The power switch on my tumbler shorted causing a phase fault and
failure of the Tumbler. This occurred in my reloading room during an
overnight tumbling event. It was fortunate that I had the tumbler plugged
into a switched power strip with an overload breaker. Had that not been the
case then a fire would been likely, adjacent to my powder storage.



I have inspected the switch and discovered that one of the AC lead
connections failed, probably due to vibration, and caused a short circuit
which tripped the breaker on the power strip. The connection is a simple
twisted wire/post connection with a compression screw.

This leads me to ask, "Who is the maker of your tumbler?"

Inquiring minds want to know.

This has been reported on the Franklin Arsenals bought from Midway, tho' realize that there are only four manufacturers of tumblers, so you might have one just like it. Most guys report that it just stops, and you have to remove the base, attach the wire and you're good again.

Probably a good reason to turn 'em off at bedtime and keep your powder away from electricity AND fire...

Don't you blokes have earth leakage switches over there? any leak to earth and the power goes. Doesn't help if the short is only between active and netral.

Don't you blokes have earth leakage switches over there? any leak to earth and the power goes. Doesn't help if the short is only between active and netral.

Known here as a 'ground fault interrupt' or GFI.

Typically only used on outside, or outlets in kitchens / baths, and sometimes in garages.

With one GFI on a given circuit it protects the whole circuit. (you electicians can correct me if I'm wrong) as in everything on that breaker. They come with realy good destuctions so instalation is a snap. I've insalled one on every circuit in our "new" house. Our new hot tub requires a GFI for code requirements. That puppy was exspensive!!! but well worth the cost to keep from frying my rump when I get in the tub. If your cord on the tumbler was only a 2 pronger a GFI may not have tripped anyway. (You electricians can correct me on that also). Least ways at work (we're under MSHA regs) when a Dewalt 4 1/2 inch grinder fries it doesn't trip the GFI, it trips the circuit breaker. ( the grinder is only a 2 pronger.)


Hey aussie colector!!
You ever been to Hazeldean Cooma in New south Wales or know where that is? Me mates nime is Phillip Shanon. They got a bloody large cattle station there. Down there you got "Roo bars" on the pickup in stead of grill gaurds. Gidday !

The vendor, a major shooting supplies supplier in Missouri, has not answered my notification which has been send three times over five days! No acknowledgement....

I am on the verge of sending the note to the comsumer products safety commission. I didn't ask for anything from these folks other than investigation to determine if this was a systemic problem. The design suggests that it is...

I have a tumbler, Midway model 1292, that I got a recall notice on a few (?) years ago. It stated that there was a problem with the wiring (motor overheating) and to send it back for repair. I did so and they took care of it in a timely manner, at their expense, and have had no problems to date. Greg

The vendor, a major shooting supplies supplier in Missouri, has not answered my notification which has been send three times over five days! No acknowledgement....I wish there was a law that requires vendors to state whether or not after market services are provided. I hate being stuck with a new product that failed and find out I have to fix it myself. I can live with it if the failure occurs after the warranty period.

The instructions for my Franklin Arsenal tumbler state very clearly that it is only to be used on a concrete surface. I think they also said it was not to be left unattended. I deduced right away that there must be a risk of vibration causing an eventual short and fire hazard.

A GFI Breaker will trip if the the current takes a different path to ground other than going back the neutral ie: from a hair drier through a human body to a water pipe. They do not protect against overloads, but do protect against electrocution. There is a new type of breaker on the market called an arc fault that trips if an arc is detected in the circuit, this may have protect your tumbler in the case you described. The board of fire underwriters is trying to get these mandatory in new residential construction but there is resistance because of cost.

The switch for my tumbler is in the cord and therefor is isolated from vibration.

Hey aussie colector!!
You ever been to Hazeldean Cooma in New south Wales or know where that is? Me mates nime is Phillip Shanon. They got a bloody large cattle station there. Down there you got "Roo bars" on the pickup in stead of grill gaurds. Gidday ![/QUOTE]




G'day recoil
Hazeldean don't know. Cooma south of Canbarra about 33 degrees 45 minuts south (go much further suuth you get your feet wet) , Been within about a hundred miles of it sking at tumut. Don't rember running into your mate Phill. You've got to go further west to find the big stations. Whats a pickup? I've got a roo bar on the ute.

Earth leakage switches are now compulsry on all new houses and houses which are sold. They have to be on every circut including lights. Not sure about hot water etc.

Howdy, How about side stepping the problem of vibration by using one of those rolling tumblers. What do you guys think. I am new to reloading and have yet to purchase a tumbler. I have most everything else though.

Thanks for any insight.

Anything mechanical or electrical is subject to fail. A tumbler cleaner can still fail as well as a vibratory one. Personally, if I had it to do over again, would probably invest in the tumbler type. Although more expensive, would be more effective.

Welcome to the board, BTW.

Depends on your budget. I'm an accountant (cheap!) and bought the Franklin on sale from Midway and have been well pleased. This problem alluded to earlier has been resolved in mfg from what we can tell. So no worries on newer stuff.
And it works great.