Let’s Dive into Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit
For years, I’ve been meticulously cleaning my brass, a crucial step in reloading for accuracy and consistency. The Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit promised a complete solution, combining rotary tumbling with efficient drying, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. It’s a comprehensive system designed to take you from dirty, fired brass to gleaming, reload-ready cases.
My old vibratory tumbler was loud, dusty, and frankly, not doing a stellar job. I needed a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient method for brass prep. The all-in-one nature of the kit, including the tumbler, separator, and dryer, seemed like the perfect answer.
Unboxing the kit, I was immediately impressed by the organized layout and the seemingly robust construction of each component. The tumbler felt solid, the separator basket had a good heft, and the dryer was surprisingly compact. Compared to standalone units, this kit offered a space-saving, coordinated approach, which appealed to my need for organization.
Initially, I was excited by the promise of sparkling clean brass with minimal effort. A few online videos showcased impressive results, fueling my anticipation. The price point was slightly higher than buying individual components, but the convenience and coordinated design seemed worth the investment. I hoped it would be a game-changer in my reloading process.
Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved a batch of mixed .223 and 9mm brass, collected from a recent range session. I set up the tumbler in my garage and followed the instructions, using the included stainless steel media and cleaning solution. The rotary action was noticeably quieter than my vibratory tumbler, a welcome change.
After the recommended tumbling time, I used the wet/dry media separator. While initially a bit awkward to maneuver, I quickly found the correct orientation to effectively separate the brass from the media. The brass dryer efficiently removed the remaining moisture, leaving the cases clean and dry within a few hours.
There were no major issues, but I did notice some minor media pin lodging in the primer pockets of a few cases. A quick manual removal solved the problem. Overall, the first use was a positive experience, yielding significantly cleaner brass than my old method.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit has proven to be a reliable and efficient brass cleaning system. The tumbler continues to perform flawlessly, consistently delivering clean and shiny brass. I’ve noticed minimal wear and tear on the unit itself, even after processing hundreds of cases.
Maintenance is straightforward: simply rinse the tumbler drum and separator basket after each use. The dryer requires minimal upkeep. Compared to my previous setup, this kit requires less hands-on time and delivers superior results.
It has definitely outperformed my expectations. The brass is cleaner, the process is quieter, and the overall workflow is more streamlined. The Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit has become an indispensable part of my reloading process.
Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit
Specifications
The Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit includes:
- Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite: This tumbler features a durable drum and a quiet motor for efficient brass cleaning.
- Wet/Dry Media Separator: This allows for easy separation of brass from the stainless steel media.
- Brass Dryer: The dryer utilizes forced air to quickly and effectively dry cleaned brass.
- 2lbs of Stainless Steel Media: This media effectively cleans brass both inside and out.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of the brass cleaning process. The rotary tumbler ensures thorough cleaning, while the separator streamlines media removal. The dryer eliminates the need for air-drying, saving time and preventing water spots.
Performance & Functionality
The Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit excels at cleaning brass. The rotary action, combined with the stainless steel media, effectively removes carbon buildup, oxidation, and other contaminants. Brass comes out looking almost brand new.
The strengths of this kit lie in its all-in-one design and ease of use. The tumbler, separator, and dryer work seamlessly together to streamline the brass cleaning process. One area for potential improvement would be the separator basket design; it could be optimized for even smoother media separation.
It meets and even exceeds my expectations. The resulting cleanliness of the brass contributes to improved reloading consistency and, ultimately, better accuracy at the range. It delivers on its promise of providing a complete brass cleaning solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit is designed with functionality and ease of use in mind. The materials used feel durable and the components are well-constructed. The tumbler is relatively lightweight, making it easy to move and store.
The kit is largely user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. Setting up and operating the tumbler and dryer is intuitive. The separator requires a bit of practice to master, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes a valuable time-saver.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit is built to last. The tumbler drum is made of a robust material that can withstand repeated use. The motor appears to be reliable.
Maintenance is minimal, primarily consisting of rinsing the tumbler drum and separator basket. The dryer requires even less upkeep. With proper care, this kit should provide years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit includes everything needed to get started: the tumbler, separator, dryer, and stainless steel media. While there are no specific customization options, the tumbler is compatible with various brass cleaning solutions. Using a dedicated brass cleaning solution will enhance the cleaning performance.
Frankford Arsenal also sells a strainer specifically designed for pre-rinsing brass after tumbling, which can further streamline the cleaning process. This strainer helps remove the bulk of the dirty water and cleaning solution before transferring the brass to the separator. Additionally, a magnetic pickup tool can be useful for retrieving any stray stainless steel media pins.
Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit
Pros
- All-in-one kit: Includes everything needed for complete brass cleaning.
- Superior cleaning: Rotary action and stainless steel media deliver sparkling clean brass.
- Efficient drying: Brass dryer quickly removes moisture, preventing water spots.
- Quieter operation: Significantly quieter than vibratory tumblers.
- Improved reloading consistency: Cleaner brass leads to more consistent reloading and better accuracy.
Cons
- Minor media pin lodging: Some media pins may occasionally lodge in primer pockets.
- Separator basket learning curve: Requires practice to master optimal media separation.
Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit?
The Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit is perfect for reloaders seeking a complete, efficient, and effective brass cleaning solution. It is ideal for shooters who value clean brass for improved reloading consistency and accuracy. This kit is particularly well-suited for those who process moderate to large quantities of brass regularly.
Those who only reload occasionally or process very small batches of brass might find the kit to be overkill. Individuals who are comfortable with simpler cleaning methods and are not concerned with achieving a “like-new” level of cleanliness may not need this kit. A must-have accessory is the Frankford Arsenal media strainer for pre-rinsing, and a magnetic pickup tool is also highly recommended.
Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit
The Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit is a worthwhile investment for reloaders seeking a comprehensive and efficient brass cleaning system. The price is justified by the all-in-one nature of the kit, the superior cleaning performance, and the ease of use. It provides a significant upgrade over traditional vibratory tumblers.
I would personally recommend this kit to any serious reloader. It delivers on its promises and streamlines the brass cleaning process. If you’re tired of dusty, noisy, and ineffective brass cleaning methods, the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite Professional Kit is the answer. Upgrade your reloading process today and experience the difference clean brass can make!