Well this idea is looking better now that I can afford it. I have a question, If you place lugs in it, do you space them far apart enough so they wont contact one another, then just hope that they dont? Or is that not an issue?
John, you have had your's for a while now. Can you give us an idea on how far that 25lb of walnut chips will go. Same with the polishing powder.
Thanks!
I just finished reading this whole thread from beginning to end, and I have to get one of these. As you all well know, I have a lot of drums. Some are permanently part of the collection, others are temps and flippers. Although the flipping action in my part of California is slower than a snail on a six lane freeway, occasionally something does move. I think the initial investment of a couple bills isn't so much when viewed against the results. This seems to be way better than some of the chemical means I have used. Hah, no more naval jelly!!!....... which means no more burnt fingers.
Well this idea is looking better now that I can afford it. I have a question, If you place lugs in it, do you space them far apart enough so they wont contact one another, then just hope that they dont? Or is that not an issue?John, you have had your's for a while now. Can you give us an idea on how far that 25lb of walnut chips will go. Same with the polishing powder.Thanks!
I've only had to refill the tub with media once since I got it! I have hardly put a dent in the 25 lb. box that I bought. Polishing powder I use 1/2 to 1 tsp. and I only add it every-other/every two runs or so. Bottom line: this unit is easy to operate, economical and a tremendous time and labor saver. I've been using the hell out of mine.
John
Thats a great idea. I didnt read through the whole post, so maybe somebody has mentioned this. Naval jelly works really good also for rust. Scrub it in with a toothbrush, rinse it off 10 min later. Maybe let it sit longer for heavy rust.
Would this work to "sandblast" chrome off of hardware? You know how some custom drum builders offer that kind of naked metal hardware? If so that would just be another cool use for this thing!
-Adam
Jeff - Forgot to respond to this...
> I have a question, If you place lugs in it, do you space them far apart enough so they wont contact one another, then just hope that they dont? Or is that not an issue?
I fill the basket 2/3 full of the media + polish mix. I never overload the unit. I drop lugs on top of the walnuts leaving some space in between them and I add other parts without ever crowding them. When you start up the unit the parts sink down into the media. On occasion I have heard a part rattling against the side of the plastic tub, but never parts clinking against each other. As long as you don't overload the unit, it's a non-issue. The parts clean-up and polish up beautifully. 2-6 hours in the unit depending on how rusty the parts are is usually enough. The sweet part is, if you need to let them go longer all you have to do is throw a switch.
John
Would this work to "sandblast" chrome off of hardware? You know how some custom drum builders offer that kind of naked metal hardware? If so that would just be another cool use for this thing!-Adam
I`m sure it would work...More abrasive media and longer "soak" time would be needed......
Cheers
Jeff - Forgot to respond to this...> I have a question, If you place lugs in it, do you space them far apart enough so they wont contact one another, then just hope that they dont? Or is that not an issue?I fill the basket 2/3 full of the media + polish mix. I never overload the unit. I drop lugs on top of the walnuts leaving some space in between them and I add other parts without ever crowding them. When you start up the unit the parts sink down into the media. On occasion I have heard a part rattling against the side of the plastic tub, but never parts clinking against each other. As long as you don't overload the unit, it's a non-issue. The parts clean-up and polish up beautifully. 2-6 hours in the unit depending on how rusty the parts are is usually enough. The sweet part is, if you need to let them go longer all you have to do is throw a switch.John
Thanks John
Hi Purdie Shuffle
I was amazed after reading this thread at just how good these "tumblers" work. as like most members here, I've been using a buffing wheel for a few years now. Excellent results but you just can't get into some places when cleaning your parts.
A machine like this would solve all of those problems and also be cleaner. Also I work in my shed (garage in USA) so I could just switch the machine on and wait till it's finished.
Could I ask though, what grade of walnut are people using, I'm searching around at the moment for a place to get it. I've ordered my machine today and now have to wait for it to arrive in the shop then they will call me when they have it.
I've ordered a Lyman 2500 Magnum Pro, with auto flow. This is like a plug that you take out and the media then flows out of it to easily get the parts out of the bowl. Bowl size is 13" so should be ample for getting slightly bigger parts in and out.
http://www.midwayuk.com/Lyman-Turbo-2500-Pro-Magnum-Case-Tumbler-220-Volt
I've not ordered it from these people jus posted the link to show people.
I can't wait to get it and use it and see what results I can get with it.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread and all the info you guys gave. That's why I love the drum community.
diddle001
diddle,
I use ground walnut used for reptile bedding from the pet store, seems to work well. I haven't gotten around to buying any of the polish powder mentioned, so I've just used the walnut by it self with very good results. I have had a few parts that it didn't get into some of the nooks and crannys well though. I may have been able to just run it longer.
