Vibratory tumbler question

[handyman]

Not quite a welding project but not sure where to post it. I need to remove paint from quite a few small to mid size aluminium parts. I have tried beadblasting but that takes time. I have thought about this

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...emType=PRODUCT

As you can see, the cost is up there. Anyone have any experience with something like this? Homemade units? I have been told that a tumbler will beat the parts up too bad. Help or input appreciated. Thanks.

[MAC702]

I have a large Dillon model. Never tried a media designed for removing paint.

Works great at polishing brass, though.

[JHCHOPPERS]

Works great at polishing brass, though.

MAC, can you polish T6061 in your tumbler? Do you have any before and after pictures of some parts you have polished?

I have been thinking about one of these for some time now, but have no experience with them.

Thanks,
Joel

[MAC702]

MAC, can you polish T6061 in your tumbler? ...

I've never polished anything in it except for ammunition brass before reloading.

[tnjind]

Could you put the parts in a chemical stripper?

[handyman]

The parts will be painted after being cleaned so a polished finish is not needed or desirable. I have thought about trying a cement mixer as mentioned but most I have seen have paddles which I think may beat the stuff up. Can anyone recommed a chemical stripper. The parts are from snowplow pumps. Can I dip in a bucket in a bucket and hose off? My past experience with stripper hasn't been enjoyable. I have limited space so the beadblaster/large air compressor is out. I had hoped to be able to disassemble the pumps and toss them in something like the vibratory cleaner and forget about them for a while.

[HAWK]

I've never polished anything in it except for ammunition brass before reloading.

MAC702,

I have a smaller unit (about 12" in OD) from Dillion. It works great on brass and nickel cartridges (rifle and pistol) prior to reloading. I have also used it with a few other things like the antique brass rollers on chair legs. It eventually removed the lacquer coating, but something other than corn cob media (maybe nut hulls) would work better on the tougher stuff.


Dillion is way cheaper than the link originally posted!!!

[etonline]

Handyman you might try Tail Strip also called Aviation Stripper. It's available at most better auto parts stores, reasonable priced and is easy on metal including aluminum. Just hose off when done.

[MAC702]

...something other than corn cob media (maybe nut hulls) would work better on the tougher stuff.


Dillion is way cheaper than the link originally posted!!!

Agreed. And you can't ask for a better company to deal with than Dillon. Would you believe I used to have the very first issue of their Blue Press? Back when they were newspaper size! I can't believe I don't know what happened to them. A collector's dream these days, probably.

[Burnt hands]

Hi handyman,

I have one very similar in size to your link. I got it to clean rifle cases for reloading and it worked great for this. For the brass cases, I used ground corncobs and a bit of jewelers rouge. I have also use it to clean rust off 3/4" diameter ball bearings. Used plain dry sand for the ball bearings (heat it in a metal drum to dry it) as damp sand clumps up. I would suggest using the cones or pyramids as this will speed up the cleaning process. It will be a slow process so be prepared to wait for at least 4 hours or more before checking. Also don't overload the mix with your parts as they will not allow the vibrator to develop the proper "motion". It should look like a milkshake in a blender when it is working correctly.

good luck