I just wanted some suggestions on how everyone cleans their powder throwers. I had a guy tell me the other day that he uses alcohol to clean his and thought it was a decent idea. Any down sides to doing this?
What exactly do you need to clean.I put mine back in its box when finished.Anything that stays permanently on the bench is covered to keep dust out.Pillow slips are great for presses etc. rob
"the older I get, the better I was"
Posts: 462 | Location: Coogee, Australia | Registered: 26 February 2002
Originally posted by briant_az: I just wanted some suggestions on how everyone cleans their powder throwers. I had a guy tell me the other day that he uses alcohol to clean his and thought it was a decent idea. Any down sides to doing this?
Most powder throwers are more consistent after enough powder has been run through them to coat the internals with graphite off of the powder. Completely cleaning one could cause inconsistency until broken back in.
Posts: 353 | Location: Southern Black Hills SD | Registered: 20 October 2004
Originally posted by briant_az: I just wanted some suggestions on how everyone cleans their powder throwers. I had a guy tell me the other day that he uses alcohol to clean his and thought it was a decent idea. Any down sides to doing this?
Are you asking about cleaning an electric powered RCBS Chargemaster type, or mechanically powered like RCBS's Uniflow?
I have not cleaned my Uniflow in over 30 years. If anything, the migration of excess graphite between the metal-to-metal contact points has slicked it up.
Posts: 4799 | Location: Lehigh county, PA | Registered: 17 October 2002
I have a manual thrower. I just thought it might be a good idea because of the build up of powder in the thrower. I was afraid that using more than one powder may compromise the powder that you are currently using. I have never done anything more to mine than clean it with compressed air and it sounds like I might just stick to that.
Originally posted by briant_az: I have a manual thrower. I just thought it might be a good idea because of the build up of powder in the thrower. I was afraid that using more than one powder may compromise the powder that you are currently using. I have never done anything more to mine than clean it with compressed air and it sounds like I might just stick to that.
That is not powder residue but graphite. Most, if not all powders have a graphite coating to alter burn rate.
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Posts: 7752 | Location: kalif.,usa | Registered: 08 March 2001
Leaving the graphite coat not only lubes the unit but helps prevent static cling. I`ve never done more then a quick brushing with a small paint brush in the hopper.
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Posts: 2535 | Location: Michigan | Registered: 20 January 2001
I just want to say that you guy are FULL of knowledge and I thank you all for the things that you keep teaching me! I guess that I will just continue to clean with compressed air and that is all.
If it's that 'compressed air in a can' OK. But I wouldn't trust the stuff coming out of your home air compressor's hose; there could be moisture in it which could lead to corrosion. A narrow paint/chip brush is a better idea...and keep it for only that purpose.
Posts: 4799 | Location: Lehigh county, PA | Registered: 17 October 2002
Originally posted by onefunzr2: If it's that 'compressed air in a can' OK. But I wouldn't trust the stuff coming out of your home air compressor's hose; there could be moisture in it which could lead to corrosion. A narrow paint/chip brush is a better idea...and keep it for only that purpose.
I'm not worried.
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Posts: 7361 | Location: South East Missouri | Registered: 23 November 2005
