Taking a tumble into brass cleaners

[von_klitzing]

I've been looking for my first brass cleaner and after some research I decided on a tumbler not a vibrator and I decided I'm going to fork out for some thing that is going to hopefully outlast me...

It's been mentioned that vibrators are basically an electric motor with a weighted drive shaft, and this is simply a recipe for damaging an elec motor, and I agree.

A vibrating shaft on an elec motor is not going to last as long as something that is balanced. So the vibrating cleaners are out of the question. Quite a few people have mentioned that tumblers sold as brass specific cleaning products (for shooting specifically) are generally overpriced, poorly designed products.

The real quality tumblers are the ones designed for geology and gem cleaning. So, I was keen on a Thumler's tumbler? or a Lortone QT12. The former isn't really available in Aus and the latter is available from one reseller so I've gone with the Lortone.

Care to share what you have and your experience with brass cleaners? Which ones have failed you and which ones have lasted a lifetime?

Cheers.

[Norton]

Quite a few people have mentioned that tumblers sold as brass specific cleaning products (for shooting specifically) are generally overpriced, poorly designed products.

You just have to look a the price in the states.

Somehow the price goes up 5x by the times they reach our shores

[tactice]

The real quality tumblers are the ones designed for geology and gem cleaning. So, I was keen on a Thumler's tumbler? or a Lortone QT12. The former isn't really available in Aus and the latter is available from one reseller so I've gone with the Lortone.

Do I want to know what one of those costs though?

[Silver87]

I made my own for wet tumbling with stainless media. I used a wiper motor, 5 litre bucket and a couple of castor wheel, does a very good job.

[defau]

MacGyver in the house!

[von_klitzing]

DAAAAAMN! That is AWESOME! I'm jealous I didn't make my own Well done, I really am kicking myself for not looking into building one. It didn't even cross my mind.

[Lyam]

Get one of your fancy geology ones?

What'd that set you back?

[von_klitzing]

I did buy the Lortone QT12, was $400 with the reloaders kit (ss media and compound) and post. It better outlast me!

[Norton]

Hmm, so twice the price of a regular tumbler then...

Still, looking at pictures of one, looks like a serious unit... Obviously built to last.

[fawksel]

Man, those are monster tumblers

[creet]

How do the nails do on the inside of the brass BTW?

[5Tom]

I got the Thumblers Tumbler from the states for half the price they sell them here in Aus. Couldn't be any more happier with it.

[von_klitzing]

I'll post some piccys when it arrives and I do a batch of brass. They're supposed to be super quiet though coz the bucket is rubber. I hope Auspost is gentle with it lol!

[Humir]

The rubber bucket is cool.

I assumed from the picture it was just black plastic. Will be interested to hear your feedback.

[Fozzy]

Be good if you could give us a few more details on your setup there Silver87.. Wouldnt mind having a crack myself!

[Lorgar]

I was keen on this for a bit to save on mess from traditional tumbler media.

Ended up just washing the media instead

[Silver87]

Here is a video explaining how I went about making my tumbler, I didn't work off any plans and it would take some time to put into writing so hope this helps

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bXLq_9CW4c

[Fozzy]

Thanks mate. I will have a go!

[Humir]

Cheers Silver

[mahna]

Gah, keen to watch by YouTube is blocked at work

[von_klitzing]

I picked up my QT12 tumbler yesterday assembled it about half hour ago and it's currently running. It is super quiet! The drive shaft and follower shafts are each rubber coated, and the barrel is completely rubber. So the only noise you hear is the very muffled brass moving about inside. I could run this thin I. The same room as a sleeping baby I reckon, and that's why I bought it!
Later on I'll pull some covers off the gear drive and motor shaft to see of there's anything you can get ideas from for your DIY tumbler


What is a good and cheap burnishing compound? This stuff feels just like a fine sand... I don't want to be spending a mint on consumables for this process.
Also, anyone got any great DIY separators for the pins and brass?? I'll ask now before rushing out to buy one lol
Cheers

[Silver87]

The blokes in the states are big on the Lemi shine powder, I don't think we have it here in Australia but must be some sort equivalent. I'm using the burnishing compound that came with my pins I bought from www.aussiesapphire.com for the time being.

[mahna]

von_klitzing,

There is obviously a screw on water tight lid or something on the far side is there?

You take the drum out, fill it with brass/cleaner then lid it and put it back in the drive? Is that right?

Something's holding the water in obviously?

[von_klitzing]

Ah, yes there is. Pretty hard to describe so I'll take a piccy when I'm back at work tomorrow.

It's a metal disc lined with rubber for the lid of the drum, and a cap is screwed over that to make the seal with the body of the drum.

I get heaps of bodgy jobs done before and after work and lunch times. Tumbling brass and smelting lead is using work power so I'm not paying

[Redwood]

Something's holding the water in obviously?

I wonder how many people have mucked that up on the first go?

[von_klitzing]

Here's the pics of the lid for you. Doesn't leak a single drop, yet

[mahna]

Cool, thanks mate.

[Wes]

I wonder how many people have mucked that up on the first go?

I would have... I do that kind of s**t all the time

[Moonshine]

I just ordered my ss pins. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experience and knowledge.

[creet]

Post a few pics once you get it up and running Moonshine