RCBS Sidewinder worth fixing?

[RNE228]

Friend gave me a RCBS Sidewinder with a cracked tub. Wondering if it would be worth epoxying the crack(long but clean) or getting a plastic weld kit? The motorized base works fine. Just looks like the drum got dropped or something.

I already have a vibratory tumbler and a Thumbler AR-6 rotary tumbler.

From what I've read the Sidewinder was rather expensive before it was discontinued. This looks like an older unit.

[bruce381]

RCBS may still have parts call them.

[Ronanld]

I had a problem with my tub that was probably 15 years old. I contacted them and after sending it in, I received a replacement 5 days later. They stand by their products. I was surprised they still had one.

[M1NM]

I had a problem with my tub that was probably 15 years old. I contacted them and after sending it in, I received a replacement 5 days later. They stand by their products. I was surprised they still had one.

This - they are great on customer service. I've even had them replace obsolete stuff with the replacement product.

[Cheep]

I have one and replaced the drum. I still us it as my primary tumbler and use SS pins. I put longer shafts, sprockets and a chain at the back end for drum traction, this was all before the newer tumblers designed for SS pins.

[RNE228]

I dropped them a note on their contact page.

While web searching on this last night, I found out my Midway Vibe tumbler had a recall too! I have had it a long time; guess there is a fire hazard with the motor... I've never had any problems; tumbled a lot of cases in it over probably 20 years.

[hermosabeach]

You might take a look at the u tube videos on plastic welding

If no replacement is available, welding and then fiberglass over it on the outside might be a decent option

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aIMl9vtRqPg

[zouaveherb]

The Sidewinder is a top-end tumbler and if you can't get a replacement drum, it is worth your time trying to repair the existing one. As others have mentioned, RCBS really stands behind their stuff so give them a call 1st. A new Sidewinder will sell for about 400 dollars (or more.) I prefer my Sidewinder over my Thumbler's. Barrel is much easier to deal with.

[RNE228]

RCBS got back to me yesterday; the Sidewinder was EOL'd. They no longer carry drums nor have any old stock on hand.

I'll be learning how to prep and weld plastic. Seems a handy thing to be able to do in general.

[Cheep]

Maybe you could re-use the top and bottom flanges and attach to some other type of drum.