Let’s Talk About Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit
The Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit offers reloaders a complete solution for cleaning brass casings. From the Frankford Arsenal brand known for reloading innovation, this kit aims to simplify and speed up the brass cleaning process, improving reloading efficiency. I’ve been reloading for over a decade, and clean brass is critical for accurate and consistent loads.
My journey to the Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit started with frustration. I was tired of spending hours manually cleaning brass, a tedious and time-consuming part of reloading. I yearned for a solution that would consistently deliver clean, shiny brass, ready for the next reloading stage.
Upon unboxing, I immediately appreciated the completeness of the kit. It included everything needed to get started: the tumbler, cleaning media, brass polish, and a media separator. The tumbler itself felt sturdy and well-built, with a clear lid to monitor the tumbling process.
I considered the Hornady Vibratory Tumbler and the Lyman Turbo Tumbler before settling on the Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit. Ultimately, the deciding factor was the kit’s completeness, promising an all-in-one solution. The positive reviews regarding the effectiveness of the media separator also swayed my decision.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The kit looked promising, and I was eager to see if it could live up to its claims of quickly and efficiently cleaning brass. I was hoping for a significant time saving and a higher level of consistency than I could achieve manually.
Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit in my reloading room, which is located in my garage. The temperature was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with moderate humidity. I started with a batch of approximately 300 .45 ACP cases, which had visible powder residue and slight tarnishing.
The initial cleaning process was straightforward. I filled the tumbler bowl with the provided corn cob media, added a capful of brass polish, and then loaded the brass cases. After turning it on, I observed through the clear lid, noting the tumbling action seemed effective and consistent.
The tumbler proved surprisingly easy to use. The instructions were clear, and the process was relatively simple. The cord-mounted power switch was a welcomed safety feature, providing convenient on/off control.
My only initial issue was the noise level. The tumbler produced a noticeable hum, which could be disruptive for extended periods. Otherwise, the first use was promising, and I was eager to see the final results.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit continues to perform admirably. The tumbler has consistently cleaned multiple batches of brass, ranging from 9mm to .223, with satisfactory results. The process delivers clean, shiny brass ready for reloading.
So far, the tumbler shows no significant signs of wear and tear. The bowl and lid remain intact, and the motor appears to be functioning smoothly. The durability seems adequate for regular reloading needs.
Maintenance has been minimal. I periodically clean the tumbler bowl with a brush to remove accumulated dust and residue. Replacing the media is simple, contributing to its ease of maintenance.
Compared to my previous manual cleaning methods, the Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit is a significant improvement. It has dramatically reduced the time and effort required to clean brass. The tumbler outperforms manual cleaning in both efficiency and consistency, yielding polished, ready-to-reload cases.
Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit
Specifications
The Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit includes the Frankford Arsenal Quick N Ez Reloading Tumbler, a bucket, brass polish, cleaning media, and a rotary media separator. It is designed for 220V European power outlets. The 220V requirement means users in countries with different voltage standards will need a step-up transformer.
The kit can hold approximately 600 9mm cases or 360 .223 Remington cases. The tumbler features a clear lid for monitoring the tumbling process. The capacity allows for cleaning a substantial amount of brass in a single batch.
The kit comes with a universal caliber designation. The blue and grey color scheme is visually appealing. The inclusion of brass polish and cleaning media provides reloaders with everything they need to start cleaning brass immediately.
The Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit is new. The rotary media separator significantly eases the brass separation process from the cleaning media.
Performance & Functionality
The Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit excels at effectively cleaning brass casings. The tumbler quickly removes oxidation, oils, lube, and fouling. The brass emerges clean, shiny, and ready for reloading.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. The kit delivers consistent results with minimal effort. The noise level during operation could be improved.
It meets my expectations for efficient and effective brass cleaning. The consistency and time savings are significant improvements over manual methods. The Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit simplifies the reloading process.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality appears solid. The materials used seem durable enough for regular use. The clear lid allows for easy monitoring.
The Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit is user-friendly. The kit requires minimal setup. The cord-mounted power switch adds to its convenience and usability.
Durability & Maintenance
The tumbler is designed for years of use with proper care. The motor and bowl appear to be built to last. The clear lid is prone to scratches, but this doesn’t affect performance.
Maintenance involves periodically cleaning the bowl and replacing the media. Repair, if needed, should be straightforward due to the simple design. The accessibility of replacement parts would further enhance its longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit comes with essential accessories: cleaning media, brass polish, and a media separator. There are no significant customization options. Additional cleaning media and brass polish can be purchased separately.
The kit does not offer extensive compatibility with accessories from other brands. Standard corn cob and walnut media from other brands are generally compatible.
Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit
Pros
- Cleans brass quickly and effectively.
- Complete kit includes everything needed to start.
- Easy to use and maintain.
- The rotary media separator saves significant time.
- Noticeable improvement in brass cleanliness.
Cons
- Can be noisy during operation.
- 220V European Version may require a voltage converter for some users.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit?
Perfect for reloaders of all experience levels seeking a convenient and efficient way to clean brass casings. This kit is beneficial for those who reload frequently and want to save time and effort. The Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit helps improve the consistency and reliability of their reloads.
Those who should skip this product include reloaders with a very small volume of brass or those who prefer manual cleaning methods. Individuals in regions with 110V power outlets should consider a different model or purchase a voltage converter. If noise is a primary concern, alternative tumblers with noise dampening features might be preferable.
A must-have accessory is extra cleaning media. The purchase of a separate noise dampening pad or enclosure can help reduce operational noise. A quality step-up transformer is crucial for users in regions with different voltage standards.
Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit
The Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit is a highly effective and convenient solution for cleaning brass casings. It offers a complete package for reloaders seeking to improve efficiency and consistency in their reloading process. The kit’s ease of use, effectiveness, and completeness make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is justified given the time savings and consistent results it delivers. The Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit provides excellent value for reloaders looking to streamline their brass cleaning process.
I would personally recommend the Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit to fellow reloaders. It is an excellent tool for achieving clean, reload-ready brass. If you’re tired of manual brass cleaning, the Frankford Arsenal Case Tumbler Kit is worth considering. Upgrade your reloading process today!