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Mfg. of Best Wet Rotary Tumbler

sstkmkrr

Gold $$ Contributor
What MFG has the best Wet Rotary Tumbler for Power and Medium capacity. Say 500 Pc's of .223 Brass at a time!

Thanks!

Steve M.
sstkmkrr
 
Thumbler's Tumbler Model B. (B for BIG) Rubber liner and top seal. Works like a champ. Wet or dry.
Mine was given to me by my Father maybe 20 years ago? Replaced one axle over time, just because. Never misses a lick. :cool:
 
you asked for "the best". I haven't tried them all, so am not qualified to comment on that.

Big Shot Tumblers look bad-arse. If only they could reverse and dump all the contents out like a concrete drum (maybe they do, didn't watch the videos).

I have Franklin Arsenal. IIRC, it was $285. Observations:
  • It works effectively. I've done tens of thousands of pieces of brass with it.
  • Clunky and loud. I prefer to run it outside.
  • It can leak, so I run a metal pan under it in the winter (inside)
  • Lots of chatter about it on the web for ideas on best cleaning mix, etc.
Harbor Freight Rock Polishing Drum. (Don't know what they cost, came in trade, wouldn't buy one)
  • Effective for ~100 pistol cartridges, which is a good 357/44 mag range session.
  • Overload it, and you burn up the motor :rolleyes:
 
I would say it all depends. I have the large Frankford Arsenal wet tumbler and think it is about as good as it gets, especially for the money. However, it is just too big for most of my needs which are mostly small cartridges from Hornet up to 223. I would prefer a smaller unit for my needs, and would recommend the RCBS for a smaller unit since it is rubber lined, the small Frankford is not lined. If you shoot larger cartridges the large Frankford Arsenal or maybe the Big Shot would be the way to go. In any instance I think the rubber lined drum is important. Good luck with your choice.
 
Thanks Guys!

I really appreciate your input!

Shoot straight, and Shoot often!

All the best from this side of the bench.

Steve M.
sstkmkrr
 
I have a brand new (Unopened Box) Thumler's Tumbler Model B High Speed #140HS still in the box. I have 10#'s of SS Pins. Not gone there yet!

But now I'm going to go towards the all Wet method (Franklin Arsenal Platinum) with Brass Juice. Looks like the best way to go from here. In the past always used Corn Cobb or Apricot (Harder that all other media except SS Pins).

Thanks again guys! May want to look later this month for a NEW Thumler's Tumbler Model B High Speed #140HS still in the box for sale, with 10# SS Pins!

All best from this side of the mountain.

Steve M.
sstkmkrr
 
Last edited:
SmokinJoe said:
I would say it all depends. I have the large Frankford Arsenal wet tumbler and think it is about as good as it gets, especially for the money. However, it is just too big for most of my needs which are mostly small cartridges from Hornet up to 223. I would prefer a smaller unit for my needs, and would recommend the RCBS for a smaller unit since it is rubber lined, the small Frankford is not lined. If you shoot larger cartridges the large Frankford Arsenal or maybe the Big Shot would be the way to go. In any instance I think the rubber lined drum is important. Good luck with your choice.
Click to expand...

SmokinJoe - Frankford makes a smaller version now.
 
Save your money. Just get a Frankford Arsenal tumbler the size you need either big or little. It will do the job just as good as the high dollar ones. They all just go round and round.
 
acloco said:
SmokinJoe - Frankford makes a smaller version now.
Click to expand...
Yes, but as I said in my post, it is not rubber lined and that is important IMO. That is why I recommended the RCBS. The small Frankford Arsenal and the RCBS are very similar machines other than the rubber lined drum on the RCBS.
 
Smokey Joe

It sounds like a job for Liquid Flex Seal!

I think I'll try that!

Put a little Carnauba Paste Wax (Car Polishing Type) where you don't want it to stick to! Let it dry first!

Steve M.
 
Last edited:
I use boiling hot water in my Thumlers tumbler. Cuts cleaning time in half. Not sure if the plastic barrels on the RCBS or Frankford Arsenal can take the heat without deforming. Just something else to consider.
 
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