In the interest of cheap alternatives...

ahenry · February 22, 2002, 05:49 PM

I don’t reload a huge amount of ammo, although that is changing as time goes on. I have not tumbled my brass up till now as I just haven’t wanted to spend the money to get a quality tumbler and I had access to a friends. I now have some brass that I will toss unless I can tumble it, and my reloading friend no longer lives in town. I haven’t spent the time I want to find the right tumbler (leading to a side question of what recommendations y’all have), but I would like to get this brass clean for some reloading this weekend. This brings me to my question. Is there any reason I couldn’t put the dirty brass in a cloth bag, fill the bag with some medium and toss it all in the dryer? I thought that there might be a problem with unburned powder or something, but after further reflection I don’t see that as a problem anymore. Any ideas?

bowhnter · February 22, 2002, 07:23 PM

If you're planning on increasing the amount you reload I would sugest a tumler. I know my wife would have TWIN cows if I tried to do that.

Seriously though, I bought a tumbler kit thru Midway . It is the Model 1292 Ultimate tumbler pack. Comes w/ Tumbler, separator, clear lid, bucket, polish and media. $67.99

griz · February 22, 2002, 08:45 PM

I wouldn’t try the dryer for two reasons:
1. The media is very good at finding it’s way into places you would rather it not be. I think media would work it’s way through a cloth bag and clog up your dryer.
2. It’s probably unlikely, but the dust created by the media breaking up (unrelated to unburned powder) could be flammable and even with no heat from the dryer I would worry about a spark setting it off.

What kind of brass do you want to clean? I ask because before I had a tumbler I would clean rifle brass one piece at a time on a drill press. I put a tapered wooden dowel in the chuck, held the case loosely so the mouth was grabbed and rotated by the dowel, and knocked the crud off with scoth-brite. You can even polish them if you want them to sparkle. I haven’t tried that with pistol brass, but except for the difficulty in holding the small pieces it should work.

1goodshot · February 22, 2002, 09:00 PM

get the RCBS sidewinder, you can use liquid as well as corn cob.

ahenry · February 22, 2002, 09:16 PM

Quote:

If you're planning on increasing the amount you reload I would sugest a tumler.

That was sorta my point, I don’t have much need to go buy one. Besides I like finding “different” ways to do things.

Quote:

The media is very good at finding it’s way into places you would rather it not be. I think media would work it’s way through a cloth bag and clog up your dryer.

Excellent point. Would a thick plastic bag work then?

Quote:

It’s probably unlikely, but the dust created by the media breaking up (unrelated to unburned powder) could be flammable and even with no heat from the dryer I would worry about a spark setting it off.

This is news to me. Is all media flammable like that, or just most? Could one be used that isn’t flammable?

I am mainly talking about pistol brass. I could clean them one by one with a drill like you suggest or a pipe cleaner or other such tool, but I sorta like the idea of a dryer. It appeals to my creative nature (like I am creative HA).

Nuts and Bolts · February 22, 2002, 09:21 PM

for a cheap way to clean brass, you can try some birchwood casey brass cartridge case cleaner. It comes in a 16 oz bottle, and will make up 2 gallons of solution. Put brass in the solution for 3 to 5 minutes, rinse, and dry. If they aren't quite as shiny as you want, on can polish with steel wool. This goes faster if you have the lockstud and holder from a lee case trimmer kit as you can chuck it up in a drill and spin each case. I also, besides polishing, trim, chamfer, and inspect each case while doing this as nessicary. It is a little time consuming, but it is an option...

robsguns · February 23, 2002, 12:29 AM

A weak solution of vinegar and water, you do the math on what weak constitutes by seeing if its working, will clean as well as the liquid cleaners, and it costs pennies. It will be similar to the Iosso liquid cleaner, which is available commercially through places like Cabella's and Midway. Vinegar wont hurt anything, leave it in the solution for about 10 minutes, agitating a couple times during that time. This will sufficiently clean the brass, but wont make it shiny, though it will be sufficient for your purposes. Rinse well.

RHarris · February 23, 2002, 12:30 AM

Break down and buy a small tumber. After you use it a few times you might find it hard to believe you considered other methods.

Colduglandon · February 23, 2002, 12:42 AM

been reloading on and off for years. Bought some of the parts to build a home made tumbler but finally ordered one this week. Saw the post on another thread here and gave it a shot, no shipping. http://www.berrysmfg.com/ picked up a huge back of media in the pet section at Walmart. See what happens. I am a brass rat and I need this to clean up my act.

BIGR · February 23, 2002, 01:13 AM

I use to clean my brass by hand. Man that got old fast. I finally broke down and bought a tumbler and did not regret getting it. It makes a difference to have nice clean shiny brass for your pet loads.

ahenry · February 23, 2002, 01:57 AM

I think I am coming across as a bit of a tight wad here. I don’t have a problem purchasing a tumbler (although I don’t really have a big need for one), but alternative ways of solving a problem appeals to my sense of...well ok I don’t just why it appeals to me, it just does. I realize the best solution is to buy a tumbler, that’s what they’re made for. I am really looking for alternatives just for grins. Does nobody think my dryer idea would work? How depressing...

rdan · February 23, 2002, 02:24 AM

I throw my brass in a pillow case,tie it and wash them with
my blue jeans.

rdan

griz · February 23, 2002, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Would a thick plastic bag work then?

I don't know, it just seems like the dryer is to expensive to risk it. Sounds like you really are ready to try it, and I can understand the DIY side of the equation. I did hear of a guy who used a tupperware sort of container in the dryer. It was the kind that is like a large square bottle with a screw on top. He taped the top shut and said it worked fine. Good luck which ever way you go.

And all the media I have seen is either ground up corn cob or walnut shells. Not exactly fire wood but it would burn I guess. I was thinking more of the dust hazard, but not a concern if it is sealed.

PS a little light bulb just came on in my head. You could put the brass with no media in whatever bag you want and try that. It might be loud but would be no risk to the dryer I seem to be worried about.

bowhnter · February 23, 2002, 10:14 AM

Quote:

I think I am coming across as a bit of a tight wad here.

NAH. I was just saying that a tumbler would be the best option and likely pay for itself in the long run. If you pick up the pace that is

I think that brass w/ media in a sealed container, with NO chance of opening could work. I think it would be a rather slow process though. I tumble brass for 2-3 hours. The agitation rate is much faster than a dryer. Also quieter. But like I said, given enough time, it should work.

It would truly suck to have to buy a new dryer because you wanted to try something creative.:barf: :barf:

And I just remembered, I heard of guys who throw their Glocks in the dishwasher......ha ha (too easy, couldn't resist)

DaHaMac · February 23, 2002, 10:05 PM

lead dust

If any dust were created by tumbling the shells escaped, you could wind up with lead dust in your dryer.

I love my 1292, wouldn't consider doing it any other way.

45Badger · February 23, 2002, 10:47 PM

Until I got my tumbler (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!), I washed in hot water, dishsoap,vinegar, and a little baking soda. shake and stir, let soak, stir, soak, rinse (well) and rinse again. dry on cookie sheets in very low oven.

I love my tumbler. Fast and nice.

444 · February 23, 2002, 10:53 PM

Ok, if you arn't going to buy a tumbler then mix a solution of salt and vinegar. Deprime your cases and then soak them in this soution. Every few minutes shake the container to move the brass around. This doesn't work as well as a tumbler, but it does clean the cases.
Why don't you try to build yourself a tumbler ? Get an old washing machine motor with a pulley on it. Run a belt to another pulley connected to a shaft running through a container that holds the brass.
Or, you can just buy a tumbler which will work better than these ideas.

Frank Iacono · February 26, 2002, 09:53 PM

Look at the dillion website for tumblers. They make excellent products and if they ever break the company is great to deal with. See the posts concerning Dillion products.

riflemanZ · February 27, 2002, 10:38 PM

I own the Midway 1292 tumbler and rate it A+.Its also on sale at www.midwayusa.com for $59.99
I use walnut and corncob media with lymans turbo brite.The cases come out looking brand new.That price includes tumbler,media separator,clear lid,gal bucket,8oz white lightning brass polish,2 lbs corn cob media.Its a good tumbler pkg.

February 22, 2002, 05:49 PM	#1
ahenry Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 1,764	In the interest of cheap alternatives... I don’t reload a huge amount of ammo, although that is changing as time goes on. I have not tumbled my brass up till now as I just haven’t wanted to spend the money to get a quality tumbler and I had access to a friends. I now have some brass that I will toss unless I can tumble it, and my reloading friend no longer lives in town. I haven’t spent the time I want to find the right tumbler (leading to a side question of what recommendations y’all have), but I would like to get this brass clean for some reloading this weekend. This brings me to my question. Is there any reason I couldn’t put the dirty brass in a cloth bag, fill the bag with some medium and toss it all in the dryer? I thought that there might be a problem with unburned powder or something, but after further reflection I don’t see that as a problem anymore. Any ideas? __________________ Doing what you've done, gets you what you've got.

February 26, 2002, 09:53 PM	#18
Frank Iacono Member Join Date: February 25, 2002 Location: vermont Posts: 18	Dillion Look at the dillion website for tumblers. They make excellent products and if they ever break the company is great to deal with. See the posts concerning Dillion products.

February 22, 2002, 07:23 PM	#2
bowhnter Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2002 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 173	If you're planning on increasing the amount you reload I would sugest a tumler. I know my wife would have TWIN cows if I tried to do that. Seriously though, I bought a tumbler kit thru Midway . It is the Model 1292 Ultimate tumbler pack. Comes w/ Tumbler, separator, clear lid, bucket, polish and media. $67.99

February 22, 2002, 08:45 PM	#3
griz Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2000 Location: Middle Peninsula, VA Posts: 1,588	I wouldn’t try the dryer for two reasons: 1. The media is very good at finding it’s way into places you would rather it not be. I think media would work it’s way through a cloth bag and clog up your dryer. 2. It’s probably unlikely, but the dust created by the media breaking up (unrelated to unburned powder) could be flammable and even with no heat from the dryer I would worry about a spark setting it off. What kind of brass do you want to clean? I ask because before I had a tumbler I would clean rifle brass one piece at a time on a drill press. I put a tapered wooden dowel in the chuck, held the case loosely so the mouth was grabbed and rotated by the dowel, and knocked the crud off with scoth-brite. You can even polish them if you want them to sparkle. I haven’t tried that with pistol brass, but except for the difficulty in holding the small pieces it should work.

February 22, 2002, 09:00 PM	#4
1goodshot Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2001 Location: chandler,az Posts: 931	get the RCBS sidewinder, you can use liquid as well as corn cob.

February 22, 2002, 09:21 PM	#6
Nuts and Bolts Member Join Date: January 3, 2002 Location: Cold Lake, Alberta Posts: 19	for a cheap way to clean brass, you can try some birchwood casey brass cartridge case cleaner. It comes in a 16 oz bottle, and will make up 2 gallons of solution. Put brass in the solution for 3 to 5 minutes, rinse, and dry. If they aren't quite as shiny as you want, on can polish with steel wool. This goes faster if you have the lockstud and holder from a lee case trimmer kit as you can chuck it up in a drill and spin each case. I also, besides polishing, trim, chamfer, and inspect each case while doing this as nessicary. It is a little time consuming, but it is an option...

February 23, 2002, 12:29 AM	#7
robsguns Junior Member Join Date: February 16, 2002 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 11	A weak solution of vinegar and water, you do the math on what weak constitutes by seeing if its working, will clean as well as the liquid cleaners, and it costs pennies. It will be similar to the Iosso liquid cleaner, which is available commercially through places like Cabella's and Midway. Vinegar wont hurt anything, leave it in the solution for about 10 minutes, agitating a couple times during that time. This will sufficiently clean the brass, but wont make it shiny, though it will be sufficient for your purposes. Rinse well.

February 23, 2002, 12:30 AM	#8
RHarris Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2000 Posts: 416	Break down and buy a small tumber. After you use it a few times you might find it hard to believe you considered other methods.

February 23, 2002, 12:42 AM	#9
Colduglandon Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 1999 Location: Mass Posts: 493	been reloading on and off for years. Bought some of the parts to build a home made tumbler but finally ordered one this week. Saw the post on another thread here and gave it a shot, no shipping. http://www.berrysmfg.com/ picked up a huge back of media in the pet section at Walmart. See what happens. I am a brass rat and I need this to clean up my act.

February 23, 2002, 01:13 AM	#10
BIGR Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2000 Location: Mountains Posts: 1,385	I use to clean my brass by hand. Man that got old fast. I finally broke down and bought a tumbler and did not regret getting it. It makes a difference to have nice clean shiny brass for your pet loads.

February 23, 2002, 01:57 AM	#11
ahenry Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 1,764	I think I am coming across as a bit of a tight wad here. I don’t have a problem purchasing a tumbler (although I don’t really have a big need for one), but alternative ways of solving a problem appeals to my sense of...well ok I don’t just why it appeals to me, it just does. I realize the best solution is to buy a tumbler, that’s what they’re made for. I am really looking for alternatives just for grins. Does nobody think my dryer idea would work? How depressing...

February 23, 2002, 02:24 AM	#12
rdan Member Join Date: October 12, 2001 Location: North Carolina Posts: 44	I throw my brass in a pillow case,tie it and wash them with my blue jeans. rdan

February 23, 2002, 10:05 PM	#15
DaHaMac Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2000 Location: West Central Georgia Posts: 247	lead dust If any dust were created by tumbling the shells escaped, you could wind up with lead dust in your dryer. I love my 1292, wouldn't consider doing it any other way.

February 23, 2002, 10:47 PM	#16
45Badger Member Join Date: January 18, 2002 Location: Minn-eh-soh-ta! Posts: 41	Until I got my tumbler (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!), I washed in hot water, dishsoap,vinegar, and a little baking soda. shake and stir, let soak, stir, soak, rinse (well) and rinse again. dry on cookie sheets in very low oven. I love my tumbler. Fast and nice.

February 23, 2002, 10:53 PM	#17
444 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,968	Ok, if you arn't going to buy a tumbler then mix a solution of salt and vinegar. Deprime your cases and then soak them in this soution. Every few minutes shake the container to move the brass around. This doesn't work as well as a tumbler, but it does clean the cases. Why don't you try to build yourself a tumbler ? Get an old washing machine motor with a pulley on it. Run a belt to another pulley connected to a shaft running through a container that holds the brass. Or, you can just buy a tumbler which will work better than these ideas.

February 27, 2002, 10:38 PM	#19
riflemanZ Member Join Date: February 16, 2002 Location: milwaukee wi Posts: 20	I own the Midway 1292 tumbler and rate it A+.Its also on sale at www.midwayusa.com for $59.99 I use walnut and corncob media with lymans turbo brite.The cases come out looking brand new.That price includes tumbler,media separator,clear lid,gal bucket,8oz white lightning brass polish,2 lbs corn cob media.Its a good tumbler pkg.