Tumbling Media ~ Rubber Granules ?

[NineInchNails]

I searched, but couldn't find any reference to using rubber granules (granulated rubber) as tumbling media. Not finding info could be a sign. Rubber granules are not real abrasive but shouldn't break down, crumble or create dust due to breakdown. I have access to a LOT of this stuff where I work so I figured I'd see what you guys think about it. Right now I have some smaller stuff and some that is more coarse. It is possible to get MANY different grades of granules too, anywhere from fine powder to large chunks.

Here's the finest stuff I have right now. Weighs approx 4.8# per gallon.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Tumbling%20Brass/TumblingGranulesFINE01_zps0b27f266.jpg

Here's the more coarse stuff. Weighs approx 5.65# per gallon.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Tumbling%20Brass/TumblingGranulesLARGE02_zpsf949cecf.jpg

I have a couple pieces of hardware missing on my vibratory tumbler. I have to make a run to the hardware store to get it up & running again. Once I do I was going to give it a try to see if they would work. Any thoughts appreciated!

[NineInchNails]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe these are EPDM granules. Solvent 'might' be an issue. I'll have to look into chemical resistance. They are not absorbent.

I imagine this type of media could be cleaned & reused too. Hot water, soapy wash, etc...

[3006guns]

As for MY opinon..........I don't have one, so I'll be anxiously awaiting a test report. Forum members are constantly experimenting with different materials and methods. The results have been better processes with cheaper materials, always a win win situation.

Think of it this way......if it works well you may end up cornering the market on a new material! :)

[NineInchNails]

I'll definitely give it a try just to see how or if it works. I, being a newb, just don't really know what works better than something else due to my lack of personal experience. I can think of all kinds of stuff that 'might' work. Polyethylene beads might work too. They are usually pretty inexpensive, rigid, non absorbent, durable and come in MANY grades/sizes.

We'll see.

[dilly]

Never tried it of course but my first thoughts are that it might clog up flash holes.

That wouldn't stop a lot of people anyway, but I'll be interested in hearing how it goes.

[NineInchNails]

You could be absolutely right dilly. I imagine, like any other media, size & shape would determine whether or not it can/will clog flash holes.

I'll get a hold of some walnut media to compare it too. I was thinking of hitting Harbor Freight and get some of their finer stuff. Just gotta find some Flitz or NuFinish and give it a go. I have about 10# of 30-06 cases that need tumbled right now so that should be enough to compare doing it both ways. Will report back with lots of pics too (before, during, after, etc...). If anyone has any thoughts of what they would prefer to see (pic wise) before i do this let me know and I'll be sure to focus on those points. I should be able to have this done this weekend after a trip to Harbor Freight.

[NineInchNails]

I just did a 30 minute dry run using the finer rubber. Just rubber, no polish, no solvent ... nada. Here's a video of the rubber just recirculating then I add a few pieces of brass.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Tumbling%20Brass/th_Tumbler-RubberMedia_zps38a2e1e0.jpg (http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Tumbling%20Brass/Tumbler-RubberMedia_zps38a2e1e0.mp4)


After 30 minutes here's what happened.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Tumbling%20Brass/th_Tumbler-RubberMediaDRYRUN_zps6fddccf0.jpg (http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Tumbling%20Brass/Tumbler-RubberMediaDRYRUN_zps6fddccf0.mp4)


I couldn't find any traces of the case lube that I used. All cases were as dry as can be. I used liquid lanolin & 99% iso alcohol.

EVERY primer pocket had some rubber inside when lifted out of the tumbler. Usually a tap or two and it all falls out. I suspect that a media separator would make quick work of removing this, but I am suspicious as to whether or not the rubber will actually "polish" the interior of the primer pockets. I'll try it again, but with some NuFinish.

I'm wondering if this rubber is not rigid enough to work as it should. I'm wondering if it packs and doesn't jiggle & rub like I assume other more rigid media does.

[dilly]

I don't know of any vibratory cleaning methods that polish the interior of primer pockets. I've been content to deal with dirty pockets up until now.