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Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

Jayman_10X

Jayman_10X

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Aug 4, 2009
480
5
48
Central Minnesota
#1
Evening Folks,

I am considering purchasing a Thumler's Tumbler, based on all the great reviews I've read here and elsewhere. I have one question: What kind of tumbling media do you guys who have it use that does not cause media being lodged in the flash hole or elsewhere in the case? I've read a couple of folks who had trouble with the stainless steel pellets getting lodged, just like the normal walnut or corn media in the vibratory tumblers. Any experience you can share would be great.

thanks,
Jason
 
#2
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

Fine ground walnut shells from the pet store don't get clogged in the flash holes, and only once have I found SS media clogging a flash hole.
 
#3
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

pellets? Why not use the pins from the website? I've had the pins lodged in the flash hole a couple of times, but then, it's really not a big deal to check the brass...

The Tumbler's a great device, I don't know if it makes any real difference to accuracy etc but I like having my brass nicely polished.... oo-er missus!!
 
#4
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

Yes - I meant pins, not pellets (it's getting late). Sounds like the pins are no problem for you guys. How about peening on the case mouths? Fact or fiction?


thanks again,
Jason
 
#5
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

nah, but then, I've mostly used Norma brass which is made of Unobtanium given the amount of times I've reloaded my 7.5x55 brass. With the last 300 or so rounds of .45 brass which is a great deal thinner I've not noticed anything detrimental.

If you like your brass as clean as possible then it's worth while getting. The only issue I have with the whole thing is pouring that dirty water down the drain - you literally see it sparkle with brass and other metal bits. Makes me feel bad.. ish.
 
#6
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

I never get pins stuck in my 308 cases. On my 6.5x47 I get them stuck in the neck sometimes but I discard those pins and every batch I run the percentage of cases with a stuck pin is greatly reduced. I suspect I will have removed all of the pins in 5-10 more batches.

All in all I have discarded about 100 pins.

otherwise I have no issues.
 
#7
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

I've had the SSM get stuck sideways both in my case mouths and primer pockets. Less the more I use it because I ditch the offending pins. It hasn't been a huge hassle.

The peening is a fact. Here, I've found the key is not running them for too long. 2-3 hours is about right. I've ever run them for 8-10 hours and the peening is the result.

All in all, my experience with the SSM is love-hate. I love how well it works, but hate having to install the 6 wing nuts, removing nuts, dumping the whole mess in a bucket, rinsing the crap/soap away, dumping in a media separator, dumping brass onto a towel, drying, dumping brass into my drying box, picking brass out of my drying box.... it's a hassle.
 
#8
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

I use stainless steel pins in my TT. I have not had one get stuck yet. I used to use ceramic media and it was always getting stuck, even in large, straight walled cases. The pins never seem to get stuck.
 
#11
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sean Hagerty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have found a brass pin media instead of the SS media. I havent noticed any peening even if I let it run overnight. </div></div>

where did you order it from and how much was it? i'm having trouble finding a source and want to try the brass pins
 
#13
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

My case prep has evolved.

1) Put brass in a coffee can with detergent, water, and shake it.
2) Corn cob media, vibratory cleaner, and brass polish.
3) Walnut media, vibratory cleaner, and brass polish.
4) Walnut media, vibratory cleaner, two torn up paper towels, and brass polish.
5) Ultrasound, vinegar, Lemishine, and soda.
6) High speed Thumbler Model B, stainless steel media, Ivory dish washing liquid, Lemishine, & water. I got 5 pounds of <span style="color: #FF0000">stainless steel media</span> [ <span style="color: #FF0000">round rods .041" dia, .255" long</span>] here on SH.
7) Just buy new brass.
 
#14
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

I gave them a call and they are setting me up with some brass pins. I've used the stainless steel ones from from STM and I am very happy with the results and their product is top notch.

I just want to try brass for the fun of it and compare it side by side with stainless.
 
#16
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

I've been just using the same method but in a vibratory model.

Brief visit to the local home improvement store (that resembles a warehouse but teams with people except those in abundance willing to provide directions) results in an assortment of pins, upholstery tacks, BB's, wrist rocket shot....anything metal that looks like it might rattle around inside a fired case and the flash hole lubricated with soap, water, and Ammonia or whatever you like as a detergent. I've tried it. All the cases end up with several of the above objects inside and obviously outside beating around knocking off carbon and flakes of doo doo, etc.

Rinse.

Blow out with compressed air.

Dry.

But its still not something I do every firing. Every firing I clean necks' interior and exterior with alcohol or solvent and steel wool or scotch brite pad and roll out with good ammo. I do this when the brass is dirty especially after a match in Waco where the wind and dirt velocity is 25mph.

 
#17
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

I get 2 or 3 per hundred stuck. they get stuck in the other end as well on some cal. THey pop out easy, as long as you check before you prime. If you don't check, you'll figure it out right away which ones had a retained piece of media
 
#19
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My case prep has evolved.

1) Put brass in a coffee can with detergent, water, and shake it.

...

6) High speed Thumbler Model B, stainless steel media, Ivory dish washing liquid, Lemishine, & water. </div></div>

Clark, I have had good luck with your procedure, minus steps 2-5 (above). Why do you do steps 2-5, seems like overkill or what am I missing? My stainless does a far better job than my tumbler with any dry media and the ultrasonic is now relegated to cleaning parts.
 
#21
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

Gunner75 that will do heaps.

Last night I ran 50 x WSM, 50 x .308, 100 x 7.62x39, 20 x .30-06 and an assortment of random cases. 2 hour run and it was all clean.

I have gone extreme and put in a few hundred .223 cases in at the one time. The tumbler was probably 3/4 full with .223 cases and media. 3 hour run and it all came out dandy.
 
#23
Re: Media for Thumler's Model B Tumbler?

Its probably one of the better investments I have made of recent times.

Saves my hands, and I get really excited whenever I open up the barrel after a cycle. Its even more exciting when you find heaps of good once fired at the range, take it home and clean it up.
 
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