Tumbling media (Walnut)

[tdc57]

[kurac]

When it gets real dark and dusty, then its time to change it out. Petco has it for real cheap like $6 for 10 lbs.

[domokun]

I use Walnut media with some polish in the media. I also add in a drier sheet that's been cut up into 3 strips and toss that into the tumbler with the media as well. Been getting very good results with it.

Walnut media results in a matte finish when polish is used.
Corn media results in a shiny finish when polish is used.

[jwest]

Didn't Wally World carry media as well? I looked recently and was told they didn't carry it anymore.

I will check Petco.

[ar15barrels]

When it looks more like gray than brown, it's worn out.

[swerv512]

I use Walnut media with some polish in the media. I also add in a drier sheet that's been cut up into 3 strips and toss that into the tumbler with the media as well. Been getting very good results with it.

Walnut media results in a matte finish when polish is used.
Corn media results in a shiny finish when polish is used.

what do the dryer sheets do?

[ar15barrels]

what do the dryer sheets do?

They pick up some of the dust.
Make sure to use the USED dryer sheets, not new ones.
You don't need soft and fluffy media or brass.

[swerv512]

i bought some walnut and corn from petco a few weeks back. the walnut was nice but the corn cob was a pain to get out of some cases. petco's definitely cheaper than a gun shop, but i bet you can go out to the valley and get some corn or walnut feed super cheap...

[sugi942]

I'm wondering if Swiffer sheets will work. My wife is constantly using those and I might snag some of the throw aways to find out.

[ocabj]

If you're near Riverside, go to Magnolia Bird Supply. You can get 25 and 50lb bags of crushed walnut shell. Last time I bought a bag was 3 years ago, but it was $8 for 25lb after tax.

And I reuse walnut shell forever. I think I have been using the same tumbler full of crushed walnut shell for at least 18 months. Here's the last batch of brass I tumbled (2 hours):



The trick is a cap full or so of Nu-Finish with a dash of mineral spirits. Let that mix in the media with no brass for about 15 minutes, then toss in the brass.

[cassius]

I use walnut and Dillon polish. I spill a little media, and once in a great while I'll dump a couple cups and top off with fresh. I've never thrown the whole batch out. I get shiny cases in an hour+.

And my dust problem is solved by my occasionally throwning completed lubed rifle rounds in to clean them off. The lanolin and dust congeals and sticks to the bottom of the tumbler tub. About every 15-20 cycles I'll dump out the media and scrub out the tub with mineral spirits to clean out the gunk.

Been doing it this way for a lot of years and rounds, works fine.

[bartt]

Check your local feed store (where they sell hay, etc.). I just got a 40lbs bag for $20.32. Looks nice and clean. Split it with a buddy.
I asked them for crushed walnut, and they showed me a 10lb bag for $10. I asked if they had anything bigger - yup 40lbs for x2 price. The bag is marked 50lbs, so it may actually be more than 40lbs..

HTH..