Timer for case tumbler?

[BTSTEVE]

I like others use a case tumbler to clean brass. I was wondering if others use some kind of timer to run the tumbler so you do not have to manually turn it off. I often set mine with a christmas light timer that will run for 4 hours and then shut off. That way I do not have to remember to turn it off.

My problem is that my current timer is acting funny and not working good. Does anyone else use a timer and what kind. I would like to find an electronic timer that I could program to 2,4,6,8 hours or something similar.

 

[dieselrealtor]

I used a plug in timer, it wasn't digital. They are available at Walmart, Menards, etc. About $12 if I remember correctly

 

[Broom_jm]

Have never used a timer, but it sounds like a good idea to me. Let us know what you find.

 

[ZbornacSVT]

I used to have a digital timer I used to control the heat lamps for some lizards I had. Been meaning to dig it out for this very purpose for a while now.

Also need one for my block heater on the truck.....at least until this weather goes away.

 

[DustyDawg48]

The timer for that isn't a bad idea at all! I normally will drop my brass in there and then go do something like watch a movie with the family or something for about 2 hours or so and after just wander back in there and shut it off. I normally don't tumble until I'm able to be home and have several hours in a row to dedicate to monitoring all that so I'll usually clean a gun or two, tumble the brass and then play a game with the kids and then go finish up a couple of hours later.

 

[N8RV]

I have a timer that I've used for the tumbler and it works great. I set it for a couple of hours -- thinking of doubling that time for cleaner brass -- and the only downside is that it will tumble and shut off just fine, but if I forget that I have brass being tumbled and don't go into the shop for a day or two ... well, let's just say that I end up with REALLY clean brass!

 

[BTSTEVE]

I think this one is the one I am going to get to replace the one I have been using.

Prime Wire 2-Outlet LED Countdown Pigtail - Tools - Electricians Tools - Timers

It is similar to the mechanical one I have been using, but it is digital and I can just hit the button for 2 hours or 4 hours and forget about it. I just cover the photocell with electrical tape and select the time, that way it goes off in 2 or 4 hours. The mechanical kind I have been using worked for a time, but the timer dial is now off and I don't know how much time I am turning it to. This electronic one should alleviate that.

Do you all know of something that would work better than this for this purpose?

 

[Leo]

The time is not critical, it is not like the polisher uses huge amounts of current. 3 hours---4 hours, it is not critical. I turn it on and go to bed. It is ready in the morning. I just use an old style mechanical switch wheel type lamp timer. I think I bought them at Ace Hardware, probably 20 years ago. They still do the job.

 

[gregkl]

I do the same as Leo. I will also tumble a load during the day when I am doings things around the house.

 

[Leo]

.

 

[woodsie57]

The timers sold for outdoor Christmas light work well,don't cost much

 

[OccasionalSh00ter]

Been using an old mechanical timer for many years. The numbers are long gone so I don't really know how long mine will run. I hate listening to them anyway so when I am done at the reloading bench, I load them up, twist the dial, shut the light off and close the door. Brass is ready to use the next time I walk in the door.

 

[8th SPS USAF]

I bought an extension cord with half time and half non timer plugs. It has a timer on the top. About $10 I think at local lumber/hardware ,I think.