Running a Rubberset 400-3 through a reloading tumbler

[BladeShark]

Hello All,

I'm getting ready to start a Rubberset 400 restoration. I did a search for "tumbler" and didn't come up with anything.

Once the old knot is out would it hurt anything to run the handle through a tumbler, say with Corn-cob media? It seems like it would be the quickest and easiest way to get a bright shine. Mix a little car polish into it and it should come out well buffed.

Also, does anyone know what year(s) these were made?

View attachment 378175View attachment 378176View attachment 378177

 

[brother cavefish]

the knot looks semi cool , are you sure you want to remove it

 

[BladeShark]

Yeah, I want a modern badger since it will be in my shaving rotation.

the knot looks semi cool , are you sure you want to remove it

 

[Big Jim]

I don't see any complications with tumbling it. One of the main purposes of tumbling in a machine shop is deburring. Tumbling is generally very gentle. Corncob is mostly used for drying. You will get more out of it conventional plastic tumbling media with the proper moisture content of course.

 

[BladeShark]

I use use corncob when reloading mostly because it's so clean. No messy dust like walnut shell. It cleans nasty looking brass to a beautiful new-like luster in a couple of hours. I hadn't heard of it used for drying, but I assume it's for a different application. I don't have any plastic media nor do I think I've ever seen it. I'll look around.

I don't see any complications with tumbling it. One of the main purposes of tumbling in a machine shop is deburring. Tumbling is generally very gentle. Corncob is mostly used for drying. You will get more out of it conventional plastic tumbling media with the proper moisture content of course.

 

[duderubble]

I want to see this.

 

[hillbilly pick]

 

[BladeShark]

I take it that this is not a popular idea.

I want to see this.

 

[Mike H]

I take it that this is not a popular idea.

It is interesting because those who own both a tumbler and an Ever Ready 400 is small number. I think it would work, but check often since aluminum is softer than brass.

 

[BladeShark]

Ok, that makes sense. I thought maybe I was coming too far out of left field. The tumblers are cheap, the one I'm using is only $38.



http://www.midwayusa.com/product/587176/frankford-arsenal-quick-n-ez-case-tumbler-110-volt

It is interesting because those who own both a tumbler and an Ever Ready 400 is small number. I think it would work, but check often since aluminum is softer than brass.

 

[duderubble]

I take it that this is not a popular idea.

You misunderstand, or rather I misspoke: I am anxious to see this.

 

[BladeShark]

That makes me feel better about it. I got the 400 on a trade from B/S/T. It should be in my hands in the next couple of days.

Question for those who have restored these: Do you drill the knot all the way out and leave no base? If so, then just bare aluminum inside and out. That should clean well.

I will put some protective covering over the center support of the tumbler since it is steel and the handle will be moving all around. The rest is all plastic and tiny pieces of corn cob (bb size). As prep for the media I will put in two teaspoons or so of "Nu Finish Car Polish" That stuff works great. once it gets soaked in.

You misunderstand, or rather I misspoke: I am anxious to see this.

 

[the_ogre25]

I would like to see how this works as I have a tumbler and a 400. Even if it doesn't work you can still sand and polish it as normal.

 

[duderubble]

Make sure you clean the wax out of the hole before attempting to epoxy in the knot.

 

[BladeShark]

Are you volunteering to try it first? Mine hasn't arrived yet so be my guest.

I would like to see how this works as I have a tumbler and a 400. Even if it doesn't work you can still sand and polish it as normal.

 

[Big Jim]

I don't see any complications with tumbling it. One of the main purposes of tumbling in a machine shop is deburring. Tumbling is generally very gentle. Corncob is mostly used for drying. You will get more out of it conventional plastic tumbling media with the proper moisture content of course.

I'm familiar with much larger tumblers as used by machine shops. I had no idea there was such a small one available. The size ranges clear up to the size of a small hot tub. Many are more like the size of a larger kitchen sink.

Here is a link about other media:

http://www.kramerindustriesonline.com/tumbling-media.htm

The only concern I would have about your handle in such a small device is that it may tend to bang or rub it against the wall. It is definitely worth trying, but keep an eye on it to make sure that hitting the wall does not create a concern.

 

[BladeShark]

The wall on my little bullet tumbler is plastic. The only hard piece in the whole setup is a metal bolt that runs down the middle. I figure if I cover that with some plastic I should be golden. There is a motor under the until that vibrates it pretty good and keeps everything in there constantly flowing when the power is on.

I'm familiar with much larger tumblers as used by machine shops. I had no idea there was such a small one available. The size ranges clear up to the size of a small hot tub. Many are more like the size of a larger kitchen sink.

Here is a link about other media:

http://www.kramerindustriesonline.com/tumbling-media.htm

The only concern I would have about your handle in such a small device is that it may tend to bang or rub it against the wall. It is definitely worth trying, but keep an eye on it to make sure that hitting the wall does not create a concern.

 

[BladeShark]

Ok, the handle is in the tumbler with the timer set to run 4 hours. I'll check on it in an hour or so and see how it looks.

This is how it looked earlier today. I was able to get the rest of the old knot out before I threw it in.

 

[Starkicker]

Is it broken?

 

[duderubble]

The brush end screws off to change brushes between customers. It was designed for barbers.