Tumbling basics ?

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Blue gold has a rust inhibitor in it.
 
Blue gold has a rust inhibitor in it.

Great stuff, but ungodly expensive. Food grade phosphoric acid diluted to 25% will also remove rust. But worries about flash rust are unwarranted. A little flash rust will not hurt you.
 
I tumble dry because it's easier to monitor the progress... I than blow clean using scuba air... removes dust. I than rinse 2x's using a gallon or so of HOT (160 F) water, tank sealed and rolled for 2-3 minutes...

Tank is now very warm, I final rinse 1 gallon and a capful of blue gold with 30 sec roll. Drain and blow dry inverted for 3 minutes with scuba air.

Have YET to even see a hint of flash.

YMMV.

Bubs
 
I'll agree that the pressure drop will cool the air, and that was a good point that I hadn't fully considered. A little tact could have gone a long way though.

All I know is what works for me. There is flash rust, then there is flash rust. The degree of "flash" can vary. I aim to minimize the degree as much as possible without having to use additives. Time and temperature affect the degree of flash rust produced.

I prefer to tumble dry because I have found it MUCH easier to remove the media, especially from 1/2" necks. I don't tumble often enough to warrant building or purchasing a blow down system.

I found that I got much less flash rust by using cool rinse instead of hot. Moist heat is a recipe for immediate rust, while cool, fresh water takes some time to cause rust.

There are so many ways to skin this cat. When I fist started tumbling I found everyone had different ideas that they all swore were the "best" or "only" way .....dry vs. wet tumble.....cold vs. hot rinse.....pros and cons regarding additives...etc. So, what I recommended was just based on my experiences, and it works great for me.
 

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