Which case tumbler would you recomend?

[Centaur 1]

I'm getting ready to use some Bass Pro reward points and I'm thinking about buying a case tumbler/vibrater. They carry machines from Hornady, RCBS, and Lyman and I have no idea where to start. When you look at the reviews every one has people saying how loud it is, and others who claim it is quiet. I'm curious to hear what everyone here has to say about the tumblers you use.

I have no doubt that Dillon and thumblers make a superior product, but unfortunately they're not an option for me. I don't have the luxury of saving a little more and buying a better product. If I didn't have the BPS reward credit card I wouldn't be buying anything. I became disabled due to a botched back surgery three years ago, and I'm trying to put my son through college. I buy food and school books on credit and in return I get to buy myself something a couple of times a year. My choices are what they are, I either chose one of them or I use my reward points on something else and continue to reload with tarnished brass.

[rsayloriii]

Personally, I've got the Cabela's vibratory bowl tumbler. Get one that has a decent size bowl; I think mine will hold something like 1k 9mm, IIRC.

As far as noise goes, I find that the biggest noise comes not from the tumbler itself, but what's in the bowl. The higher the brass to media ratio, the louder it is. The higher the media to brass ratio, the quieter it is. You'll always have some noise, but the more media you have in there, the bigger the difference is (IE can have a conversation standing next to it, or can't have a conversation even with it across the house).

[bigjason6]

I have the Lyman 1200 auto flo. Works pretty well for me. The only time it's really noisy is when I drain the media and all the brass is dancing around in the bowl.

[Ickisrulz]

I voted for the RCBS. That's the unit I have used since 1989. I replaced the motor one time, not because it burned out, but because the little deal that causes the imbalance fell off and I had no way to reattached it. The new motor was like $40.00.

This doesn't do you much good since the new machines are different than the old ones.

If I were to buy a new tumbler today, I'd get the Thumler's vibe unit in the size I required. I'd go with the heavy duty unit made for rocks not the lighter one designed for reloaders. The reason is I don't like messing with stuff that breaks and I grow attached to my tools and don't want to replace them.

[WildmanJack]

I have both a Hornady and the Lyman 1200 Turbo, They both clean the shells very well, The Hornady is a lot slower than the Lyman, but the Lyman is a lot louder than the Hornady!! I like the way the Lyman dumps the walnut shells out the little spout, vs. the Hornady just dumping them out. But to be honest it's a **** shoot. All depends on what u like> Now I use a rock tumbler and stainless steel media, absolutely the best I have ever used hands down...
Jack

[Centaur 1]

From what I can tell, the 1200 turbo pro and the auto-flo are the same beast. The exception is they added a drain plug to the auto-flo, then charge an extra $35 for it. Unless I'm missing something the auto-flo is out. The twin turbo adds a second smaller bowl for $18 more. Since I've never tumbled brass before I didn't know if the second bowl would ever be used. From what I'm hearing bigger is better and that smaller bowl might go unused. :confused:

[Ickisrulz]

From what I can tell, the 1200 turbo pro and the auto-flo are the same beast. The exception is they added a drain plug to the auto-flo, then charge an extra $35 for it. Unless I'm missing something the auto-flo is out. The twin turbo adds a second smaller bowl for $18 more. Since I've never tumbled brass before I didn't know if the second bowl would ever be used. From what I'm hearing bigger is better and that smaller bowl might go unused. :confused:

Bigger is better if you can fill it with cases. If you do smaller batches of brass, use a smaller bowl. This will help them get cleaner faster.

[870TC]

I've had several of the Lyman, some with auto-flo some without. Lyman was always good about replacing them when they broke.
Now I only use http://www.thumlerstumbler.com/vibratory.html

[Maven]

I've had a large Midway U.S.A. tumbler for +15 years and have had no problems with it whatsoever. I'd recommend or at least consider a Midway tumbler, but it's not one of the poll choices.

[Walt]

I'd vote for a Dillon if you listed it.[smilie=s:

[1Shirt]

Been using the same Lyman Turbo since it hit the market many years ago. I clean all my brass every time I load it.
1Shirt!:coffeecom

[nicholst55]

I second the Thumbler's UV-series vibratory tumbler, if it's available. They're built like tanks.

[Mk42gunner]

I voted for the Lyman turbo 1200 based on price.

I have an old Midway 1292 that has worked for twenty years. I fill the bowl about halfway with brass then add media until it is tumbling right, if it is too loud add more media. It also helps to run the tumbler outside, or in the garage.

Robert

[Maven]

I second the Thumbler's UV-series vibratory tumbler, if it's available. They're built like tanks.

An excellent, maybe the best, choice!

[LUBEDUDE]

I would NOT go RCBS, personally.

Even though I am True Blue, I bought a new RCBS on a forum at a very good price. The first time I used it the motor melted THROUGH the base.

I traded it to a buddy for a used Thumbers rotary.

[Centaur 1]

I'm sure that Thumblers, Dillon and Berry's all make a great product, but I'm limited to buying from BassPro. I know that I'll tumble all the brass I own when I buy one, but after that my trips to the range will give me 200-300 pistol or 50-100 rifle cases to clean. I'm leaning towards buying either the Lyman turbo 1200 or the turbo twin. Does anyone really use the small bowl that comes with the turbo twin, or is it money wasted?

[Kevin Rohrer]

The list is incomplete. I don't see Dillon.

[jcwit]

See my recommendation on the other forum where you asked the same question.

[Shedhunter]

I have the Hornady and the Lyman 2500, while both are good the Lyman holds a lot more and has a on/off switch.

[kmag]

From the tumblers you listed, I don't think you make a bad choice. I have a Hornady and it works well, but it seems that folks responding to your question. think the Lymans are are better. I also keep a 1 gallon Lortone rotary barell tumbler on hand for back up and polishing stones.

[41 mag fan]

I have the cheapest of the Lymans and a Midway tumbler from the 90's and a Harbor Frieght tumbler. All are noisy, but the Lymans the quietest.
For all I know they all might be noisy as compared to the others.

[dromia]

Your poll only lists vibratory tumblers so I couldn't vote as I would recommend the Thumler drum tumblers.

[noylj]

thumler's tumbler.

[Grapeshot]

I bought a Midway Tumbler back in 1988. It is still running strong. It was marketed by Midway but had Thumblers Tumblers logo on the side of the bowl. I notice that they Market most of the others now as well as their proprietory Franfurt Arsenal Brand.

[Moonman]

Thumbler's Tumbler with Stainless Steel Pin Media.

[MtGun44]

I've got a Lyman 1200 that has been running for several decades of IPSC competition and
general reloading. Works just fine today.

Bill

[Muddy Creek Sam]

I have a Thumbler and a Lyman 1200, Thumbler hands down with ceramic media.

Sam :D

[Horace]

I have a Thumbler Vib unit that is 10 + years old.It can very easily repaired if needed.

Horace

[Reload3006]

I have a midway bought in the early 90z going strong noisy But wasn't Midway made by Frankford Arsenal? They don't make one as large as mine anymore what a shame I can throw a thousand 45z in there and let them rip. I know all things come to an end but I am really going to be sad when my Midway dies.

[Bad Water Bill]

Since my rock tumbler bearings seem to be going south and the pillow block bearings are ONLY $128.00 EACH I would vote for another H D rock tumbler from Thumbler. The lapidary folks load them to the max and run them 24-7-365. I bought mine well used over 30 years ago and it is finally getting tired. Read SCREEMING bearing.

[exile]

Not on the list, but I use a Frankford Arsenal tumbler from Midway and it has given me no problems. Best of luck in your search for a tumbler.

exile

[W.R.Buchanan]

If you are young and looking at a vibrating tumbler then I would DEFINATELY spend the extra $ and get a Thumlers Ultravibe 18. they also have a smaller one the #10 model. The #18 size will do 300 .37 cases in one whack.

This machine is usually $189 but I would look around for used ones as they are common in machineshops.

The reason I say if you are young, is because this machine will last for your entire lifetime and so you will get your moneys worth out of it. If you are older it will be troublefree but I don't know what the resale value is on stuff like this. I got mine as part of the boot on a trade. I got my big one when I bought out another machine shop, so essentially both were free..

I have been running mine regularly for 20+ years and it will easily out last me. They are with out a doubt the best Vibro tumblers out there, and all of Thumlers equipment is designed for Rock tumbling applications so it is designed to run for weeks on end.

People don't realize that to get those nice shiney rocks that we see have to be tumbled in about 4-6 different cycles with varying sizes of carborundum grit. These cycles are usually a week or 5-7 days long!

That's alot of running.

I run my brass for 24hrs per batch. It is clean and polished when done. The machine is up to the task.

Most aren't!

Randy

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I voted for the hornady my kids got it for me for my birthday
after my lyman turbo twin bit the dust after About 20years

[Ickisrulz]

...and all of Thumlers equipment is designed for Rock tumbling applications so it is designed to run for weeks on end.

Actually from what I've read Thumlers has two lines of vibratory cleaners. The "Industrial" is specifically designed for rocks. The regular line is not. This is why you see the Thumler vibratory cleaners for less price on reloading websites than on rock polishing websites. They are not the same units.

Normal:
http://www.thumlerstumbler.com/vibratory.html

Industrial:
http://www.thumlerstumbler.com/industrial.html

[dragonrider]

I have a Thumblers Ultra Vibe 18 and it does a great job, far better than the Lyman 1200 I have. The Lyman might work better without that foolish self draining tub.

[mstrausbough]

I use a Smartreloader tumbler. Works great. holds 500 or so 9mm with lizard bedding. Love it.

[Chicken Thief]

I have a Lyman 1200, and have had since '86 so i cant say anything about it's longlivety.
Early on i removed the "grid" at the bottom and installed a 1/4" bolt+nut on the counterweight.
It will tumble any load weight now!

[mold maker]

None of the vib tumblers last forever, if you really use them. They all have a weight that attaches to the shaft, which adds destructive load to the bearings. Eventually the bearings get loose enough for the armature to drag.
Don't buy for brand name, or color. Get the size you need at the cheaper price. Make a practice of applying a tiny bit of oil to both bearings a couple times a year as per your use. You'll get all the service that is to be had, regardless the name.

[jcwit]

I use a Smartreloader tumbler. Works great. holds 500 or so 9mm with lizard bedding. Love it.

Not to jump to hard on this recommendation but its a chinese made tumbler, marketed by an Italian Co, with a warrenty requiring it to be returned to Italy for warrenty work, and is a copy of the American Made Berry tumbler.

Berry gives a 3 year warrenty on its motor and a forever warrenty on the rest.

I think you'all get my drift!

[Recluse]

I'm a Thumler's Tumbler (rotary) man myself, but once had a vibratory tumbler back in college. I put a piece of carpet underneath it, then found a cardboard box large enough to go over it, and lined the box with some of that egg-crate foam you get at hobby stores.

That kept things both quiet and clean--no real noise from the tumbler could be heard outside the bedroom, and it kept the dust in one place.

I'd buy whatever's cheapest.

:coffee:

[Bad Water Bill]

I'd buy whatever's cheapest.

:coffee:

With 2 Rolse Royces in the drive and a copy of Donald Trumps 757 parked on the runway behind the back door do you really expect us to believe you?:bigsmyl2::bigsmyl2:

The devil made me type that:kidding:

[50-170-700 sharps]

I have a Lyman turbo 1200 pro. It does quite well but is very noisy. I'd like to try out one of the ultrasonic case cleaners hornady and lyman put out but i really have no need for one and always end up buying something else :smile:

[bigjason6]

I have a Lyman turbo 1200 pro. It does quite well but is very noisy. I'd like to try out one of the ultrasonic case cleaners hornady and lyman put out but i really have no need for one and always end up buying something else :smile:

Hornady is coming out with a new ultrasonic cleaner next year. Looks pretty nice!

[DukeInFlorida]

Here's my two cents worth:

ALL of the models that you list will wear out the motor spindle bushings in short order. Those motors use a cast bronze bushing for the spindle to rotate in. As those wear, they become oblong (due to the nature of the orbiting vibration of the motor), and eventually the motor armature will clunk up against the coil. It will sit there and buzz, but not spin. You can't buy a replacement motor, and will have to trash the tumbler, and buy it again.

The Dillon, while not part of your plan, has roller bearings for the motor spindle. Those will last many times over what the bronze bushing will last. They (Dillon) also have a wonderful program for replacing the motors. You buy it once! Motor replacements are a lot cheaper than a new tumbler.

Heck, they even did an upgrade for my old model 500 tumbler, which used a bushing for the motor spindle. They put in a motor from a model 750, and installed stronger springs. I now have essentially a model 750 base, with a model 500 bowl. To increase my capacity, I also bought a model 2001 Dillon tumbler. Sometimes, I have both of them running, side by side.

If I were you, I'd go for the Dillon 750, and use your rewards points for some other things that you will need.

[Bullwolf]

I would have voted for a Dillon tumbler if it had been an option. We used a row of the big CV-2001 Dillon tumblers, and case separators pretty much non stop to clean range brass for reloading at the gun range where I worked. They were on almost constantly, all day long, and were basically used and abused under hot dusty icky conditions. We never had one of them fail.

If Dillon hasn't changed anything in their tumblers since then, and I really wanted a solid vibratory tumbler, (with money not being an option) that's probably what I would choose.

Still despite that, I currently use a Lyman Turbo Flow 1200 at home, with the auto flow large bowl kit installed with a removable plug. I have used 3 of the Lyman tumblers over the years, and they are all still in service. The first one has required a little bit of tune up and maintenance though, but its still working.

A decent tip is to set your vibratory tumbler on a hard flat surface, not on carpet, and if you run a timer and don't leave it on constantly they last longer.


- Bullwolf

[cp478]

Yes , I also would have cast a vote for Dillons tumblers.

[50-170-700 sharps]

Hornady is coming out with a new ultrasonic cleaner next year. Looks pretty nice!

Thanks for the info! will have to check it out. Sorry I did not notice your reply until now, i do that too often. Happy new year!

[True.grit]

I vote for Berry's. I have had one for 15 years and it is still working great. It works so good that I purchased another. I clean brass around the clock and they keep on working. The best 60 bucks I ever spent.

[cajun shooter]

You needed a choice that said none of the above and then a space for a write in choice. My choice would be Thumblers Tumblers. I own both the Vibrate model and the Model B which is used for my BP cases. None of your choices will work as a wet cleaner.
Your choices all have several complaints about endurance and the RCBS is not the same as the other equipment made by them.

[Lloyd Smale]

Im not a big fan of lyman stuff but in my opinion they make the best tumblers. I dont have one right now as i lost two in fire along with a big dillon. I replaced the dillon because i just need a big tumbler. They just dont agitate as good as a lyman though and take longer. For a small one this time i just bought a frankfort arsonal unit. It was cheap and Ive actually had pretty good luck with it and even it agitates better then the dillons ive owned. I wanted one of the bigger lymans but my fire happened back during the time of primer and reloading supply shortages and everyone was out of stock at the time.

[Dave C.]

The big Dillon.

[kenyerian]

Thumblers Tumbler Model B.

[kcajeel]

Am I the only one in the world with a RCBS Sidewinder?

[Markbo]

If money is THE primary issue I would recommend buying a used one here. Guys very often sell their old equipment when buying new equipment and nothing is wrong with it. That gives you one 'cheap' one to use now (and who knows for how long) and plenty of time to save up for another more expensive option.

[Reload3006]

I have a frankford arsenal ... (Midway) .... tumbler that I got back in the 80z still going strong.

[adrians]

i use a used e-bay buy Lyman 600 turbo ,,not very big but im ok with it.

[novalty]

I have had a Lyman Turbo 1200 for 2 years now and put between 3-4,000 pieces of brass through it so far, and it has been going good. I put mine outside to negate the noise, and to keep dust out. Only real complaint about it is that it doesn't have in-line on/off switch.

[Moonie]

I use my LT 1200 to put a coat of nufinish on the brass I clean in my Thumbler using SS pins.

[noylj]

Thumler's Tumbler #B