Does the Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits Live Up to Its Name?
Reloading ammunition is a precision process, and cleaning brass is a crucial first step. The Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits promises a simple and efficient way to separate cleaned brass from tumbling media, whether it’s corn cob, walnut shells, or stainless steel pins. This seemingly straightforward task can be surprisingly messy and time-consuming without the right tools, making a quality media separator a worthwhile investment for any serious reloader.
My reloading bench has seen its share of makeshift sifting solutions over the years – colanders, buckets with holes drilled in them, even just pouring everything onto a tarp and picking out the brass by hand. These methods were messy and inefficient. I needed a better way to efficiently separate media from my brass.
Upon unboxing the Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits, the first thing I noticed was the lightweight plastic construction. The sifter felt reasonably sturdy, though, and the included accessories – splash fins and bucket supports – seemed practical enough. The kit promises quick and easy separation, but would it deliver?
I considered a few alternatives before settling on the Frankford Arsenal offering. The Lyman Turbo Media Separator was one option, but I wanted something that worked with wet media and stainless steel pins, which the Lyman didn’t seem ideal for. The RCBS Rotary Media Separator was pricier, and initial reviews suggested it wasn’t significantly better. My choice came down to value and perceived suitability for my needs.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The kit seemed simple enough, but I was skeptical about the long-term durability of the plastic components. Still, for the price, if it performed as advertised, it would be a significant upgrade over my current system.
Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits after tumbling a batch of .223 brass using stainless steel pins and a wet tumbling solution. This is where efficient media separation is crucial. I set up the sifter using the provided bucket supports on a five-gallon bucket.
The process was surprisingly straightforward. I poured the contents of my tumbler into the sifter, and the rotary action quickly separated the brass from the pins. The splash fins did a decent job of containing the water and media, though some spillage was inevitable. Overall, it was significantly cleaner and faster than my previous methods.
There weren’t any significant issues, although I did notice that the bucket supports felt a little flimsy and could potentially slip off the bucket with a full load of wet brass and media. This would be messy and potentially frustrating.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of cracking or significant wear on the plastic sifter itself. However, the bucket supports continue to be a minor point of concern.
The durability seems adequate for light to moderate use, but I suspect that heavy, daily use might eventually take its toll on the plastic components. Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with water removes any residual media or tumbling solution. It outperforms my previous ad-hoc methods, offering a faster and cleaner separation process, though the plastic construction doesn’t inspire the same confidence as some higher-end metal separators.
Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits
Specifications
- The Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits includes a plastic rotary separator, two splash fins, and two bucket supports. The materials are primarily plastic, making it lightweight but potentially less durable than metal alternatives.
- The bucket supports are designed to fit standard five-gallon buckets, providing a stable platform for the sifter. The splash fins help contain media and water during the separation process, minimizing mess. These specifications impact user experience by providing a lightweight, easily manageable system for separating media from brass.
Performance & Functionality
The Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits performs its primary function – separating media from brass – effectively and quickly. The rotary action efficiently sifts the media, and the splash fins minimize spillage. The plastic construction, while lightweight, could be more robust for long-term durability.
The strengths lie in its simplicity and speed, making it a significant upgrade over manual sifting methods. A key weakness is the potentially flimsy bucket supports. It meets my expectations for occasional reloading, but those who reload frequently might prefer a more durable, metal option.
Design & Ergonomics
The Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits features a straightforward design that is easy to assemble and use. The plastic construction keeps the weight down, making it easy to handle even when loaded with wet brass and media. It’s relatively user-friendly, with minimal learning curve.
The overall build quality is acceptable for the price point. However, the plastic construction feels less premium than metal alternatives.
Durability & Maintenance
The Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits is expected to last for several years with proper care and moderate use. Heavy, daily use might shorten its lifespan. Maintenance is simple: rinse with water and allow to dry.
Repair is likely not feasible; damaged components would likely require replacing the entire kit. The product’s simple construction should withstand normal use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits includes splash fins and bucket supports. It is designed to work with standard five-gallon buckets, which are readily available. There are no specific customization options available for this product.
It is designed to function as a standalone unit and doesn’t require or support aftermarket additions. While the bucket supports are proprietary, the sifter itself can be used over any appropriately sized container, offering some flexibility.
Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits
Pros
- Inexpensive and affordable for budget-conscious reloaders.
- Simple and easy to use, with minimal setup required.
- Effectively separates media from brass, saving time and effort.
- Lightweight and easy to handle, even when full.
- Compatible with both wet and dry media tumbling.
Cons
- Plastic construction may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
- Bucket supports can feel flimsy and prone to slipping.
- Splash fins only partially contain media and water, leading to some spillage.
Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits?
The Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits is perfect for reloaders on a budget who are looking for a simple and effective way to separate media from their cleaned brass. It’s ideal for occasional reloaders who don’t want to invest in a more expensive, heavy-duty separator. Anyone who uses wet tumbling or stainless steel media will find it especially useful.
Those who reload frequently or require a highly durable and robust separator should skip this product. A higher-end metal separator might be a better investment for them. You might also want to skip this product if you do not already have a 5 gallon bucket to work with.
A sturdy five-gallon bucket is a must-have accessory for this kit. Depending on your setup, you might also want a dedicated space for sifting to minimize cleanup.
Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits
The Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits is a solid, budget-friendly option for reloaders seeking a simple and effective media separation solution. It might not be the most durable or feature-rich option on the market, but it delivers on its promise of quick and easy separation. The price is justified for its performance and convenience.
I would personally recommend it to reloaders who are just starting out or who only reload occasionally. It is an inexpensive upgrade that will significantly improve their workflow. If you’re tired of messy and time-consuming sifting methods, give the Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Rotary Sifter Kits a try – you might be surprised at how much easier it makes your reloading process.