Walnut medium's life expectancy

[Pubert]

Search wasn't terribly fruitful

How do you know when it's time to replace the walnut medium in your tumbler? Do you just pick a time and throw it out after that time has expired? After a certain number of brass? Or is there something I could look for that lets me know my walnut medium isn't up to snuff?

How long do you usually keep your medium around for?

Thanks!

[bumpo628]

Compare the color to the new material and when it looks really dirty it's time to toss it.

[GeoffLinder]

When it's new it will do the job in a fairly specific time range. When that time range has increased by over 50% I would say it's done.

Color change won't help much as media changes color right away and then pretty much looks dirty from then on and number of uses won't really help either because there will be variables there that are specific to your usage.

Simplest way is to just toss it when it takes too long to clean a batch of brass.

[Sky_DiveR]

I've heard of guys that wash the media by throwing it in a pillowsack with dishwashing detergent in a 5 Gal bucket or the washing machine. Can't tell ya if it works, tho. It's cheap enough that I just throw mine out. I do soak my brass in vinegar to clean 'em first so my media will last longer.

+1 on when it takes too long to clean a batch of brass.

[bjl333]

You'll see the difference in the shine, or lack of.

[killshot44]

3,000 - 5,000 cases