Let’s Dive into Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator
The tedious task of separating spent brass from cleaning media is a universal annoyance for reloaders. Frankford Arsenal, a name synonymous with reloading tools, offers a solution with their Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator. This device promises to streamline the process, whether you’re using wet or dry tumbling methods, saving time and frustration.
After years of wrestling with homemade contraptions and inefficient strainers, I was looking for a dedicated tool to make my reloading process more efficient. I needed a reliable and durable separator that could handle both wet and dry media without making a mess. The Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator seemed to offer exactly that.
My initial unboxing experience revealed a gray plastic unit that felt surprisingly lightweight. The build quality seemed decent for the price point, but I did have some concerns about the durability of the handles and the latching mechanism. It seemed more rugged than it looks but only time would tell.
Compared to some of the pricier, all-metal separators on the market, the Frankford Arsenal model appeared to be a more budget-friendly option. I also considered building my own separator, but the integrated wet media draining features of this unit swayed me. I ultimately chose it for its versatility and perceived value for the money.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The design seemed clever, but I wondered if the plastic construction would hold up to repeated use with heavy loads of brass and media. The proof, as always, would be in the pudding.
Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator after cleaning a batch of .223 Remington brass using a wet tumbling process with stainless steel pins. I set it up in my reloading room, and the first step was to separate the pins from the casings. It was an easy process using the two installed strainers.
The separator performed reasonably well under wet conditions, although I had to be careful not to overload it, as others had cautioned. I found myself gently rotating the basket and that I couldn’t turn too quickly at the beginning so I wouldn’t throw the pins out. While effective, the process felt a bit slow and required more manual effort than I initially anticipated.
The unit was easy to use, with no complex setup required. However, I quickly learned that the key to success was moderation. Overfilling the basket led to spills and inefficient separation.
The most immediate issue was that the latch felt a little flimsy. It popped open a couple of times when I got overzealous with my shaking.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator has proven to be a valuable, though not perfect, addition to my reloading setup. The unit continues to perform adequately for both wet and dry media separation, but the initial concerns about durability remain.
I’ve noticed some minor wear and tear on the plastic components, particularly around the handle pivots. The plastic piece that fell out was definitely a sign of getting what I paid for. While the unit is still functional, I’m not confident that it will withstand heavy use for years to come.
Cleaning the separator is relatively straightforward. A quick rinse with water is usually sufficient to remove any residual media or debris. However, the mesh strainers can be a bit challenging to clean thoroughly.
In comparison to my previous method of hand-sorting brass, the Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator is a significant improvement in terms of time and effort. However, it falls short of the performance offered by more robust and expensive separators.
Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator
Specifications
The Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator is designed to simplify the process of separating cleaned brass casings from both wet and dry tumbling media. Its key features include:
- Perforated Sifter: Allows media to fall through while retaining cleaned brass. This is the primary function, and it works reasonably well, though the size of the perforations could be optimized for finer media.
- Two Installed Strainers: Separate wet media from water. This feature is especially useful for those who wet tumble their brass, like myself.
- Two Sifting Handles: Enable ambidextrous use when separating brass from media. This is a nice touch, accommodating both right- and left-handed users.
- Rugged Rubber Latch: Keeps sifter closed even with heavy loads of brass and media. Though “rugged” might be an overstatement.
- Spill-Proof Tub: Fully captures water, dry media, and stainless steel pins. This is essential for keeping your reloading area clean.
- Mesh Strainer on Tub Top: Rinses brass during wet separating to remove leftover cleaning solution. This adds another layer of convenience for wet tumbling.
- Mesh Strainers at Bottom of Tub: Drains water without losing stainless steel pins. This is a critical feature for those using stainless steel media, preventing loss and potential damage to equipment.
These specifications translate to a moderately effective media separator suitable for reloaders on a budget. It saves time and reduces mess compared to manual sorting but has limitations in terms of capacity and durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator performs its core function of separating brass from media adequately. With dry media, it’s relatively quick and efficient, but you have to load the basket just right. Wet media separation is slower, requiring careful rotation to prevent spills and ensure thorough draining.
The main strengths are its affordability, versatility (wet/dry compatibility), and integrated draining features. The weaknesses include its plastic construction, somewhat flimsy latch, and tendency to spill if overloaded.
It meets expectations for a budget-friendly separator, but it doesn’t exceed them. More expensive, sturdier models offer superior performance and durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The unit is constructed primarily of lightweight plastic. While this keeps the price down, it does impact the overall feel of quality and durability. The handles are adequately sized and positioned for comfortable use, and the unit is relatively easy to carry, even when loaded.
The Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator is largely user-friendly, with a minimal learning curve. The only real trick is learning how much brass and media to load for optimal performance without spills.
Durability & Maintenance
As previously mentioned, the plastic construction raises concerns about long-term durability. The latch, handles, and pivot points are the most likely areas to fail under heavy use.
Maintenance is simple. A quick rinse with water is usually sufficient. The mesh strainers may require occasional scrubbing to remove stubborn residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator doesn’t offer many customization options. No other accessories are included in the box.
While no specific accessories are designed for use with this separator, a media transfer magnet can be helpful for retrieving stainless steel pins that may escape the strainer.
Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to reloaders on a budget.
- Versatile design suitable for both wet and dry media separation.
- Integrated strainers simplify wet media draining and rinsing.
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Reduces the time and effort required for media separation compared to manual methods.
Cons
- Plastic construction raises concerns about long-term durability.
- The latching mechanism feels somewhat flimsy.
- The unit can spill if overloaded.
Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator?
The Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator is perfect for:
- Reloaders on a budget who want to improve their efficiency without breaking the bank.
- Hobbyists who reload occasionally and don’t require a heavy-duty separator.
- Those who use both wet and dry tumbling methods and want a single tool for both.
Who should skip this product?
- High-volume reloaders who need a robust and durable separator.
- Those who prioritize premium build quality and long-term reliability.
- Reloaders who are willing to invest in a more expensive, all-metal separator.
A must-have accessory is a media transfer magnet. It can be used to catch any escaped pins.
Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator
The Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator is a serviceable tool that offers a decent balance of functionality and affordability. It streamlines the tedious task of separating brass from media.
While the plastic construction and somewhat flimsy latch are cause for concern, the unit performs its core function adequately and offers convenient wet media draining features. The $54.89 price is fair for what you get, making it a viable option for budget-conscious reloaders.
I would recommend it to those who are new to reloading or who reload infrequently. The Frankford Arsenal Wet/Dry Media Separator is a good starter separator. If you’re looking to upgrade from hand-sorting, this separator is an easy improvement.