Anyone here using the Harbor Freight Vibratory Tumbler?

[Banjorear]

Thinking of getting this to clean up some rusty bolts and other small parts. Anyone here have this or the smaller 5 lb unit?

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-lb-vibratory-bowl-with-liquid-drain-hose-96923.html

If so, thoughts or warnings before purchasing?

Thanks,

Tim

 

[bob15]

Cannot say anything about the HF unit, but I've had this unit for 20 or so years with only needing to replace the O-ring belt once (vacuum cleaner belt).

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/426185/thumlers-tumbler-model-b-high-speed-rotary-case-tumbler-110-volt

Same company but the vibrating type: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/426185/thumlers-tumbler-model-b-high-speed-rotary-case-tumbler-110-volt

 

[mikebaker1129]

I have the smaller unit and use it with the green media used for cutting rust on small parts and tools.
It works great .

 

[quick86]

I've often wondered about the smaller one as well. Subscribing.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[Zeke]

I have the one that HF sells with another name on it. The motor is **** and is not serviceable. So, if you decide to run the thing for hours and it gets hot (which it does) you're all done. Mine is dead. I'm figuring out how to install a motor and belt to wiggle the tub. Might put a speed control on it which is a good thing to have.

 

[gungatim]

I have the smaller 5lb. unit I bought to use for my reloading brass but thought I'd get dual use out of it for small parts. it's pretty much identical to most of the re-branded tumblers out there.

I used it once with sand for cleaning some rusty hardware. it was on for about 16 hrs. it worked. it is loud. it wastes a lot of electricity.

I could have done as good or better job just using a wire wheel on the bench grinder in a few minutes. even a small sandblast gun, or soaking in any of the rust removers would have probably been faster.

I re-filled with lizard litter and it is back on my reloading bench permanently.

 

[gungatim]

here is a link to one I was thinking of making that supposedly works better.

http://www.gizmology.net/mixer.htm