Help with cleaning brass

[Dalendenver]

When my house flooded last September I had at least a couple of thousand brass that ended up muddy. Is there a good way to clean them? I only have a vibratory tumbler, it seems to me that it would take a long time to get them clean. I think a wet tumbler would do a better job but I can't afford one right now with the condition of my house still. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[ray1970]

Someone on here has a pretty nice wet tumbler setup. Rondog maybe?

Perhaps he would be willing to help you out.

[2XS]

How about a bucket and strainer and hose get most of the mud of by soaking then tumble dry ?

[Rooskibar03]

One of these. I love mine.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm251/cmuthard03/E22DA0A6-DA6C-40BA-9BB1-9FE8901FDE5E_zpsonw5u36v.jpg

[SideShow Bob]

One of these. I love mine.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm251/cmuthard03/E22DA0A6-DA6C-40BA-9BB1-9FE8901FDE5E_zpsonw5u36v.jpg

Natchez has those on sale for $100 less than their regular price..........

[cstone]

Dump them in the vibe tumbler for a few hours. Yes it will take a while to get through several thousand, but the nice thing about dry tumbling is the only time you spend with the brass is loading and unloading.

Don't mix calibers. The brass won't be as sparkley and pretty as wet tumbled, but it will be plenty clean for reloading.

[Dalendenver]

$400? If I could afford that I could buy a Thumlers Tumbler for $200.

[Great-Kazoo]

Dump them in the vibe tumbler for a few hours. Yes it will take a while to get through several thousand, but the nice thing about dry tumbling is the only time you spend with the brass is loading and unloading.

Don't mix calibers. The brass won't be as sparkley and pretty as wet tumbled, but it will be plenty clean for reloading.

This. I have a few K of dirt caked brass. tossed 500 per load in to corn cob media with mineral spirits. Run each load 1.5-2 hrs. Reuse the media on each batch. You'll end up with media that's black and almost fine power consistency. BUT you'll have clean brass. I did 2 cleanings. 1st was the above mentioned, 2nd was using NuFinish car polish. Afterwards, you'll never know how bad they were.

[Dalendenver]

This. I have a few K of dirt caked brass. tossed 500 per load in to corn cob media with mineral spirits. Run each load 1.5-2 hrs. Reuse the media on each batch. You'll end up with media that's black and almost fine power consistency. BUT you'll have clean brass. I did 2 cleanings. 1st was the above mentioned, 2nd was using NuFinish car polish. Afterwards, you'll never know how bad they were.

Thank you for that suggestion. I will run some tomorrow and see how they come out.

[rondog]

I'd run 'em through the cement mixer for ya, but I'm working nights now so it might be awhile. I usually don't see much daylight during the week, only on weekends. So, if you're not in a hurry.....

[Great-Kazoo]

Thank you for that suggestion. I will run some tomorrow and see how they come out.

The longer the run time, the better. I suggested mineral spirits for the 1st run, due to medias break down and minimizing air borne particulates. I always weay gloves, have an exhaust fan over the tumbler and media separator, and wear a N95. That crap gets all over the place. Keeping it out of your lungs, off your clothes and work area doesn't hurt.

[Dalendenver]

I'd run 'em through the cement mixer for ya, but I'm working nights now so it might be awhile. I usually don't see much daylight during the week, only on weekends. So, if you're not in a hurry.....

Thanks for the generous offer. No hurry as we are trying to clean up our Windsor Gardens condo to get it on the market in the next few days. I will need to get all of my brass found as it just got shoved in boxes as we were moving out. I will PM you when we get to a point where I have time and see what your time is like.

[rondog]

Thanks for the generous offer. No hurry as we are trying to clean up our Windsor Gardens condo to get it on the market in the next few days. I will need to get all of my brass found as it just got shoved in boxes as we were moving out. I will PM you when we get to a point where I have time and see what your time is like.

OK, just lemme know.