Question:
This is a gun reloading/brass cleaning question. I know of a few folks
who have been using a small ceramic media in their tumblers with great
success in cleaning catridge brass. I also know the stuff has to be
bought in large quantities and is very expensive. The other day I saw
a sale flyer from a tool supply catalog and notice how cheap glass
beads are for beadblasting. They come in sizes down to what is labeled
very fine. I have know idea what the surface texture of these beads
are or what the size is. But they only run about $35 for a 5 gallon
bucket size (even when not on sale). I am soliciting comments if
anyone has had any exposure to this stuff and knows what it feels like
or is sized like or even if they have used it as a tumbler media.
Answer:
i work with glass bead every day, and i can first tell you that $35 for
a "five gallon bucket" is to much. i know ballotini brand is sold in
buckets, and it is 3 gallons.... look in the phone book under abrasivves,
and call around asking about "blast media" or "blasting supplies". you
should be able to get a 50 lbs bag for 15-25 bucks.
when it comes to beads and blast, it will clean up cases, but a little
slower than ceramics. glass bead when new has no "tooth" and gently rubs
and burnishes in a tumbler. it should leave a slightly satin finish. the
grit sizes are measured 2 ways, a mesh size, and a #scale. fine is 70-100
mesh, or #10, x-fine is 90-120 mesh, and #13. the finer the beads, the
brighter they are, but slower. if you want to pay to play around, or if
you can get the abrasives supplier to give you 10 pound samples. i'd try
#8, #10, and #13 and see what you like.
one warning, in some tumblers, the glass dust generated as it breaks
down may try to pack up, but i don't think that will be a big issue in
99.9% of the tumblers out there. you can tell when it is worn out if a
pinch of it doesn't let your finger roll or slide, but jerk and stutter.
keep it dry too!! most of the bags and buckets come with a special treat,
an 8 unit rechargable dessicant. they suck enough moisture to make jerky
overnight!!
