DIY Wet Tumble Setup... add-on Giraud Tri-Way cutter?

[NeveSSL]

Hi all,

 

I've decided to wet tumble my brass with stainless pins over ultrasonic or vibrating.  I was planning on buying the harbor freight dual-3lb tumbler, but decided to look at some DIY versions that were a little larger first.  

That's when I noticed a lot of people are using 1725RPM motors for their tumblers... which are also used for the Giraud tri-way cutters.  I'm thinking about combining the two into one unit... maybe just disconnect the belt from the tumbler when I'm trimming brass... maybe have a belt tensioner or something like that.  I'm thinking this could be a good way to get dual use out of a fairly expensive motor.

 

Anyone else tried this?  Any other thoughts?

Brandon

[Grunt67]

Well, that would work for the idea you have, but 6 lbs isn't much capacity for tumbling. Maybe enough for what you're planning on

doing.  I have a Thumlers Tumbler that has a 15 lb. capacity, but quite a bit more expensive than the Harbor Freight model.

$58 buck compared to $189.

Good luck with your project, fun thing to do.

[NeveSSL]

I agree, 6 lbs isn't much.  That is what the Harbor Freight tumbler is.  That's why I'm looking at doing a DIY tumbler to try to get closer to 15 lbs or so.  :)

 

Pretty sure I'm going to try this... just need to save up to get the components now.  :)

Brandon

[Danger Rane]

Midway has a tumbler on sale with 5lbs of SS pins for $165ish. I think it's the Frankford Arsenal Platinum.

[NeveSSL]

I've seen that one a few places.  It honestly looks like the best deal out there for commercial items.  I'm just thinking I can kill two birds with one motor if I do it this way, so it's incentive to do it... after all, money saved on reloading tools means more money for projectiles and powder, right?  :D

Brandon

[Danger Rane]

That's true. Would like to see some pics when you get it done.

[No_0ne]

It looks like the Giraud cutter uses a 1/8 HP motor so it should work with a reasonably sized drum.  If you decide to go with a separate motor check with your local HVAC companies, motors like this can be had for next to nothing used out of defunct heat pumps and AC units.

[NeveSSL]

Thanks!  And great idea on the HVAC companies.  I have a few connections with a couple.  I was looking at a 1/3 HP motor, so its good to know a 1/8 HP motor would be fine with the Giraud.  With a 1/3, I may be able to even trim cases while tumbling.  Haha!

 

Brandon

[NeveSSL]

And just like that, a neighbor is giving away their washer... scored a free motor!!!!  Not a bad start.  Again, more money for projectiles and powder.  Haha!

 

Brandon

[NeveSSL]

Finished the tumbler last night, and ordered the Giraud today.  :)  The motor that came out of the washer was perfect.  1725RPM, 1/2HP, shaft on both ends.  

 

I did about 150 .223 cases last night in the tumbler and it needs some tweaking, but worked great.  It's ugly, but I really don't care... I didn't build it for looks.  Haha!

 

I'll let you guys know when my Giraud gets here.  They're unfortunately back ordered until May 2nd, so I guess I'll just have to clean and size brass in the mean time.  :)

Brandon

[Hershmeister]

You're gonna love the giraud

[NeveSSL]

I think so, too! I just wish they could make one for 30 carbine!

Brandon

[Hershmeister]

I think so, too! I just wish they could make one for 30 carbine!

Brandon

They do! And tons of other calibers

http://www.giraudtool.com/prod02.htm

[NeveSSL]

Holy crap! Do they make the stand-alone cutter for .30 carbine? I wonder what they size it off of? May have to call them again next week. :) I was just looking at the one you put on your own motor.

Brandon

[Hershmeister]

Holy crap! Do they make the stand-alone cutter for .30 carbine? I wonder what they size it off of? May have to call them again next week. :) I was just looking at the one you put on your own motor.

Brandon

Cutter is universal - you just adjust the carbide blade - it will make sense once you get it. Of course if you are lazy like me you can buy extra cutters so you can set it and forget it

30 carbine has a slight taper to the cartridge, so I assume that his case holder works by not having enough taper and thus catching the car before it can drop through

[NeveSSL]

Awesome. Thanks! I'll see what I can find out about setting up 30 carbine on one.

Brandon

[NeveSSL]

The tumbler is tumblin!  It's ugly as sin, but I never meant for it to look good.  :)  

 

 

 

I've got some brass that is 1.77" that I'm looking forward to trimming down once the Giraud arrives.  :)

 

Brandon

[Hershmeister]

Osha would be proud

[NeveSSL]

Maybe if it looked better... lol  I was going for pure functionality on this one.   :)  I'm very happy with it and glad I didn't A) do the ultrasonic route and b: buy the tiny tumblers from Harbor Freight.   :)

 

I'm really looking forward to getting the Giraud hooked up, though.  I feel like that's the real gem in this build... if it were a news headline, perhaps it would read "Free motor pulls double duty for reloader!"  Haha!

Brandon

Edited April 21, 2016 by NeveSSL

[ArmyBrat61]

Looks like you "reloaded" the washer motor....nice job!

[NeveSSL]

Haha!  I suppose I did.  :)  Thanks.  

 

I think it's going to work out really well.  I was thinking I'd be running multiple drums, but there's really no need.  I can do at least 3 lbs of brass per run, and could do more if I had more SS pins, of which I'll order soon.  The container I have right now only has one paddle in it, so I do think I'll build another one the same size and put two paddles on.  My primer pockets aren't as clean as I think they could be, and I think more pins and another paddle will likely help that.  Don't get me wrong, they're still being cleaned for the most part, but just a tiny bit of gunk in them.  If I'm gonna do this, might as well tweak until 3 hours of tumbling equals perfectly cleaned brass.  

Brandon

[NeveSSL]

Good news... I think my Giraud trimmer is coming in today... and I fly back in tonight... WOOHOO!!!!  Should be able to attach it and trim my first cases tomorrow night.  Can't wait!

Brandon

[NeveSSL]

Edit:  I'm a dunce.  I was looking at the tumbler side of the motor... which was clockwise... which means the other end of the shaft is counterclockwise.  DOH!  This is actually working out perfectly.  :)

 

Got it setup and it works great!  Thanks for the recommendation, Hershmeister.

 

It's ugly, but it works well.  That's all I care.  :)  Ignore the tape on the powered bar... that will be changing for some pipe insulation soon.  :)

 

 

 

 

Brandon

Edited May 6, 2016 by NeveSSL

[NeveSSL]

Update!  :)

Brandon

[Hershmeister]

Impressive! I found the giraud easier to use vertically vs horizontally but you may be stuck with horizontal. When you trim give the case a half twist to get a perfect even trim.


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