Tumbler Cleaning Distributor Cores?

[leo]

I've seen large metal tumblers with a 5 pound capacity. I was wondering if anyone out there has ever used one to clean old distributor cores?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Are you speaking about the vibrating machine, or is there another type that actually tumbles the parts? I wouldn't risk breaking the delicate ears of the distributor. I just remove the old bushings and oil cup, then sandblast them. If they have any oil or dried oil and dirt, then I clean them in gas first. I use round wire brushed to clean the two holes after blasting.

BTW, I did try a rock tumbler for cleaning nuts and bolts, but it takes a long time and didn't work very well, so I still use my blast cabinet.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Tom is correct, roll tumbling or a vibratory tumbler is really slow, --and noisy!! I have one that we use to restore fasteners with that is effective but again, it is slow. If you are looking at the ones that Harbor Freight sells, they are pretty weak. There is a company called RayTec that makes some nice units however they come with a 'not-so-nice' price tag.

Will Cronkrite (RockHillWill) has a large tub-style vibratory cleaner that uses a ceramic rock. He has more than made it pay for itself over the years as he was restoring parts but it is a large commercial unit that was likely used originally as a deburring tool. If my memory is correct, it is about 4' long and about 2' wide & deep.

[bart78]

I tumble a ton of brass for reloading. If you have time it will work real good. I buy crushes wallnut shell bedding at the pet store. It's much cheaper there. And add a cap of new finish car polish.

[Keith True]

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I have a rotory tumbler that uses the ceramic media.They are in shapes that look like kids macaroni.They abrade and break up until they are almost sand again.It works pretty good,I don't worry about breaking parts off in it.As it goes around the parts are always crashing into loose media,or on other parts,with no real force.I've been trying to sell mine for $100.on Craigslist,and getting offers of $25.The drum inside looks like a 5 gallon bucket,so that will give you an idea how big it is.