Ceramic And Walnut At Harbor Freight

[MN91311]

HF had 25# of glass bead abraisive, 80 grit, for about $50, I think.

Also had 25# of walnut shells in 12 grit or 24 grit, for about a dollar a pound, about half the price of the glass beads.

Both items were displayed with the sandblasting machines.

Two questions.....

Is the glass bead abrasive the same as the ceramic media talked about on this forum, and is it good for tumbling brass cases ? Maybe too abrasive ?

Which grit of walnut is best for our polishing purposes, 12 or 24 ?

[oldfart]

I get crushed walnut at wally world in the pet dept for around 5.00 for 8 lbs

[imashooter2]

No, the glass bead abrasive is not the same as ceramic tumbling media. I advise against it. The 24 grit walnut is good stuff. The 12 grit will get stuck in your flash holes.

[targetshootr]

I get big bags of corn cob at Wallyworld for $4 or so. Does walnut have any advantage if primer pockets aren't an issue?

[Texasflyboy]

If you live near a large metropolitan city that has an industrial center, look in the yellow pages under "Industrial Abrasives" and find a local dealer.

When you call, ask the price for a 50lb bag of 12/20 Sieve English Walnut.

In 2006, I paid $20 per 50 lb. bag with tax in Houston.

12/20 sieve walnut is what Midway sells you for $5 for a 5lb bag.

Tom in Texas

[dustinfamily]

I never tumbled with ceramic or glass, I would think it would be to heavy in a vibratory tumbler. I've had great sucess using a mix of corn cob and walnut about 50\50. Afew hours with some lyman turbo brite and the brass comes out looking like gold.
I think a great deal on media is from Caldwell, They make a bench rest called a tack driver cost about 20. bucks and comes full of corn cob media, open the bag use it and refill the bag with old media. probably don't need a dozen rests. this is probably best as a one time deal.
Mark

[brshooter]

A month ago I bought five fifty pound bags of 10/20 grit walnut shells for $16 a bag in Attica, NY. Last five bags they had and they said they were not gettting any more.

[rbstern]

The ceramic abrasive at HF is too abrasive for brass. It will give the brass a rough finish. Voice of experience here.

[Bula]

I don't think the glass beads would be a good idea. +1 on the Wally world lizard bedding. Big bag and it's cheap. Although the corn cob tends to be a little on the big size. The corn cob works ok on the larger straight walled stuff but anything bottle necked and it's tough picking it out.

[68 couper]

I like corn cob from the pet store. I leave the motor running on the tumbler for bottle neck cartridges and touch the side of the bowl with the case. Leave the spent primers in and clean the pocket by hand.

Couper