Introduction
Reloading ammunition is a meticulous process, demanding precision and attention to detail. A critical step in achieving consistent and accurate results is the thorough cleaning of your brass casings. Dirty brass can lead to a multitude of problems, from unreliable feeding to premature wear on your reloading dies. That’s where the Frankford Arsenal tumbler comes in. Known for its reliability and effectiveness, a Frankford Arsenal tumbler is a must-have tool for any serious reloader. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to using a Frankford Arsenal tumbler, ensuring your brass is meticulously cleaned and prepared for the reloading process. We’ll delve into the ins and outs of this essential piece of equipment, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to make your reloading experience smoother and more productive.
Understanding Frankford Arsenal Tumblers
Frankford Arsenal offers a range of tumblers designed to meet the needs of reloaders of all experience levels. These machines are engineered to efficiently remove dirt, grime, oxidation, and other contaminants from your brass casings, restoring them to a pristine condition. Common characteristics shared by most Frankford Arsenal tumblers include a robust motor, a large capacity bowl, and an integrated media separator. The rotary action within the tumbler, combined with the abrasive action of the tumbling media, is what gently polishes and cleans the brass. Using a Frankford Arsenal tumbler is an investment in the quality and longevity of your reloading operations. Clean brass not only looks great, but it also contributes to the smooth operation of your reloading equipment and the overall performance of your reloaded ammunition.
Getting Started: Unpacking and Preparation
Upon receiving your new Frankford Arsenal tumbler, the first step is unpacking and preparing it for use.
Begin by carefully removing all components from the packaging. You should typically find the tumbler base, the bowl, a lid, a media separator (though some models include this as a separate accessory), and possibly a user manual. Familiarize yourself with each component.
Next, position the tumbler on a sturdy, level surface. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and away from any flammable materials, as the tumbling process can generate fine dust. A dedicated reloading bench or table is ideal.
Before starting the tumbling process, you’ll need to choose the right tumbling media. This is the abrasive material that does the cleaning. Popular choices include:
- Corncob Media: This is a cost-effective and widely used option. It effectively removes dirt and light oxidation and is gentle on brass.
- Walnut Shell Media: Slightly more aggressive than corncob, walnut shell media is excellent for removing heavier grime and tarnishing.
- Treated Media: Some media, like those pre-treated with a polishing compound, can enhance the shine of your brass.
The amount of media you’ll need depends on the capacity of your tumbler and the quantity of brass you’re cleaning. As a general rule, fill the bowl about two-thirds full with media. This allows enough space for the brass to tumble freely.
The Step-by-Step Tumbling Process
Now that your tumbler is set up and you’ve chosen your media, let’s delve into the actual tumbling process.
Preparing Your Brass
Before placing your brass in the tumbler, it’s essential to prepare it correctly. Sort your brass by caliber and manufacturer. This ensures consistent results and prevents cross-contamination. Inspect each casing for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or excessive wear. Discard any casings that are compromised. For best results, remove the primer from your brass before tumbling. You can do this using a decapping die or a hand priming tool.
Loading the Tumbler
Once the brass is sorted and inspected, it’s time to load it into the tumbler. Add the brass to the bowl, ensuring that you do not overcrowd it. Overloading the tumbler can reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning process and potentially damage the machine. Leave ample room for the brass and media to move freely.
Add the selected tumbling media. Remember that the goal is to provide enough media to cover the brass and allow it to tumble effectively.
For added shine, you can add a brass polish or cleaning solution to the media. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product you are using.
Operating the Tumbler
With the brass and media in place, it’s time to operate the tumbler. Securely place the lid on the bowl. Ensure the lid is properly sealed to prevent dust from escaping.
Turn on the tumbler and let it run. The typical tumbling time will vary depending on the condition of your brass and the type of media you are using. Generally, a tumbling time of two to four hours is sufficient for moderately dirty brass. For heavily tarnished brass, you may need to tumble for a longer duration, even overnight in some cases.
Throughout the tumbling process, periodically check the progress of your brass. This will allow you to adjust the tumbling time as needed.
Post-Tumbling Procedures
Once the tumbling process is complete, it’s time to turn off the tumbler and remove the brass. Exercise caution when handling the tumbler after it has been running for an extended period, as the motor and other components may be warm.
Separating Media and Brass
After the tumbling is finished, you will need to separate the brass casings from the tumbling media.
Using the Media Separator
Many Frankford Arsenal tumblers come equipped with a media separator. This device typically features a screen that allows the media to fall through while retaining the brass. To use the separator, pour the contents of the tumbler into the separator. Agitate the separator gently to help the media fall through the screen.
Alternative Separation Methods
If your tumbler does not have a built-in media separator, or if you prefer an alternative method, you can use a separate media separator. A rotary media separator is an excellent option. This is a cylindrical container with a screen bottom. Place the contents of the tumbler into the separator and rotate the container to allow the media to fall through. Another option is to create a DIY solution using a colander or a strainer.
Efficient Separation Tips
Here are some tips to make the separation process more efficient:
- Ensure your brass is fully separated from the media before proceeding to the next step.
- Consider using a brass media separator.
- If the media is particularly dusty, you may want to perform this task outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Proper maintenance is crucial for prolonging the life of your Frankford Arsenal tumbler and ensuring it performs optimally.
Cleaning the Tumbler
After each use, clean the tumbler bowl to remove any residual media or dust. Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe down the inside of the bowl. Also, clean the exterior of the tumbler to prevent the accumulation of dust and grime.
Media Management
Over time, tumbling media becomes less effective as it becomes saturated with dirt and contaminants. Replace the media periodically, or clean it. To clean your media, you can use a dedicated media sifter. To clean your media thoroughly, you can also wash the media in water.
Storage Recommendations
When not in use, store your Frankford Arsenal tumbler in a dry, dust-free location. This will help protect the machine from damage and prolong its lifespan.
Troubleshooting
Even with proper care, you may encounter some problems while using your Frankford Arsenal tumbler.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Tumbler Not Working: Check the power cord and ensure the tumbler is plugged into a working outlet. If the tumbler still does not work, inspect the motor or consult the user manual for troubleshooting tips.
- Brass Not Getting Clean: Increase the tumbling time, add a brass polish or cleaning solution, or use a more aggressive tumbling media.
- Media Getting Clogged: Over time the tumbling media can become clogged. Clean the media regularly.
Safety Precautions
- Always wear safety glasses when working with firearms and reloading equipment.
- Never overload the tumbler.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Keep the tumbler away from flammable materials.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few additional tips to help you get the most out of your Frankford Arsenal tumbler.
Enhancing the Cleaning Process
Consider adding a brass cleaning solution to your tumbling media. This can significantly enhance the cleaning process, particularly for brass that is heavily tarnished or corroded. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Optimizing Tumbling Time
The ideal tumbling time will vary depending on the condition of your brass. Experiment with different tumbling times to find what works best for your needs.
Tips for Better Results
- Ensure your brass is fully separated from the media before proceeding to the next step.
- Consider using a brass media separator.
Conclusion
Using a Frankford Arsenal tumbler is a straightforward process that delivers significant benefits to reloaders. By following the instructions and tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure your brass casings are thoroughly cleaned, polished, and ready for reloading. The Frankford Arsenal tumbler is a valuable investment that will enhance the quality and efficiency of your reloading operations. Now, as you master the Frankford Arsenal tumbler, you’ll see a marked difference in the cleanliness of your brass. Ultimately, the end result is ammunition that you can trust.
Additional Resources
For more information, be sure to check out these additional resources:
- Visit the Frankford Arsenal website for product specifications, FAQs, and more.
- Check out videos and other resources online to enhance your reloading knowledge.
- Explore online reloading forums and communities to learn from other reloaders and discover additional tips and tricks.
Disclaimer
Reloading ammunition can be dangerous. Always follow all safety precautions when handling firearms and reloading equipment. Always wear eye protection. Be sure to consult the reloading manual. The information provided in this guide is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Always exercise extreme caution and adhere to safe practices when reloading ammunition. Be sure to follow all safety precautions when handling firearms and reloading equipment. Always wear eye protection.
