Reviewing the Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator: Beyond Marketing
The Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator promises a simple solution to a common reloading problem: separating clean brass from tumbling media. This seemingly basic tool can save reloaders a significant amount of time and frustration. I was intrigued to see if this affordable separator could live up to the hype and improve my reloading workflow.
My brass cleaning process had become a real bottleneck. Picking through handfuls of media-covered cases was tedious and time-consuming. I was on the lookout for a solution that was both effective and budget-friendly.
Upon unboxing, the Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator felt surprisingly robust for its price point. The blue plastic seemed durable, and the overall design appeared straightforward and functional. It was noticeably lighter than my old homemade media separator, and much more compact, which was a pleasant surprise.
I considered a more expensive, crank-style separator, but the price was prohibitive. I also looked at a few DIY options, but I didn’t have the time to build one myself. Ultimately, the Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator’s affordability and simplicity won me over.
My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism. Would this simple plastic container really make a difference? Only time and testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test run with the Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator was after cleaning a batch of .223 brass. I had used my standard dry tumbling method with crushed walnut media. The separator sat perfectly on top of my 5-gallon bucket, just as advertised.
The dry tumbling process leaves a mess! I’m glad that the separator kept things somewhat confined.
Using the separator was incredibly simple. I simply scooped up the media and brass mixture from my tumbler and poured it into the separator. The perforated bottom allowed the media to fall through into the bucket below with a few gentle shakes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator has become an indispensable part of my reloading process. It consistently delivers clean brass, free of media. The durability has held up well, showing no signs of cracking or warping despite being used with several different loads of brass and media.
Cleaning is a breeze – a quick rinse with water is all it takes to remove any residual media dust. Compared to my previous method, the Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator has significantly reduced the time and effort required to separate brass from media. It has made the process way less aggravating, and the wife isn’t yelling at me anymore for leaving “dust” around the house.
Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator
Specifications
The Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator is a simple yet effective reloading tool. It is constructed from durable blue plastic. Key specifications include:
- Perforated bottom for efficient media separation.
- Designed to fit most standard 3.5 and 5-gallon buckets.
- 4.75-inch sidewalls to accommodate a full tumbler load of brass and media.
- Lightweight and easy to store.
These specifications translate to a user-friendly design that makes separating brass from media a quick and painless process. The generous sidewall height prevents overflow, even when working with larger batches of brass.
Performance & Functionality
The Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator performs its primary function admirably. It quickly and efficiently separates brass from tumbling media. The perforated bottom allows the media to fall through, leaving clean brass behind.
The separator excels at quickly getting media off of the brass. This is a great product if you dry-tumble. There is no noticeable loss of brass during the sifting process.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator is simple, yet effective. The plastic construction is lightweight and easy to handle. The overall shape is designed to sit securely on top of standard buckets.
The ergonomics are excellent. There are no sharp edges, and the separator is comfortable to hold and shake.
Durability & Maintenance
The durable plastic construction of the Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator suggests a long lifespan. After several weeks of use, there are no signs of wear or damage. The separator is also easy to clean, requiring only a quick rinse with water.
It seems like this product would be durable for many years. It’s a simple design with minimal fail points.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator is a standalone product and does not come with any accessories. There are no customization options available. The separator is designed to work with standard 3.5 and 5-gallon buckets, which are readily available from most hardware stores.
Some reloaders might want to attach a handle to the separator for easier lifting and shaking. However, the lightweight design makes this unnecessary for most users.
Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator
Pros
- Highly effective at separating brass from tumbling media.
- Affordable price makes it accessible to reloaders of all levels.
- Durable construction ensures a long lifespan.
- Simple design makes it easy to use and clean.
- Fits securely on most standard 3.5 and 5-gallon buckets.
Cons
- Plastic construction may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
- No included handle could make it slightly awkward to lift when full.
- Static Electricity can sometimes make the media cling to the plastic.
Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator?
The Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator is perfect for reloaders of all experience levels who want to simplify their brass cleaning process. It is especially well-suited for:
- High-volume reloaders who process large quantities of brass.
- Budget-conscious reloaders looking for an affordable media separation solution.
- Reloaders with limited space due to its compact and easy storage.
- Anyone looking to save time cleaning brass.
This product may not be ideal for reloaders who prefer a more robust, metal separator. It might also not be necessary for reloaders who only process small batches of brass.
A must-have accessory for use with this product is a standard 5-gallon bucket.
Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator
The Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator is a simple, effective, and affordable tool that significantly simplifies the brass cleaning process. Its durable construction, user-friendly design, and excellent performance make it a worthwhile investment for any reloader.
The price is more than justified by the time and effort it saves. This product is a great value.
I would highly recommend the Frankford Arsenal Standard Media Separator to anyone looking to upgrade their brass cleaning workflow. Get yours today and say goodbye to tedious media separation!