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Old February 10, 2013, 11:22 AM   #1
droptrd
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Harbor Freight rotary tumbler

Im thinking about picking up one of these rotary rock tumblers. Getting sick of replacing vibratory tumblers. My Hornady just crapped out ofter 2 years. Had a frankfort before that and a lyman before that. I know dillon has the lifetime warranty but I dont feel like spending $150 right now. Rock tumblers seem to be a more rugged design. Cant afford a Thumler Tumbler.

Has anyone here tried one of these harbor freight tumblers? The reviews show alot of reloaders using them?

http://www.harborfreight.com/dual-dr...ler-67632.html
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Old February 10, 2013, 12:13 PM   #2
mikld
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Yep, used one for a lot of years. Never any problems, just loaded it up and plugged it in. Mine lasted until I tried to "improve" on the design so I could use a larger drum...

The only drawback is the drums are a bit small, I could clean only about 100 .38/.357 or 80-90 .44 magnums.
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Old February 10, 2013, 12:17 PM   #3
droptrd
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is that per drum? or for both drums?
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Old February 10, 2013, 12:31 PM   #4
HJ857
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I've been that dual drum since 2006 and it's been great the whole time. It does break drive belts every six months or so though. I can fit 125 .223 cases per drum or 200 9mm cases, plus stainless pins. No problems. I use fewer pins that what most folks seem to. If you know the size of a Fancy Feast cat food can, I use half that can per drum.
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Old February 10, 2013, 12:38 PM   #5
salvadore
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Just a obsevation on rotary tumblers, I've had a thumbler for close to 30 years. Have replaced the rubber seal and a couple of belts, and have cleaned a gazillion cases with it.
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Old February 10, 2013, 12:57 PM   #6
oldpapps
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Humm,

I got one a few years ago..... And the price has gone down!

I wet tumble with steel pins, a dob of Dawn and fill with water.
My biggest problem is I forget it is running. Brass gets very clean after 3 or 4 days.

Make sure the belt is lined up right and it will run forever (Oh, that's only me when I forget it's running).

Enjoy,

OSOK
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Old February 10, 2013, 01:59 PM   #7
droptrd
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Just ordered it. $50 why not.
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Old February 10, 2013, 07:48 PM   #8
big_bad_kitty
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Had mine for about 4 years now and not one problem. It holds give or take 2,500 rounds at a time and it does a wonderful job! I did not install the mixing vanes on the inside of the tub and use about 20 pounds of media, 1/2 corncob and the other crushed walnut. I use a capful of Brasso for every other load and my brass come out looking like new! I run them for three hours and once in a while I forget while it is running and it might go 4 hours before I catch it. Also had problems with the vibrating kind then shifted to rotary. Never could get enough in them at once and just gave up on the small ones. Gave $199 less 20% coupon and thought I had a real bargain. I looked today and HF running them for $139 and use a 20% coupon to get right at $110! That is a steal if you ask me!!
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Old February 10, 2013, 08:51 PM   #9
Icedragon
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That is sweet. Take it to the range with a sign saying put all brass here
They do have timers that you plug in you could use.
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