30 replies to this topic

[Steve Deiters]

I know the polishing of brass chassis have been discussed a lot here in the past using tumblers, but I don't know if the use of vibratory polishers has been or not.  There is a wide variety of them available at Bass Pro.  The Bass Pro application is for the polishing of brass gun cartridges

 

Does anyone have any experience with vibratory pan polishers and if so what type of media have you used?

 

Thanks in advance.

[James Grandi]

Yes, I work in a jewelry manufacturing company and have attempted to make use of the vibratory machines here.

They just do not cut it. The finish compared to a tumbled chassis is worlds apart, in favor of the tumbler. The vibes are great for smaller items that don't have a larger surface area, but take many hours to get the job done

[Zippity]

A tumbler is the only way to go

 

See here.

[John Streisguth]

Thumlers Tumblers model B is what most people seem to use.  Cabela's has it on sale for $170, free shipping

 

Most people use ceramic media, but I used stainless steel needle media because I also use it for firearm cartridges and the needles get down into the primer pocket better. It takes a little longer but it beat doing it by hand  LOL

[tonyp]

I tried the metal pins. I did not like them. I did not think they did as good a job.

[MSwiss]

John Streisguth, on 26 Oct 2015 - 7:27 PM, said:

Thumlers Tumblers model B is what most people seem to use.  Cabela's has it on sale for $170, free shipping

 

Most people use ceramic media, but I used stainless steel needle media because I also use it for firearm cartridges and the needles get down into the primer pocket better. It takes a little longer but it beat doing it by hand  LOL

John,

Thanks for the heads up.

 

I think I finally decided I'm in this for the long run and am going to spring for the tumbler you mentioned.

 

Can you or someone else give me a heads up on where to get the ceramic media.

 

I didn't spot it on the Cabela's website.

[MSwiss]

MSwiss, on 26 Oct 2015 - 10:43 PM, said:

John,

Thanks for the heads up.

 

I think I finally decided I'm in this for the long run and am going to spring for the tumbler you mentioned.

 

Can you or someone else give me a heads up on where to get the ceramic media.

 

I didn't spot it on the Cabela's website.

I got a direction to go in.

 

Is this what I want?

 

http://www.buffaloar...M=ceramic media

[Samiam]

Mike

I think Rick (rgeo) still has some. From what I read here it worked well.

 

I'm in the same boat. I think it's time for a Model B.

[slotcarone]

Or you can do it the easy and fast way with an SOS pad in the sink and then metal polish. Comes out like jewelery.

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[MSwiss]

Not interested in just chassis.

 

I have various brass and steel chassis parts that need a "tune-up".

[Dominator]

I just use a wire brass brush then an SOS pad with some comet. Once dried I apply Dursol metal polish. I have only been able to find it on line and while a little expensive a tube will likely last 10 years. Chassis I have not used for a couple years still shine. You can use a polishing wheel on a Drexel or just a plain paper towel to apply and buff.

[tonyp]

Mike that's it.

[MSwiss]

tonyp, on 26 Oct 2015 - 11:37 PM, said:

Mike that's it.

Thanks,
 I already ordered it. LOL

[slotcarone]

Only SOS works well. Brillo in too coarse.

[drrufo]

  I have used Polident to remove crud on my brass parts. 

 

John Andersen

[Hermit #1]

John Streisguth, on 26 Oct 2015 - 7:27 PM, said:

Thumlers Tumblers model B is what most people seem to use.  Cabela's has it on sale for $170, free shipping <SNIP>

 

 

MSwiss, on 26 Oct 2015 - 10:43 PM, said:

<SNIP>

I think I finally decided I'm in this for the long run and am going to spring for the tumbler you mentioned.

 

Can you or someone else give me a heads up on where to get the ceramic media. <SNIP>

Midsouth Shooters has a sale on the big Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler, including five pounds of steel media:  Platinum Series.  This thing will hold 30 pounds of brass, which is twice the capacity of the Model B, for the same or less money.

My Model B started leaking, the rubber seal failing, after a couple of years.  Then the motor got weak, and would only turn the drum when lightly loaded.  The Frankford Arsenal unit is clearly the better design, getting 199% five--star reviews from customers.  I'm very happy with mine.

[Don Weaver]

Get the ceramic media from Rick at R-Geo here on SlotBlog.  If he doesn't have it anymore I have an extra box.

 

Don

[Samiam]

Has Thumbler changed their name?

[Steve Deiters]

Two questions. 

 

Would you tumble a single chassis at a time?

 

How long would a typical cycle be?

[The Number of]

  I have tumbled up to 4 chassis at a time with no ill effect. Most times I tumble for 24 hrs,gets it clean and presentable,48 hrs and up for super shine.

[Cap Henry]

Multiple chassis can be done together, though occasionally I've had them get locked together and parts of the cars don't get much attention

 

I usually only do cars for an hour maybe 2, but I usually need to get them assembled or shipped ASAP LOL

[The Number of]

Cap Henry, on 27 Oct 2015 - 2:32 PM, said:

Multiple chassis can be done together, though occasionally I've had them get locked together and parts of the cars don't get much attention
 
I usually only do cars for an hour maybe 2, but I usually need to get them assembled or shipped ASAP LOL

Yeah but I use the motor that comes with the tumbler, hooking it in the wheel of your sprint car speeds up the process!

[John C Martin]

Harbor Freight has a ceramic media also..

[John Streisguth]

Samiam, on 27 Oct 2015 - 11:40 AM, said:

Has Thumbler changed their name?

It's Thumler...no B in the name

[Samiam]

OK. But I only find Tru-Square tumblers now on ebay.