Thumbler's Tumbler Model A

[Hopkins]

I inherited an unused Model A that came with 2 one quart paint cans for tumbling containers. My question for anyone with experience with this model is, will it handle the Model B drum and 5lbs of ss pins and a reasonable load of cases?

 

[jonbearman]

There is only one way to find out,call thumblers or buy the drum and see if it fits.If it rotates slowly then I doubt it will work as good as the real b model as it turns at a higher rpm than the a model as that one was meant as a hobbiest stone tumbler.

 

[in2deep]

I use the smallest cheapest one they make (AR-1) with the small 3# capacity drum and it works great for me and I only put in about half of the SS media.
I only clean about 50 6BR cases at a time and that is about maxing out the capacity..... just use the normal formula and you should have good luck. For real dirty brass do the usual 20 minute tumble then do a shorter second tumble after emptying the dirty water and adding more Lemi and soap.
Be sure to periodically clean the SS pins by themselves since there is such a large surface area they can collect alot of dirt so do a load without brass every few times.
The smooth drum with the cheaper units may also be gentler to your case mouths since the larger units that most people use have reticulated drums that aggressively agitate the brass where the smoother one just rolls them easier.

 

[Hopkins]

Thanks Intoo, I have what seems to be the A-R2 with a 1550 rpm motor which I believe is the 1/50 hp unit. Looks like Hobby Lobby has the large Mod B lined drum available for the best price. I think my 2 paint cans with no lining may not work too well with stainless media. I'll give it a try before I pop for a drum though. I appreciate you giving me an idea of what a 3# can will hold in the way of cases and media.

 

[Killim]

I recently picked up a Mdl AR-3 at a garage sale for a couple of bucks-no drum though. I use a plastic? 52oz Folgers coffee container and it fits perfect and works great!

 

[Hopkins]

I'm a Maxwell House man myself but have been known to stray. Are you using SS media in the Folgers can?

 

[Killshot]

The large drum of the model B may not fit the model A-R1 or A-R2 base. Better call them as Jon suggested.

 

[in2deep]

The model-A that I have is very different than the larger ones in that the lid is only held in place by the pressure from a large O-ring holding the rubber housing against a flat lid that fits in a groove in the drum and I can't figure out how in the world the water doesn't spill out but it never leaks.
As mentioned the "B" drums almost surely will be too big but call the fine folks at Thumbler's they will give you the skinny on it.

 

[Hopkins]

Thumler's says the Model A can be modified to use a B drum and might need the 1/30 hp motor to do it right. I think I'll stick with the set up as is and if needed upgrade to the 2 3# rubber barrels unless a Folgers coffee can suffices. Where is the best source for SS media?

 

[skyking]

Www.stainlesstumblingmedia.com Use discount code hide10.