View Full Version : New Frankford Arsenal Wet Tumbler
I'm not a huge fan of FA - haven't had the best of luck with their gear, but this certainly looks like an interesting package.
Cheaper than a Thumler and looks a bit easier to use. Not sure how well the barrel would hold up though. They claim 1000 cases of 223 per load.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=X9rIyue6RC4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=X9rIyue6RC4
Looks like it will have an msrp of $230
http://www.amazon.com/Frankford-Arsenal-Reloading-Tools-Platinum/dp/B00HTN4R6O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1395461991&sr=8-4&keywords=frankford+arsenal+tumbler
$213 gets the basic kit and media.
Didn't see a bucket or magnet in there.
If the rubber lining and motor last, it sure seems easier than the Thumler.
The built in timer is a plus.
Sorry, oops - Grafs has it in stock right now for $190 +$8 s/h. The magnet is another $15.
The bucket thing at the end of the video is part of their separator kit, I'm not sure what he was talking about at the end there.
I might give Battenfeld a call and see what the true markup is. Grafs gives dealers a little discount, but it's usually not the same.
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/27279
gnihcraes
03-22-2014, 08:05
the magnet can be had at harbor freight I believe. I'll try to check this weekend, I'd like to have it for my setup.
Great-Kazoo
03-22-2014, 08:18
I'm very interested in 1. So far unable to locate warranty. What good is a lower price point item, when the original has a lifetime warranty.
I'm very interested in 1. So far unable to locate warranty. What good is a lower price point item, when the original has a lifetime warranty.
FA is only 1 year, though they have on occasion replaced things beyond that. Haven't found anything to indicate this model has an extended warranty...
https://fsreloading.com/product-warranties/frankford-arsenal-reloading-tools-warranty.html
funkymonkey1111
03-22-2014, 11:21
anyone use the one from harbor freight?
http://www.harborfreight.com/dual-drum-rotary-rock-tumbler-67632.html#.Uy3Gil7O7So
Pretty sure Belly is using that or similar but it seemed very small.
anyone use the one from harbor freight?
http://www.harborfreight.com/dual-drum-rotary-rock-tumbler-67632.html#.Uy3Gil7O7So
I bought one of those when they were around 15 bucks. Small. The Frankford version and the Thumbler I use have hex shaped walls. If you haven't used stainless pins, you are in for a treat. I'd buy another in a second.
Pretty sure Belly is using that or similar but it seemed very small.
Yeah I've seen a guy run one of those. It's tiny.
Not sure what the rules say about this but if there's enough interest, I can see about ordering a number of them in when I get mine, probably save everyone a little bit extra. Would not take any cash up front, just your word if you're in.
Great-Kazoo
03-22-2014, 17:27
Not sure what the rules say about this but if there's enough interest, I can see about ordering a number of them in when I get mine, probably save everyone a little bit extra. Would not take any cash up front, just your word if you're in.
There are no more group buys, after the ammo buy in's, that went all over the place.
I'd suggest anyone interest PM ypu, then take it from there.
funkymonkey1111
03-22-2014, 17:30
Not sure what the rules say about this but if there's enough interest, I can see about ordering a number of them in when I get mine, probably save everyone a little bit extra. Would not take any cash up front, just your word if you're in.
What advantage does this have over the tumler at the same price?
What advantage does this have over the tumler at the same price?
FFL/Dealer discount... as Jim said, if anyone's interested, just PM me for now. Will check with the site staff before we do anything else.
RANGERRON72
04-02-2014, 21:07
I took the cheap route from Harbor Freight, $49 bucks for their twin tumbler, 25% off coupon brings it down to $40, and then ordered the stainless media, 5 pounds for about $50 bucks. Bought the warranty plan from Harbor Freight, since their stuff doesn't last (5 or 10 bucks) Dawn detergent and Lemishine, does 50 556 cases in each container, about 25 308W and I just run it for hours. In for less than $100, use a collendar and a plastic 20 quart container from Wal Mart, and good to go.
Biggest plus is how FA sorts out the stainless steel pins, that is a trick.
Great-Kazoo
04-02-2014, 21:45
I took the cheap route from Harbor Freight, $49 bucks for their twin tumbler, 25% off coupon brings it down to $40, and then ordered the stainless media, 5 pounds for about $50 bucks. Bought the warranty plan from Harbor Freight, since their stuff doesn't last (5 or 10 bucks) Dawn detergent and Lemishine, does 50 556 cases in each container, about 25 308W and I just run it for hours. In for less than $100, use a collendar and a plastic 20 quart container from Wal Mart, and good to go.
Biggest plus is how FA sorts out the stainless steel pins, that is a trick.
50 cases? You must have that thing running non-stop, or not a lot of brass.
I just bought one and I will give a review in the next few days.
Great-Kazoo
04-03-2014, 08:54
I just bought one and I will give a review in the next few days.
Please do.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dejE4iL9UK8
But, this kit from FA is very interesting.....
Great-Kazoo
04-03-2014, 13:17
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dejE4iL9UK8
But, this kit from FA is very interesting.....
I'd buy the poly / resin drum from lowes before a HF unit. Unfortunately logistics don't allow another item to store, when not in use.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_241568-47120-SGY-CM1_0__?Ntt=cement+mixer&UserSearch=cement+mixer&productId=3591096&rpp=32
I'd buy the poly / resin drum from lowes before a HF unit. Unfortunately logistics don't allow another item to store, when not in use.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_241568-47120-SGY-CM1_0__?Ntt=cement+mixer&UserSearch=cement+mixer&productId=3591096&rpp=32
That's a helluva lot bigger than my mixer, a lot mo' money too. Mine's only 1.25 cu. ft., and it'll run more brass at once than I really wanna mess with. Separating the pins and drying the brass is a PITA.
DSB OUTDOORS
04-03-2014, 20:44
Well, WTF. I got one and gona test drive this sucker hopefully Sunday. I love my Thumblers Tumbler. But can only do 2lbs of brass + media in it. I'll post my review when I do. [Beer] So far, no assembly required and not much different. Just more spacious.
Great-Kazoo
04-03-2014, 22:26
That's a helluva lot bigger than my mixer, a lot mo' money too. Mine's only 1.25 cu. ft., and it'll run more brass at once than I really wanna mess with. Separating the pins and drying the brass is a PITA.
laundry bags, visit local laundromat .
https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608008820495486304&pid=15.1
Great-Kazoo
04-03-2014, 22:27
Well, WTF. I got one and gona test drive this sucker hopefully Sunday. I love my Thumblers Tumbler. But can only do 2lbs of brass + media in it. I'll post my review when I do. [Beer] So far, no assembly required and not much different. Just more spacious.
Volume is nice. That's why i can't see buying a HF tumbler that holds 50 pcs of brass.
I saw a video of Jerry Miculek yesterday, he was tumbling .223 brass in a CEMENT MIXER! (He shoots a lot).
You guy need to step it up...
Great-Kazoo
04-04-2014, 16:59
I saw a video of Jerry Miculek yesterday, he was tumbling .223 brass in a CEMENT MIXER! (He shoots a lot).
You guy need to step it up...
You miss post #21 ?
DSB OUTDOORS
05-04-2014, 17:44
Well I finally got off my ass and tried er out. Very nice. I like it. 1,300 rnds of 32 ACP no problem. But the steel media cracked me up. One could make his own media by cutting heavy duty staples like the ones I found in FA's. [LOL]
44329 44337
funkymonkey1111
05-04-2014, 17:46
Well I finally got off my ass and tried er out. Very nice. I like it. 1,300 rnds of 32 ACP no problem. But the steel media cracked me up. One could make his own media by cutting heavy duty staples like the ones I found in FA's. [LOL]
44329 44337
well, do you like the thumbler or the franklin better?
DSB OUTDOORS
05-04-2014, 18:41
well, do you like the thumbler or the franklin better?
I like em both. Pros and cons with each. The Thumbler is nice, steel body, small volume of brass and the 6 wing nuts and washers can be a pain. I always tight em em like wheel lugs in a star pattern. And manual shut off. But gets the job done.
FA's, plastic mold body, much more volume, screw top see through lid. But cleaning the brass and pins. Had to revamp my style. Bigger buckets, sifter, and I bought the FA magnet. Not much help IMHO. And auto shut-off is nice.
Overall, I'd say if you plan or do clean a lot of brass, and I do mean a lot / high volume. Go with the FA tumbler. 1,000 pieces rifle brass. 1,300 - 1,500 pistol. No problem. But I do recommend you do weigh the container. 23 lbs max. add or subtract water or brass. Your choice.
If you only do 100 or less at a time. Go Thumbler. Smaller means more manageability.
Both do an Awesome job though!!! Hope this helps.
TheBelly
05-04-2014, 20:07
Pretty sure Belly is using that or similar but it seemed very small.
Yeah, that's what I use. I have tumbled 100+ pieces of 9mm brass and about 75~ish pieces of .223 brass between the two drums at one time.
Yes, it's smaller than a thumler or the FA unit. It's also cheap, it works well, and I've got less than $60 into my wet tumbling set up.
DSB OUTDOORS
05-04-2014, 21:12
Yes, it's a small unit. It works well, and It does the job for my wet tumbling needs.
Like they say, Size doesn't matter. Much. It's all about performance and how you use it. [Beer]
TheBelly
05-04-2014, 21:34
Like they say, Size doesn't matter.Much. It's all about performance and how you use it. [Beer]
Motion of the ocean, baby!
Like they say, Size doesn't matter. Much. It's all about performance and how you use it.
The girl that told you that was trying to not hurt your feelings.
TheBelly
05-05-2014, 08:34
The girl that told you that was trying to not hurt your feelings.
what if it was a boy who told him?
DSB OUTDOORS
05-05-2014, 20:26
The girl that told you that was trying to not hurt your feelings.
She broke my heart, my spirit, and my bank account. Now that she's gone, I can afford all my toy's. [Coffee]
DSB OUTDOORS
05-05-2014, 20:30
what if it was a boy who told him?
Na, I don't date chicks with Adam's apples. Or dudes for that matter. [hahhah-no] [ROFL2]
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