[namsag]

I am wondering if it can be used for wet tumbling.

I have been using my Midway washtub-size media tumbler for 30 years and would like to get something smaller. While I am at it I figured I would advance into the apparent, current state of the art in case tumbling and go wet with the steel pins.

I have looked at the major brands, all pretty expensive, and they (RCBS/Hornady/Frankford Arsenal/Lyman) are 'way bigger than I want.

I have seen the Frankford Arsenal Lite but it looks like they cheaped out on it. I see many reviews where users are dissatisfied with its performance. It is not rubber lined like the full-size one and many people say it doesn't actually tumble the brass, it just slides around.

So what about the Harbor Freight, anybody using it? How do you like it and what is your advice?

Thanks, namsag.

 

[rigrat]

Didn't realize Harbor freight had one. I got the Frankford for Christmas and like it. Was going to go with the Frankford lite, the 2 differences being smaller container and no timer other than that looks the same pretty much as the bigger Frankford.

 

[Bert Wallace]

I have one and it works fine with no issues. However, I have only used dry media.

 

[namsag]

BTW to be clear, this is the one I am talking about:

Dual Drum Rotary Rock Tumbler

 

[canebreaker]

I've looked at it at the Southaven store a time or 2. Small about a pint per container. Description says will hold 3 lbs. Is that per container or both. It's talking about rocks, media and water I guess.

Get a treadmill and build a wood frame on it to hold a few cylinders per run. Or like I did, cut it down to hold 1 cylinder.

 

[Smoked Gar]

I bought one last year and have used it a dozen times. Works well but like mentioned above only does small quantities at a time versus the other brands. I would buy the extended warranty if you get one, harbor freight stuff has a reputation of not lasting long. Brass comes out very shiny!!!!

 

[BasMstr]

I have the big FART and love it. Biggest complaints I’ve heard about the Harbor Freight are size, the belts wear out quickly, and they don’t last long.

No matter which one you go with, use Southern Shine Media’s stainless steel chips instead of pins. The chips don’t get stuck in primer pockets or hang up inside bottle necked cartridges like the pins will.

 

[G3.175SE]

BTW to be clear, this is the one I am talking about:

Dual Drum Rotary Rock Tumbler

That is the model I have been using for years and is still going strong. I use it with SS pins. Great investment for me.

 

[namsag]

Wet?

 

[canebreaker]

I looked at the display at the Southaven location today. One cylinder was missing the lid and I couldn't figure out how to tighten the other. There are no baffles inside so whatever is in there pretty much rides along as it turns.

 

[LeverGun]

That is the tumbler I‘ve been using for 5-6 years. Wet tumble with SS pins, a squirt of blue dishwashing liquid and a pinch of lemishine. Works great. Per drum, handles about 200 9mm, 100 .223. I usually let them run for 60-90 minutes.

 

[namsag]

Thanks, that's the kind of solid information I'm looking for!