Over the top rotary tumbler restoration

[Panama Evans]

I recently was able to replace a rotary tumbler/ball mill that I use to have. I found it on line, and after a few months of waiting for the price to go down from $499 to $208 with shipping I finally got it. The picture with all the paint on the rollers ( I know horrible picture, but it was all I could find).
These units are meant for commercial work, and yes they weigh a ton, but worth every penny. They are now reproduced by US stoneware and go for over $3000 with tax, yikes. Even used they go for from $1300- $900 ++
It will hold up to 70 LBS and run 24/7.
Yes it is over the top, but like the old saying goes "regret the cost once and forget about it"
I repainted it
Cleaned the rollers
Replaced the AC motor with a variable speed DC motor
Replaced the bearings
Now it is like new, and is meant to last several lifetimes
Added AC to DC stepper power supply, and a speed controller
Total cost of tumbler finished $400
made a 15 LB drum for coating bullets
Bought a thumlers tumbler drum 15 LB
Extra drums $150

 

[TAJ45]

Ya done did good. A lot of satisfaction there.

 

[joshb]

You just killed me! I had one of those and finally threw it out 20 years ago!

 

[Caveman Jim]

I am a firm believer in working for what I want and it seems like you did just that, congratulations.

I am contemplating selling my big Franklin Arsenal rotary tumbler and getting a Thumler’s 15#, It would look nicely sitting next to my two big Thumler’s Accu-vibes.
They were in stock three weeks ago but now that I checked they are back ordered through Midway for $219 which is a really good deal IMHO.
Oh well I’ll wait until they alert me that they are back in stock.

 

[Panama Evans]

You just killed me! I had one of those and finally threw it out 20 years ago!

Ugh that stinks. They are the best units, and easy to repair. Heck I would of taken it off your hands LOL

 

[Panama Evans]

I am a firm believer in working for what I want and it seems like you did just that, congratulations.

I am contemplating selling my big Franklin Arsenal rotary tumbler and getting a Thumler’s 15#, It would look nicely sitting next to my two big Thumler’s Accu-vibes.
They were in stock three weeks ago but now that I checked they are back ordered through Midway for $219 which is a really good deal IMHO.
Oh well I’ll wait until they alert me that they are back in stock.

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Except for looks They are the same. Now for the thumler that's a killer deal. I even did a quick search, and midway beats everyone for price. Yes it's a lot cheaper then mine used, although my first one I picked up at garage sale for free. Took it home, replace the power cord cap, and waaalaaa it ran perfectly.

 

[Caveman Jim]

Except for looks They are the same. Now for the thumler that's a killer deal. I even did a quick search, and midway beats everyone for price. Yes it's a lot cheaper then mine used, although my first one I picked up at garage sale for free. Took it home, replace the power cord cap, and waaalaaa it ran perfectly.

Exactly, i’ve got machines and whatnot in my shop that I got for real cheap and rebuilt them to my satisfaction. I enjoy doing that because I am meticulous at what I do. No matter cost. Lol

You did a fine job on your rotary tumbler.

 

[Panama Evans]

Exactly, i’ve got machines and whatnot in my shop that I got for real cheap and rebuilt them to my satisfaction. I enjoy doing that because I am meticulous at what I do. No matter cost. Lol

You did a fine job on your rotary tumbler.

Thank you for the compliment. My situation is a little different. See I am on SSI and have to look for savings wherever I can. I do love repairing things, and making a silk purse out of a sow's ear LOL
I was so excited when I asked at garage sales for tumblers, and out in the country one gentlemen said he thought there was one out by the barn. To make a long story short, he helped me find it, and when I asked him what he wanted for it, and said take it for free. I was blessed big time on that day. Then I was blessed the second time to find one after my first one was stolen. Now I'm single and am in a place where I was blessed to live, everyday.

 

[Caveman Jim]

I am on SSD so I too have to be thrifty most all the time.
It helps living close to a busy shooting pit. I took it upon myself to start a cleanup with people who frequently used it. To offset the cost to dump the mess at the beginning was funded by my scavenger abilities with a lot of brass.
Now it’s all free & clear to buy components and rifle parts.

 

[Panama Evans]

I am on SSD so I too have to be thrifty most all the time.
It helps living close to a busy shooting pit. I took it upon myself to start a cleanup with people who frequently used it. To offset the cost to dump the mess at the beginning was funded by my scavenger abilities with a lot of brass.
Now it’s all free & clear to buy components and rifle parts.

So you understand having to be thrifty, and creative. It's great to meet others in a position . like myself. I try to help others as I can who are in the same position, because there is a member at our club who if it wasn't for his help I would be shooting this year with primers, and a few small tools I needed.
Having to replace everything I once had from scratch was a challenge at best, but I'm getting there. I have another project in the works, a fully automatic induction annealer. It is almost there, just having getting the proximity sensor I need. Hopefully I will see it tuesday, so I can fully test it out.

 

[Panama Evans]

Second time tumbling fire formed brass, and reduced the time 25% to 45 min @ 75% and vary little chaffing on the tops of the necks. I'm, going to reduce it more by time and see if I can eliminate any chaffing. the brass looks the same in the primer pockets, and inside the case like new.