Homemade Tumbler

[huntertrapper]

INGUN Nation,
I've got a wild hair to build a tumbler for brass prep since those who manufacture them commercially are so proud of them (expensive!). I've got 6 casters and if I can find the proper motor I'll get it turning in no time, however, I'm at a loss to figure out what kind of container I can use for a watertight drum. The only readily available thing I have that I could think of was a paint can with the hinges and handle removed. Will a paint can hold up with brass and stainless steel media for very long?
Thanks,
huntertrapper

 

[kwatters]

Check out this post, also do a search on here, there was a discussion in the last few weeks about this.

My home built wet tumbler - General Reloading - Brian Enos's Forums... Maku mozo!

Here is the latest:
https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/ammunition_and_reloading/248609-exercise_your_brass.html

 

[BEANC0UNTER]

The local plumbing place gave me a broken piece of the sdr 35 green 6 inch pvc. I had the 1.5 inch pvc in the garage to make the bars with. The cap, reducer and rubber cap can be bought at Menard's if you have one close.

 

[CountryBoy19]

The local plumbing place gave me a broken piece of the sdr 35 green 6 inch pvc. I had the 1.5 inch pvc in the garage to make the bars with. The cap, reducer and rubber cap can be bought at Menard's if you have one close.

This^^^

Go with PVC. Check your local plumber etc for a short cut-off of a large diameter pipe. That's the best way I know of.

 

[BEANC0UNTER]

If you go with the sdr 35 green pipe the fittings are cheaper than the schedule 40.

 

[ZbornacSVT]

I made mine with a clothes dryer. Actually don't really use it much anymore...I think wet tumbling requires too much attention. I'd much rather flick a switch and come back on my schedule, and not have to worry about how long I have until the suspension agent breaks down and my brass is dirty again.

 

[huntertrapper]

Kwatters, great link with a simple design anyone could make

 

[huntertrapper]

ZbornacSVT, what's the benefit of wet tumbling over zibratory? Is it personal preference or are there real differences?

 

[ZbornacSVT]

ZbornacSVT, what's the benefit of wet tumbling over zibratory? Is it personal preference or are there real differences?

Wet tumbling with SS media does get your brass as clean as I've seen it, both inside and out. Even the primer pockets, too. Will basically look new. The rub I have found is that when you go this route you typically add Dawn or some other soap to act as a suspension agent. The soap will grab the dirt and grime that the SS media knocks off the brass and keep it from going back on the brass. You must stop tumbling BEFORE the soap breaks down or all that grime will just go right back on your brass.

I like to be able to just flip the switch and come back when I want to or when I remember. Leaving brass in a vibratory tumbler longer means you just have cleaner brass. Leaving it in a wet tumbler too long means you get to clean them again.