If you’re someone who enjoys DIY projects or works in a field that involves polishing, cleaning, or deburring metal parts, a vibratory tumbler is a must-have tool in your arsenal. Vibratory tumblers are powerful machines that use vibration and abrasive media to quickly and efficiently polish and clean metal parts. They are commonly used in the automotive, jewelry, and metalworking industries, as well as for rock tumbling and other lapidary applications.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the best vibratory tumblers on the market today. We’ll discuss their features, benefits, pros and cons, and what to consider before making a purchase. Whether you’re a professional metalworker or just someone who enjoys DIY projects, a vibratory tumbler can save you time and effort while producing impressive results. So, let’s get started!
What To See Before Buy
When considering purchasing a tumbler for cleaning and polishing brass or other metal parts, there are several factors to consider. Here are some things to look for before making your purchase:
Capacity: Consider the amount of brass or metal parts you will be cleaning and polishing at one time and ensure the tumbler you are considering has a suitable capacity. A larger capacity may be beneficial for larger projects, but it may also be more expensive.
Motor power: A powerful motor is important for efficient and effective cleaning and polishing. Look for a tumbler with a motor that is powerful enough to handle the amount of brass or metal parts you will be cleaning and polishing.
Construction: A tumbler made from heavy-duty materials, such as durable plastic or metal, will ensure the machine’s long-lasting durability and reliable performance. It is also important to consider the quality of the motor and other components.
Noise level: Vibratory tumblers can be noisy during operation, so if you plan to use the machine in a quiet environment, consider purchasing a tumbler with a quieter motor.
Ease of use: Look for a tumbler that is easy to use, with clear instructions and controls. A tumbler with a sifter lid or other features that simplify the brass cleaning process may be beneficial.
Cost: Tumblers can range in price, so consider your budget when choosing a machine. Higher-end options may be more expensive but offer more features and better quality.
Brand reputation: Research the brand and read reviews from other customers to ensure you are purchasing a reliable and high-quality tumbler.
By considering these factors before making your purchase, you can ensure that you choose the right tumbler for your needs and budget.
7 Best Vibratory Tumbler Reviews
Frankford Arsenal 110V Vibratory Tumbler with Media Separator
If you’re looking for a fast and efficient way to clean and polish your brass cases for reloading, the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ 110V Vibratory Case Tumbler is a great choice. This tumbler is designed to quickly and easily clean your brass cases, removing dirt, grime, and other debris, and leave them looking like new.
Features and Benefits:
Powerful motor: The Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ 110V Vibratory Case Tumbler has a powerful motor that can easily handle cleaning up to 600 cases at once, ensuring fast and efficient cleaning.
Large capacity: With a bowl capacity of 4.4 liters, this tumbler can accommodate up to 1,000 9mm cases or 250 .223 cases at a time, making it perfect for reloading enthusiasts who need to clean large quantities of brass.
Easy to use: The tumbler is simple to use and requires minimal maintenance. Simply add your cases, media, and cleaning solution to the bowl, turn it on, and let it run until your cases are clean and polished.
Durable construction: The Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ 110V Vibratory Case Tumbler is built to last, with a rugged plastic bowl and sturdy base that can withstand frequent use.
Includes media separator: This tumbler comes with a Quick-N-EZ Standard Media Separator, which makes separating your media and cases a breeze.
Pros:
- Fast and efficient for cleaning large quantities of brass cases.
- Easy to use with minimal maintenance.
- Durable construction for long-term use.
- Includes a media separator for convenience.
Cons:
- Noisy operation may not suit quiet environments.
- Cleaning process can be messy, requiring precautions.
Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler (115-Volt)
If you’re in need of a high-quality tumbler to quickly and efficiently clean and polish your brass or other metal items, Look no further than the Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler (115-Volt). This tumbler is designed to quickly and efficiently clean and polish your items to a shine.
Features and Benefits:
Large capacity: The Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler can hold up to 2 pounds of brass or other metal items, allowing you to clean a large quantity of items at once.
Powerful motor: The 115-volt motor is designed to run quietly and efficiently, while also providing powerful cleaning action.
Efficient cleaning: The unique design of the tumbler, along with the addition of cleaning media and water, helps to quickly remove dirt, grime, and tarnish from your metal items.
Durable construction: The Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler is made of high-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting use and reliability.
Versatile: This tumbler can be used to clean and polish a variety of metal items, including brass, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Pros:
- Large 2-pound capacity for cleaning multiple items.
- Easy to use with straightforward operation.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting use.
Cons:
- No liquid drain hose, potentially messy cleaning.
- Loud operation, unsuitable for quiet environments.
- Considered an investment, not budget-friendly.
Lyman Pro Magnum Tumbler (115-Volt)
The Lyman Pro Magnum Tumbler is a high-quality machine designed for cleaning and polishing brass and other metal parts. It is a reliable and efficient tool that can help you achieve a smooth and shiny finish on your workpieces.
Features and Benefits:
Large capacity: The Pro Magnum Tumbler has a 2-gallon capacity, allowing you to clean and polish a large batch of brass or metal parts at once.
Powerful motor: The tumbler’s powerful 115V motor can handle tough cleaning jobs and quickly polish your items to a high shine.
Heavy-duty construction: The tumbler is made from heavy-duty materials, including a tough ABS plastic outer shell and a durable motor.
Easy to use: The tumbler is simple to operate and comes with clear instructions, making it easy for beginners to get started.
Sifter lid: The tumbler comes with a sifter lid that allows you to easily separate your brass from the cleaning media.
Versatile: The Pro Magnum Tumbler can be used for cleaning and polishing brass, as well as other metal parts such as bullets and gun parts.
Pros:
- Large 2-gallon capacity for efficient cleaning.
- Powerful 115V motor handles tough tasks.
- Heavy-duty construction ensures durability.
- User-friendly with clear instructions.
- Convenient sifter lid for easy separation.
- Versatile, suitable for various metal parts.
Cons:
- Loud operation may not suit quiet environments.
- Heavy weight makes it challenging to move or store.
- higher cost compared to other tumblers.
Raytech TV-5 Standard Vibratory Tumbler - 0.05 Cubic Feet, 115V
The Raytech 23-001 TV-5 Standard Vibratory Tumbler is an excellent choice for those in need of a reliable and efficient tool to clean and polish small metal items. This tumbler is designed to quickly and gently clean and polish jewelry, rocks, and small metal parts, making it a great tool for jewelry makers, rock enthusiasts, and mechanics.
Features and Benefits:
Compact size: The Raytech 23-001 TV-5 Standard Vibratory Tumbler has a small bowl capacity of 0.05 cubic feet, making it easy to store on your workbench or in your garage without taking up too much space.
Efficient cleaning: The unique vibratory motion of the tumbler helps to quickly and gently remove dirt, grime, and tarnish from your small metal items, saving you time and effort compared to hand-cleaning.
Quiet operation: The tumbler operates quietly, making it suitable for use in your home or other quiet environments.
Durable construction: Made of high-quality materials, the Raytech 23-001 TV-5 Standard Vibratory Tumbler is built to last, ensuring that you can rely on it for years to come.
Versatile: The tumbler can be used to clean and polish a variety of small metal items, including jewelry, rocks, and small parts, making it a versatile tool to have on hand.
Pros:
- Efficient cleaning, saving time and effort.
- Compact size for easy storage and versatile use.
- Quiet operation suitable for home and quiet environments.
- Durable build ensures long-lasting performance.
Cons:
- Small bowl capacity for larger items.
- Limited to small metal items, reducing versatility.
- Lack of a liquid drain hose can be messy.
18 Lbs. Vibratory Tumbler Bowl with Liquid Drain Hose
Are you tired of hand-polishing your metal or stone jewelry pieces, firearms, or reloading brass? Look no further than the 18 Lbs. Vibratory Tumbler Bowl with Liquid Drain Hose. This tumbler bowl is designed to quickly and efficiently polish and clean your items with minimal effort on your part.
Features and Benefits:
18 lbs. capacity: This tumbler bowl can handle up to 18 lbs. of your metal or stone items at once, saving you time and effort compared to hand-polishing.
Vibratory action: The vibrating motion of the tumbler bowl helps to agitate the polishing media and your items, resulting in a faster and more effective polishing process.
Liquid drain hose: The built-in liquid drain hose allows you to easily remove any used polishing media and rinse your items after polishing.
Quiet operation: The motor is designed to run quietly, making it suitable for use in your home workshop.
Durable construction: The tumbler bowl is made of high-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting use and reliability.
Pros:
- Large capacity for efficient polishing.
- Quick and easy operation.
- Versatile, suitable for various items.
- Speeds up the polishing process.
Cons:
- Heavy and challenging to move.
- Potential for messiness with the drain hose.
- Considered an investment due to the cost.
Leegol Electric 18 Lbs Vibratory Tumbler Bowl for Polishing Metal
The Leegol Electric 18 Lbs Vibratory Tumbler Bowl is a powerful machine designed to polish metal items. Whether you’re a professional metalworker or a hobbyist, this tumbler can help you achieve a high-quality finish on your workpieces.
Features and Benefits:
Large capacity: With a bowl capacity of 18 lbs, this tumbler can handle large batches of metal parts, making it a great choice for industrial use or large projects.
Powerful motor: The tumbler has a powerful 120V motor that can handle tough cleaning jobs and quickly polish your items to a high shine.
Adjustable speed: The speed of the tumbler is adjustable, allowing you to customize the level of agitation and vibration to match the specific needs of your workpiece.
Durable construction: The tumbler is made from high-quality materials, including a heavy-duty steel frame and a rubber-lined bowl, ensuring long-lasting durability and reliable performance.
Easy to use: The tumbler is simple to operate and comes with clear instructions, making it easy for beginners to get started.
Pros:
- Ideal for industrial and large projects.
- Handles tough cleaning and polishing efficiently.
- Customizable agitation for specific needs.
- Ensures long-lasting performance.
- Simple operation with clear instructions.
Cons:
- Loud operation, may not be ideal for quiet environments.
FAQ
Q: What is a vibratory tumbler?
A: A vibratory tumbler is a machine used for cleaning and polishing metal parts. It uses vibration and friction to remove dirt, debris, and oxidation from metal parts, leaving them shiny and smooth.
Q: What types of metal parts can be cleaned and polished with a vibratory tumbler?
A: Vibratory tumblers can be used to clean and polish a wide range of metal parts, including brass casings, jewelry, coins, and small metal components.
Q: How does a vibratory tumbler work?
A: A vibratory tumbler consists of a bowl or tub that vibrates at a high frequency, causing the metal parts inside to move and rub against each other. This movement, along with the addition of polishing media, removes dirt, debris, and oxidation from the metal parts.
Q: What types of media can be used in a vibratory tumbler?
A: There are several types of media that can be used in a vibratory tumbler, including walnut shell media, corn cob media, ceramic media, and stainless-steel media. The type of media used will depend on the type of metal parts being cleaned and polished.
Q: How long does it take to clean and polish metal parts in a vibratory tumbler?
A: The time it takes to clean and polish metal parts in a vibratory tumbler will depend on the size and quantity of the parts, as well as the type of media used. In general, it can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to achieve the desired level of cleaning and polishing.
Q: Can a vibratory tumbler be used for other types of cleaning or polishing?
A: While vibratory tumblers are primarily used for cleaning and polishing metal parts, they can also be used for other types of cleaning or polishing, such as removing rust or paint from metal surfaces.
Q: How do I maintain my vibratory tumbler?
A: To maintain your vibratory tumbler, you should clean it regularly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. You should also inspect the motor and other components regularly for signs of wear or damage, and replace any worn or damaged parts as needed.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient way to clean and polish your metal parts, a vibratory tumbler is a great investment. When choosing a vibratory tumbler, consider factors such as the size of the bowl, the type of media used, and the motor power.
Based on our research, we recommend the Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler and the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ 110V Vibratory Case Tumbler as two top options. The Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler offers a large bowl capacity and powerful motor, making it a great choice for those with larger volumes of metal parts to clean and polish.
The Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ 110V Vibratory Case Tumbler comes with a convenient media separator and is ideal for those looking for a more affordable option with a smaller bowl capacity.
Ultimately, the best vibratory tumbler for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. We recommend carefully considering your options and investing in a high-quality machine that will provide you with years of reliable use.
