Tumbling media

[ERdept]

Just curious about tumbler media. I just got they Lyman tumbler with the small are large bowls.

But, about media, is there any cheaper alternatives to corn cobb and walnut?

The reason I ask is that I have aquarium rocks, that have about the size of a pebble. They're angular and look like they can do the job.

Any ideas on other media?

[mattman]

I tried using sand and gravel. It was a bad idea. The brass gets covered in fine grains from the crushed rock and it doesn't all wash off and you can damage your dies with that crap. I would try using porcelain polishing media. No dust because you use it with liquid.

[Chopper]

Media

I vote no on aquarium rocks. Cleaning and polishing media are much softer.
If you search this site you will find several threads that discuss alternatives...like stuff you buy at pet stores...similar in nature to
corn or walnut.

[ar15barrels]

Just get the 25lb bag of walnut birdcage litter from the feed store.
It would be way less than $1 a pound.
Fill the tumbler about half way.
Add a couple tablespoons of nu-finish car wax and let it run for 10 minutes before adding your brass.
Add more nu-finish every few tumbler loads.
When the walnut turns from brown to gray/brown, change it out for fresh media.