Is it easy to set up and use? Even for someone who doesn't normally work with "machinery?"

Jag - I'll try it! I'll let you know how it works out.

Curtis - Easy as pie! Fill the bucket with crushed walnut medium as recommended, add half a teaspoon of white polishing powder, (Rouge) add your parts, flip the on-switch! Two hours later... clean parts!

nopork - I only filled it half-way and it worked just fine, like you said, not a whole lot of small parts going in so I was able to re-use the first batch twice. I'm going to go for three uses before I dump it. It's economical to use from what I can see. The 25 lb. box of media I bought should last me awhile.

Batterhead - thanks for the link! Some nice machines there.

John

Oh, one more tip.

Toss in a used dryer sheet, and it will pick up alot of the dust and debris generated during the process, extending the life of the media.

Another tip:

Had trouble with the T-rods getting stuck against the wall of the tumble. Lug springs get tangled together. This solves both issues.

Good tip on the dryer sheet. Thanks!

I go with 3/4" full and three uses on the walnut shells.

Creighton

Hey, John -- in your first post you mentioned that there was a smaller version. I searched the HF site and couldn't find one. I'm doing just a bit of restoration these days, but one of these would be great for the smaller bit from Ludwig, Swivo, etc pedals and hi hats.

Any tips?

And Curtis - any interest in going in on one of these together??

They make a smaller version of mine (5 lb. tub) for $60.00!

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-lb-metal-vibrator-tumbler-67617.html

This one is more practical for guys who don't refinish enough drums each year to justify buying the big one. Great tool.

Creighton/Batterhead - Great tips guys! Thank you...

John

great scott, this may change my life. I have two kits and several snares and many parts waiting to be cleaned, dreading sitting for hours with a sore thumb cleaning parts!

I was chatting the other day with a drum repairer about this very fact. We called it "the un-fun" part. Of course in Australia, these are not common machines.

Can I ask - does it have the capacity to damage chrome? I mean if you follow the instructions as to the operation?

Also this is kind of interesting . . .[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UetR2wf0jcQ[/ame]

> - does it have the capacity to damage chrome?

Yes! Depending on a couple of factors; how abrasive the media is, how long you tumble the metal parts, and how many parts you run at a time, etc. I have run several chrome parts using the walnut media for two-hours at a time. No damage to the chrome. If you run the machine longer, say 6 or 12 hours, I think even something as fine as crushed walnuts would dull or damage the chrome. I believe it's a matter of run time and the coarseness of the media used.

Excellent question! If I ever notice damage, or dulling, of chrome parts from using my machine, I'll let you know. So far, so good though.

John

just looked on cabela's website and they have several models, including an 18". I think the top is smaller but may be able to get at least some hoops in there.

PLUS, just ordered a Lyman 1200 Pro Tumbler, $66, and going to get some reptile bedding aka walnut shells. Researching the ammo reloading folks was helpful!

I'm sure you could find these in Australia.