lid. It's kind of fun to watch 250--300 .38 Special cases roll around in there. It's noisy as hell, and even noisier if I ignore the instructions about placing it on a concrete surface. Living in a condo, I'm sure my neighbors wonder what the crazy guy next is up to this time...
I have to use an ultrasonic cleaner because I live in an apartment complex. Granted, It doesn't get things as shiny as tumbling, but it works well enough, and it's quiet. My cleaning solution is, 4 C water, 1 1/2 C white vinegar, and about 2 tbsp dish soap. I run it through 3 cycles (about 10 min. each), with heat on the first cycle, without heat the next two.
240FP, I hadn't thought of baking soda to neutralize the acid, (ain't chemistry fun?) I just rinse the daylights out of it. But that's a good tip. Thanks.
Jim Vandemoter it is an additive used for dishwashers i believe. it is a powder that is basically citric acid. if you were to add a teaspoon or so to your water as well as a small amount of soap it will blow your mind. you can find it at most grocery stores in the dishwashing area. i got mine at Wal-Mart. check out Vaughn Precisions youtube page as he recently changed from the vinegar method to the lemishine that i and others suggested and his results speak for themselves. ill see if i can find the link and post it here for you.
I am pretty sure that the solution in ultrasonic cleaners heats while cycling without the addition of heat from a heating element so depending on what temperature range you are aiming for you may need to let your solution cool occasionally during the process to maintain a desired temperature range. Temperature aside I tried the home brew mix one time and it didn't turn out so well. I did not have any lemishine though. I've been using the Hornady brass cleaning solution mixed with distilled water since then and it works pretty good. It's a bit pricey but I have found that I can clean quite a bit of brass with the same solution before I need to change it and I don't think it chemically eats the brass as much as some of the home brew acids do. I haven't needed a neutralizer when I finish although I do rinse thoroughly with tap water before drying.
next time leave the tumbler on with the straining top on n grab the base n turn the machine over the vibration should empty the insides of the cases as well
My 20 year old RCBS tumbler died and I replaced it with the Hornady magnum tumbler. After four months of light use the motor quit. I just ordered another RCBS.
I use the following: Lemi-Shine (1 tsp) - Walmart Simple Green (2 tsp) - Walmart White Vinegar (2 tsp) - Walmart Tap water - Faucet Lyman 2500 - 480 seconds Adjust for how dirty your brass is.
My Hornady has a clear lid, so I can see the motion of the media. I tried it with the lid off, the media makes its cycle 4 times as fast. The lid on must dampen the vibration. Because I pre-wash it for 10 minutes with Birchwood Casey Brass Cleaner, there's no dust. 2 tumblers, 1 walnut, 1 corn cob.
Just go with the arsenal armory wet tumbler. Cheap and works perfect for those primmer pockets. Everything will look like brand new. I threw my RCBS away. But if that was not able to be bought, I would agree with you on this. Thanks for your time explaining everything well. You do a very nice job on your videos. I watch allot of them. Thumbs up on this one. I never use to make comments, until I got a channel of my own, and how important it is to leave comments, likes, and subscribes. But hey you have a great channel. I wish I had your talent. My channel is very small. But I have been reloading for 45 years. And I am sick of buying everything that comes out. I probably have spent $25,000.00 over the years. Dillon is the way to go. Thats my opinion.
It's coming on UR :) Ultrasonic, Wet tumbling, and dry tumbling all have their applications. It's hard to beat dry tumbling when you want quick-n-easy (at the cost of surface finish). Example: for loading pistol, I almost always dry tumble with walnut shells- it get the job done and you don't have to dry the cases.
I have a problem with media sticking in the cases. Not bad for small batches but a real pain if your got a big load. Any tips on getting it out fast and easy?
Well.. I agree, If you are loading for Machine gun ammo that's all you should have to do, However, I like wet tumbling because it gets into the nooks and crannies and restores the brass without the dust associated with dry media. Speaking of Machine guns, I live here in Washington and Machine guns are restricted from the populous in ownership. So you must be within the borders of Oregan or In the Washington State National Gard to have access to an M-60. is there a secret? Dave.
My Thumbler Tumbler is a much better, more expensive, but quieter and and over 25 years old and still keeps on going. P.S. I use it at least two to three times a week. My RCBS burned out two motors in two years, which RCBS would not warranty replace.
Still got my old Midway tumbler with the clear plastic lid I bought thirty years ago. I've spent countless watching brass and nickel cases roiling in that undulating sea of lemon polish scented cob media. Same time as I bought my RCBS Rock Chucker Il reloading kit. Thousands of rounds and many different guns later, my handloads are still jeweler's showcase ready. I also continue to follow the video that came with the kit which says to size/deprime first then tumble. I also bought a relatively inexpensive Lee universal depriming dye for use on range brass salvaged after a few months encased in mud, or lying in dumpsters and barrels at various stations on the range; which I might add some inconsiderate dudes don't bother to utilize. 😑
I have a vibratory cleaner. I also now live in an apartment. That noise will not be tolerated. So I just ordered a rcbs ultrasonic and now my neighbors will just despise me for being anti-social.
I have had 2 RCBS tumblers fall apart on me......wouldnt touch them again. And they werent overloaded or overused. I have a franklin that has been churning along since the 90’s and a Dillon that is the workhouse........move on from this one
Add some NU-Finish car polish and about half the amount of cases. Run for an Hour. Let me know how that works...wait I'll tell ya. Amazingly. Brass will be Waaaayyyyy shiny.
*I guess I have to answer a question I posed since no one else did🔎🔍 **allabout.wiki/Lyman** I asked what the red switch is supposed to do, since it is not an on/off switch. I finally discovered that it controls whether or not the machine reverses direction every so often.*
I've had the older style rcbs tumbler for about ten years now, still working as good as the day I got it. Another great product from rcbs.
I've got the earlier model and it's been great. I use corn-cob media and just let the thing run for a couple of hours. Mine has the transparent lid, and it's fun to just sit there with a cup of coffee and watch my brass get squeaky clean. This one is a lot quieter than mine.
I always de-prime as the first step, and then the cases get wet-tumbled in stainless steel media. Primer pockets come out pristine.
Using a standard pc cord is genius. Most of the things i've dinged up over the years in the shed are power chords. Either they wear out or get caught in drawers, doors and whatnots.
I've had my Lyman vibrator for several years. It does the same thing. Just use the sifting lid, that way you can see the cases as they are getting cleaned. I then lube, decap and size (neck or FL) clean the cases one more time (Liq case cleaner) then finish loading. I have used a lot of the information from your channel to set up my 6.5 Creedmoor. I just want to say thank you for the information.
Michael, thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback, and I'm glad you've found the info on this channel useful!
I have a plastic pail with 1/4" hardware mesh screen cut to fit the inside lip of the pail, and the screen has a 1/4" hole drilled in the center of it. After I tumble, I remove the tumbler lid, place the screen and pail on top of it, flip tumbler and pail over, and turn on the motor for a minute or so. Let the motor do the shaking. Works great.
I put a couple fabric softening sheets in mine when I'm running it. It collects a lot of dust, prolonging the life of the media.
I'll have to try that- anything that reduces dust accumulation is good!
Now that I am no longer a competitive shooter, I can sell my Dillon Magnum and accompanying media separator and get the small RCBS vibrator... of for real shiny, a Frankfort wet tumbler... both great options. Thanks for the informative video.
Place a rubber washer on the bottom of the threaded rod and hold it on with a nut. When you have those few stingy cases with media stuck inside, simply turn the tumbler on and place the mouth of the case on the rubber washer, and the media will fall right out. No digging it out or tapping the case potentially bending the mouth getting out stuck media. FYI
I have the older model with the clear lid. It's kind of fun to watch 250--300 .38 Special cases roll around in there. It's noisy as hell, and even noisier if I ignore the instructions about placing it on a concrete surface. Living in a condo, I'm sure my neighbors wonder what the crazy guy next is up to this time...
De- prime first before cleaning, or you may end up with a unseen chunk of walnut shell in your loaded round that stuck in the flash hole.
I have to use an ultrasonic cleaner because I live in an apartment complex. Granted, It doesn't get things as shiny as tumbling, but it works well enough, and it's quiet. My cleaning solution is, 4 C water, 1 1/2 C white vinegar, and about 2 tbsp dish soap. I run it through 3 cycles (about 10 min. each), with heat on the first cycle, without heat the next two.
Jim Vandemoter try some lemishine and dawn, it works great and you get some shine.
240FP, I hadn't thought of baking soda to neutralize the acid, (ain't chemistry fun?) I just rinse the daylights out of it. But that's a good tip. Thanks.
Neil, I'm going to look like an idiot here, but I've never heard of lemishine. What is it and where do I get it? Thanks for the tip.
Jim Vandemoter it is an additive used for dishwashers i believe. it is a powder that is basically citric acid. if you were to add a teaspoon or so to your water as well as a small amount of soap it will blow your mind. you can find it at most grocery stores in the dishwashing area. i got mine at Wal-Mart. check out Vaughn Precisions youtube page as he recently changed from the vinegar method to the lemishine that i and others suggested and his results speak for themselves. ill see if i can find the link and post it here for you.
I am pretty sure that the solution in ultrasonic cleaners heats while cycling without the addition of heat from a heating element so depending on what temperature range you are aiming for you may need to let your solution cool occasionally during the process to maintain a desired temperature range. Temperature aside I tried the home brew mix one time and it didn't turn out so well. I did not have any lemishine though. I've been using the Hornady brass cleaning solution mixed with distilled water since then and it works pretty good. It's a bit pricey but I have found that I can clean quite a bit of brass with the same solution before I need to change it and I don't think it chemically eats the brass as much as some of the home brew acids do. I haven't needed a neutralizer when I finish although I do rinse thoroughly with tap water before drying.
Cheap walnut media: Reptile / Bird cage bedding at your local pet store.
SomeGuyInSandy Yes! I've gotten some from Petco in the past...
next time leave the tumbler on with the straining top on n grab the base n turn the machine over the vibration should empty the insides of the cases as well
Nice tip! I'll have to try that!
My 20 year old RCBS tumbler died and I replaced it with the Hornady magnum tumbler. After four months of light use the motor quit. I just ordered another RCBS.
Btw... you are the reason I went with ultrasonic.
It'd be nice if they somehow used a captured nut to attach the top. I'll absolutely lose every part of that 3 piece system.
I use the following:
Lemi-Shine (1 tsp) - Walmart
Simple Green (2 tsp) - Walmart
White Vinegar (2 tsp) - Walmart
Tap water - Faucet
Lyman 2500 - 480 seconds
Adjust for how dirty your brass is.
My Hornady has a clear lid, so I can see the motion of the media. I tried it with the lid off, the media makes its cycle 4 times as fast. The lid on must dampen the vibration. Because I pre-wash it for 10 minutes with Birchwood Casey Brass Cleaner, there's no dust. 2 tumblers, 1 walnut, 1 corn cob.
Just came over from TGC. Great stuff! I subscribed.
Thanks man!
My OCD got *triggered* when he didnt empy the entire bag of walnut media!😠😵😧
Hahaha
My OCD kicked off when he didn’t show the media and brass tumble before putting the lid on.
yup.@@Patriotsoul
Just go with the arsenal armory wet tumbler. Cheap and works perfect for those primmer pockets. Everything will look like brand new. I threw my RCBS away. But if that was not able to be bought, I would agree with you on this. Thanks for your time explaining everything well. You do a very nice job on your videos. I watch allot of them. Thumbs up on this one. I never use to make comments, until I got a channel of my own, and how important it is to leave comments, likes, and subscribes. But hey you have a great channel. I wish I had your talent. My channel is very small. But I have been reloading for 45 years. And I am sick of buying everything that comes out. I probably have spent $25,000.00 over the years. Dillon is the way to go. Thats my opinion.
Good video !
Thanks. Appreciate it.
That brass looked shinny, clean already! Was that necessary?
This was very helpful
I also wonder if the polishing thins the brass over time.
wow all the great reloading equipment and you don't wet tumble , wet tumble is so much better I have don't both
It's coming on UR :) Ultrasonic, Wet tumbling, and dry tumbling all have their applications. It's hard to beat dry tumbling when you want quick-n-easy (at the cost of surface finish). Example: for loading pistol, I almost always dry tumble with walnut shells- it get the job done and you don't have to dry the cases.
Give it more than a half hour, I do mine for 2 hrs and they look brand new
Thanks, I was wondering how to use that sifting lid!
Yeah, it's pretty cool!
I ditched the sifting lid and instead use a big dollar store colander 👍
How long do you tumble brass with walnut media--60 minutes?
Looks exactly like the Hornady tumbler except it's green..
I have a problem with media sticking in the cases. Not bad for small batches but a real pain if your got a big load. Any tips on getting it out fast and easy?
Anybody else bothered by the out of control brass to media ratio? Cleaning would go quite a lot better with more time and/or fewer brass!
I love it, It just works
That's gonna attract Graboids! They're under the GROUND!!!
Well.. I agree, If you are loading for Machine gun ammo that's all you should have to do, However, I like wet tumbling because it gets into the nooks and crannies and restores the brass without the dust associated with dry media. Speaking of Machine guns, I live here in Washington and Machine guns are restricted from the populous in ownership. So you must be within the borders of Oregan or In the Washington State National Gard to have access to an M-60. is there a secret? Dave.
My Thumbler Tumbler is a much better, more expensive, but quieter and and over 25 years old and still keeps on going.
P.S. I use it at least two to three times a week. My RCBS burned out two motors in two years, which RCBS would not warranty replace.
Bought mine send,it had two sifting lids, is this normal.
I was just wondering what advantage I would get by using polished brass rather than clean brass.
How does this compare to the Hornady model?
Just starting the reloading . Should you de prime the brass before cleaning or can you do it with the old primers still in. Which is best?
Still got my old Midway tumbler with the clear plastic lid I bought thirty years ago. I've spent countless watching brass and nickel cases roiling in that undulating sea of lemon polish scented cob media. Same time as I bought my RCBS Rock Chucker Il reloading kit. Thousands of rounds and many different guns later, my handloads are still jeweler's showcase ready. I also continue to follow the video that came with the kit which says to size/deprime first then tumble. I also bought a relatively inexpensive Lee universal depriming dye for use on range brass salvaged after a few months encased in mud, or lying in dumpsters and barrels at various stations on the range; which I might add some inconsiderate dudes don't bother to utilize. 😑
Should I start reloading?
I have a vibratory cleaner. I also now live in an apartment. That noise will not be tolerated. So I just ordered a rcbs ultrasonic and now my neighbors will just despise me for being anti-social.
You could do this a little different and make it a lot easier and better
Why no wet tumbler
gunman9090 it's coming! :)
Cleaning cases is overrated. Just make sure that the outside of the case is clean and free of grit, sand etc and you are good to go.
I have had 2 RCBS tumblers fall apart on me......wouldnt touch them again. And they werent overloaded or overused. I have a franklin that has been churning along since the 90’s and a Dillon that is the workhouse........move on from this one
Not a big fan of having to pick the whole unit up and shake it. Alot heavier and not as efficient as a bucket and sifter.
Add some NU-Finish car polish and about half the amount of cases. Run for an Hour. Let me know how that works...wait I'll tell ya. Amazingly. Brass will be Waaaayyyyy shiny.
Not a very suitable way to separate the abrasive from the shells.
"Give it a shake"???? Equals dented cases!
Careful not to attract any Graboids now
*I guess I have to answer a question I posed since no one else did🔎🔍 **allabout.wiki/Lyman** I asked what the red switch is supposed to do, since it is not an on/off switch. I finally discovered that it controls whether or not the machine reverses direction every so often.*