I don't recall who started a thread awhile back about using Tumblers and Vibrators to clean rusty drum parts, but I owe the guy a big Thank You!
I bought this unit:
http://www.harborfreight.com/18-lb-vibratory-bowl-with-liquid-drain-hose-96923.html
It can hold a bunch of parts (large capacity) lugs, tension rods, mounts etc. I also purchased 25 lbs. of finely ground walnut shells and powder rouge for polishing. It's a miracle what it can do in just two hours. Dirt, rust and gunk, gone in two hours, parts come out looking factory fresh. I'm in the middle of doing a bunch of nickel over brass lugs for my grandson's Club Date kit and the parts are coming out great.
NO ELBOW GREASE!
If you refurbish several kits/drums a year, then you really need to have one of these in your shop. They have smaller versions, reasonably priced. Well worth the initial investment. I'll post up some before & after shots later.
It's worth it just for the time and labor it will save me. Great tool! I only wish I had one big enough to handle hoops!
John
