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Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

jonaddis84

jonaddis84

Gunny Sergeant
Commercial Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 27, 2009
2,348
19
Toledo, OH
www.area419.com
I wanted something with the ability to tumble large quantities of brass, and didnt want to pay $800. Got a 5 pack of ratchet top sealed 6.5 gallon buckets, had an old air compressor with a brand new motor laying around, and sourced the rest online, then went to work on building it today, took probably 6 or so hours all together.

Shopping list:
- 6.5 gallon bucket from pyrosupplies.com, 5 pack $78 shipped
- 1" Pillow block bearings, surpluscenter.com, $7ea
- <span style="color: #FF0000">10.25"</span> pulley, surpluscenter.com, $32
- 5/8"x36" belt, surpluscenter.com, $4
- 1" Precision ground/hardened bar, speedymetals.com, $24
- MDF, home, free
- 1" ID spa hose, local hardware, $4/ft
- <span style="color: #FF0000">14" bicycle tire tubes x2 or x4 (double wrap)</span>
- 1" square tube, 12ft, local metal shop, maybe $15
- 1-1/4" x 3ft aluminum angle, Lowes, $5 (for paddles inside)
- Lincoln Invertec V205 TIG welder, $3000
- 6 hrs of my labor, $600

Damn, wish I wasnt so expensive, I wouldve saved some money.

I put 10lbs of pins in so far, not sure if it may need more with a large batch of brass. I ran it for like 10 min and checked on it and it was already good enough to reload, but I want to see what a few hours will do. Will post pics later of brass in different stages.

My traction setup still is not perfect, trying to come up with something better. If anyone has any ideas please let me know, Im drawing a blank so far. It spins at 72rpm, 2 off of what I was going for, must have fucked up my math somewhere...

If you want any more details say so and Ill type up some more, for now Ill let the pictures talk.

Heres a video, not sure how to embed it though
http://www.area419.com/images/pics/tumbler.mp4

tumbler1.jpg

tumbler2.jpg

tumbler3.jpg

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Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Nicely done man. I envy you guys with these types of skills.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Damn where there is a will there is away. Nice job. As far traction, would it be better to mount the motor to the barrel?
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Its got probably 500 in it right now and not even close to capacity, probably more like 2k of 5.56.

Mounting the vessel directly becomes a very difficult problem, you have to have it in bearings, with a pulley, and still be able to remove it. This design is made so you can very easily remove it to empty.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

You made the thing correctly. Getting pulley speed correct is always a pain because everything is measured by the outside dia. of the belt and not the inside of the pullies. The only thing missing is to go get a couple bike innertubes from walmart and slip them over the plywood wheels. Prob the easiest and most simple way to increase traction and replaceable.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler


Traction. A sleeve / band of rubber on the driving shafts where the drum rims ride.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Well, just ran it for 3hrs, it ran fine the whole time however, the rubber hose on the shafts is getting torn up pretty good, probably from the staples holding the fuel hose to the wheels. Ill be working on a new solution shortly.

I dont really think 3hrs is necessary, depending on what the brass is to be used for. Im thinking around an hour for AR brass at the most.

This pic shows original, 15 min, 1 hr, and 3hrs in order. Its pretty old beat up brass, I dont know if they look quite as good as what Im used to seeing pictures of online, but maybe thats down to the type of brass.


brass1.jpg
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Will post pics of inside tomorrow. Ill also take pictures of the finished product, I realized the pics above are before any traction stuff was added.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

as for me and my SS tumbler. I run for about 45min, lube / size / deprimed, and then back in the tumbler for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours, and then trim. This is usually around 100 pcs @ .308 brass or 200pcs @ .223 brass.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonaddis84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, just ran it for 3hrs, it ran fine the whole time however, the rubber hose on the shafts is getting torn up pretty good, probably from the staples holding the fuel hose to the wheels. Ill be working on a new solution shortly.

I dont really think 3hrs is necessary, depending on what the brass is to be used for. Im thinking around an hour for AR brass at the most.

This pic shows original, 15 min, 1 hr, and 3hrs in order. Its pretty old beat up brass, I dont know if they look quite as good as what Im used to seeing pictures of online, but maybe thats down to the type of brass.


brass1.jpg
</div></div>
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Looking good Jon! Good to see this idea come to life. I'll be sending you 2k rounds that I need cleaned and annealed haha.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

I think I have everything to build one except the drum/s. Can't really find good drums with the flats inside. I thought about 2 Thumbler model B drums. They're about $100 each. Nice build.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Looks good man.I cannot wait to get my treadmil tumbler up and running.I just might steal your bucket idea from ya.

Did you put some kind of paddle's in the bucket to flip the brass/media?
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Picked up some 12-1/2" bike innertubes today and slit 1/2" off the inside diameter. Slipped them over the wheels and thought they were going to work great, felt really sticky on the rollers. Turned it on and it very quickly cut the innertube. I think I just need to round off the corners of the wheels (may take me awhile to find the corner of the circle) to keep it from cutting the tube. As with anything homemade, just takes a few iterations before it runs flawlessly.



tumbler4.jpg

tumbler5.jpg

tumbler6.jpg
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler


If the inner tubes wear out too fast try fitting a rubber hose over the pvc pipe, or replace the pvc pipe on the drive shafts with heater or vinyl hose.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

I don't think that's pvc. From the original post:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">1" ID spa hose, local hardware, $4/ft</div></div>
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Any issues with the paddles dinging the case mouths excessively?

So far I've been pretty happy with my Thumler's Tumbler, but I would like to be able to do bigger batches at times. Neat idea, for sure.

I'd be interested to see what you come up with for drying the brass in similar quantities!
wink.gif
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Correct, its spa hose not pvc. Was the only thing I could find locally that was 1" ID. I think heater hose, or some other black rubber would work better, although the spa hose is surprisingly tacky for how glossy it looks.

I rounded off the edges of the wood wheels and replaced the innertube that tore through. Cut four new 4" long sections of the spa hose and attached them to the shaft with a set screw only where the wheels ride (the hose was pretty torn up from the staples before). I also added two more paddles to even it out, it wanted to stop the rotation every time a paddle would try to lift all the brass/media up, and also made the whole thing walk around quite a bit even with wheels locked.

After all that work this morning it seems to be running quite well, much much smoother running than before, isnt tearing up any rubber, at least not that I can tell. Ive got a batch of probably 1k 45acp in it right now.

Im thinking of building a frame and sandwiching some wire mesh in it for a drying rack, dont know if Ill try to use any kind of heat or not yet, or just let it air dry for a day or so.

Next project is my minnow trap media separator. It worked well the first go, but brass is difficult to get into it in any quantity without spilling out between the halves when you put the trap together. Also I just spun it by hand on a 3/4" shaft that ran through a rubbermaid container with equal size holes in each end to catch the media. Id like to key the trap to the shaft and be able to run it with a cordless drill. Will post video incase you cant visualize.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Media separator, it was tough to video while also turning it...
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Tumbler Rev 2
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/osIGFlKK7ic"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/osIGFlKK7ic" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler


If you can, slow it down. The drum should run about half that fast.

Bend the agitators down to about 45degrees back from the direction of rotation.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

can you get some rubber roof,its alot thicker than a inner tube.Plus slowing it down will allow the ruber to hold up better.Or you could try grip tape since your wheels are wood
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

I dont know where I got 70rpm in my head when designing it, thought I either read it or saw in a video that guys messing with diy units found 60-70rpm was the sweet spot. I do agree that if it was going slower it would surely be less wear on the innertubes, I think there is a bit of slippage between the rollers and wheels.

Ill grab a larger pulley and shoot for around 40-50rpm and see what happens. Wish motor speed controls werent $2-300, anyone know of where to get something to control the speed of a 220v motor on the cheap?
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

I rigged up the minnow trap to the drill today to confirm it would work well, it does a sweet job, now just need to go to work on making it easier to load/unload brass. Thinking cut one end out and make an adapter plate that will attach to either standalone gear motor or drill.

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1EioDchD5YE"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1EioDchD5YE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

I think its in its final Mod.

Went up from a 6.75" to 10.25" pulley, this slowed it from 72 down to 48rpm.

Got the spa hose to stay fixed on the shafts so it doesnt slide and cut the inner tubes.

Fixed the inner tubes to the wheels so they dont slip off.

She runs like a dream now, can run for the whole 3hrs without babysitting to make sure it doesnt fall apart. Also runs MUCH smoother, the whole thing would walk half way across the shop before even with the casters locked. Now with them unlocked it will stay in one spot.

Made a nice little drying rack for them, just sandwiched some door screen between a 2x4 that I ripped 1" off of. Added a small shelf above the ventless heater and it dries in probably less than an hour. Within a few minutes the brass is very hot to the touch (dont worry, not annealing hot).

Sorry about the pic, not sure why it rotates when I ftp it off my phone to my site.

brass9.jpg

brass2.jpg
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Looks good to me,glade you got it running like you wanted it to.I've put mine on the far right back burner for now,just haven't had the time or money to finish it.Maybe some tome in the summer it will be up and running.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Man... Now I have like 3 more projects! Nice work on all of em, I've been thinking about gettin into the SS media game but I think you just sealed the deal for me. Luckily I already have the welder setup so that should cut down on the cost significantly lol.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Changed out the shopping list incase anyone is going to copy the design. I dont know where I originally got 70rpm in my head from, but it works much better at the 48 it runs now.

Luckily I also had the welder, I just put it in the shopping list for fun, that would be the most expensive cleaned brass ever.

Question for guys running SS media. A few batches Ive run have come out looking pretty dull, very clean, but not super shiny like other batches. I didnt do anything crazy different, Im not measuring the quantities of soap and water and lemishine, but theyre also always different size batches so Im just making it up as I go.

I usually dump the brass and pins in, fill it up with usually cold clean water to 4" or so above the brass, squirt about a 4" drizzle of Dawn in, few drops of Spa anti foam, and shake maybe a tablespoon of lemishine in.

What in your experience causes the duller looking brass?

I dont think the pins are too dirty yet, cant imagine Ive used it enough to warrant washing the pins yet, as I rinse them off after each use anyway.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

How are you sealing the lid to your tumbler bucket?

Do you think it's a problem that your 110V electric motor is directly beneath a bucket with several gallons of water?

How many gallons of water do you have in your tumbler each batch?

Why are you using the anti-foaming agent? I don't think it needs it. Who cares if it foams up?

Sounds to me like you could use more soap and perhaps a bit more lemishine.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

You need to try to be constant with how much water your adding. Either use one gallon jugs to measure or mark a line on bucket and always fill to that point before you add the brass.

Then work up a perfect blend of ingredients.

Judging on the size of the container you need to add much more soap and lemishine. I would double the lemishine and triple the soap "i use dawn" Also use hot water if available.

I would also ditch the anti foaming stuff.

Run that for a couple hours and see where that gets you and report back with findings.

I would be surprised if your brass doesn't look better then it does now
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How are you sealing the lid to your tumbler bucket?
<span style="color: #FF0000">The bucket is ratchet top with a neoprene seal in it</span>

Do you think it's a problem that your 110V electric motor is directly beneath a bucket with several gallons of water?
<span style="color: #FF0000">220v motor, and only if somehow the bottom of the bucket ruptures. Hasnt dripped a single drop of water yet, and if the lit leaks its at the opposite end.</span>

How many gallons of water do you have in your tumbler each batch?

Why are you using the anti-foaming agent? I don't think it needs it. Who cares if it foams up?
<span style="color: #FF0000">I didnt care until the one time I went to open it, cracked the lid and the bucket was under pressure because of all the foam, shot foam all over the place.</span>

Sounds to me like you could use more soap and perhaps a bit more lemishine. </div></div>
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Nicely done Sir!

I've got 4 vibratory tumblers I'm using now but have been considering building one like yours. I've read the builds recommending using a treadmill for parts but I doubt if my Wife would appreciate me taking her treadmill apart, especially if she's on it (LOL).

Thankfully, I've already got most of the materials (except the bearings) and equipment to build one, I just haven't taken the time, which as you noted, is pretty valuable.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Treadmill would be a very good idea if you could find one working for cheap. That way you would have a variable speed control, something hard to come by with most ac motors.
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

I like your idea about changing pulley sizes to reduce the speed.

I've found new 208/240 volt rheostats online for $70.00 but wonder if they would work well or if they would reduce the feed down so low that it might burn your motor up?
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

Yeah AC motors dont like to have their voltage turned down to reduce speed, Im no electrical engineer (only mechanical), but I think a true AC motor speed control works by varying the AC phases slightly. Basically turning the power off and on at different times than normal....I think
 
Re: Another DIY (sortof) SS Media Tumbler

And my idea of changing pulley sizes is not a good one just a necessary one, you dont want to have to do it at all if possible, theyre not cheap!
 
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