HF 18lb Tumbler

[Walter K]

Hello Members

New guy here. Anyone have any experience with the HF 18lb tumbler?
I'll be using it for cleaning cartridge brass. I"ll be using it with corn cob and/or
walnut media initially. I don't plan on using it "wet" but that might change down the road.

 

[G_P]

Once you go to wet SS pin tumbling, You'll never want to go back to dry. It's so much faster and literally cleans out every nook and cranny inside and out.

 

[txvwnut]

I have the 5lb tumbler and run it wet. It does an okay job but I'm not too sure of the jogevity of the bowl. Which is the reason I run it wet and plus to get any grime I may have not gotten off during de-greasing as I am mainly polishing valve springs and retainers.

I'm running ceramic media, the pyramid shaped and also have some of the plastic polishing medai that HF sells.

The thing to remember is they say its an 18lb capacity tumbler, that means the weight of what you are tumbling plus media. IF you make sure to get that weight right and not too heavy it will do a decent job.

 

[1950mercury]

I use there ultrasonic cleaner with citric acid...there is many posts on different gun forums explaining it..hornadys ultrasonic cleaner is citric acid

 

[Walter K]

Gentlemen

Thank you for the replies. I am familiar with the other methods of cleaning although I haven't used them yet. Do a lot of reading on many firearm forums.
Really wondering about the quality, longevity, of this unit. I don't want to purchase the extended warranty if possible.

 

[cowanrg]

I have one. It's reasonably well built. I bought it used and it had a good amount of use before I got it.

I just bought a replacement bowl for mine from Eastwood. It shows up this weekend, I can let you know if it fits. I've read elsewhere that it does fit. For ~$35, I like having two bowls, I keep my pyramid media in one, and will use the other for walnut shells for final polish.

 

[Walter K]

cowang

Thanks very much. That's a pretty good idea!
I like the two bowl idea also. For $35.00 it would be worth it easily.
I'll have to keep that in mind. Keep me informed if possible.
What is pyramid media? It's that a type of media or a brand name?

 

[cowanrg]

I got the bowl yesterday, and it's an exact fit. It's slightly different than the HF bowl, but it fits perfectly.

For the pyramid media, I use the stuff from HF as well:

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-lbs-rust-cutting-resin-abrasive-media-93832.html

It's alright. Apparently the stuff from Eastwood is better, so if you're ordering the bowl, maybe get some media too. I finish machined aluminum in mine and I'm still working on the process. I think for brass, you want rouge-impregnated walnut shells. But there is a LOT of conversation on the internet about what to use for which materials and finishes.

I wouldn't hesitate to get another one of these, it's pretty well built as far as I can tell. I would only advise against it if you needed something bigger.

 

[383 240z]

I've got one and I'm 100% positive that it will last forever. As it's to dang loud to run while I'm in the shop. If you are close to me, drive over and pick it up. No charge. Keith

 

[cowanrg]

What media are you using? Mine is pretty quiet if it's filled a certain way. With the triangle media, it's super loud if it's dry. But with a little water, it's a LOT quieter.