New 21st Century Powered Neck Turning Lathe

[LA50SHOOTER]

I have found that turning speed above 300 rpm for neck turning isn't really ideal, especially if the cut being made is 0.0007 or more. It leads to galling of the brass and the cutter blade seems to start acquiring a "plating" of small spots of brass residue. - I don't claim to be an "expert" but I have turned over 4000 pieces of brass in the last 12 months in various calibers using good tools to do so. - I believe around 240 rpm is an good speed to maintain and keeping cuts to 0.001 or there-about in depth maximum produces good results. - If a second pass is necessary to get the necks to the desired thickness then so be it. - I use 21st century, Sinclair & K&M tools all with good success.

 

[PatMiles]

ok but if it is not dead nuts on you will have funny necks.
his press fit mandrel holds the case straight, not the shell holder.

I realize that but he is still using the primer pocket an/or the flash hole to center up the rear of the case. Live center will do the same.

 

[Bamban]

I had the turning mandrels Melonited, not quite carbide hard and sleek surface, but sufficiently good to prevent any build up of brass/galling.

 

[retired]

there is an article here in the archives by mike bryant.
and this:
"One thing I do different now is I do use a shell holder, with a piece pressed in it to fit the jacobs chuck, to put them on and remove them. I got that idea from Mike Bryant, and it is easier, and quicker.........jackie"
again the mandrel centers the case, not the lip,primer pocket or flash hole.

I realize that but he is still using the primer pocket an/or the flash hole to center up the rear of the case. Live center will do the same.

 

[PatMiles]

I had the turning mandrels Melonited, not quite carbide hard and sleek surface, but sufficiently good to prevent any build up of brass/galling.

What is the thickness of a Melonite coating?

 

[PatMiles]

there is an article here in the archives by mike bryant.
and this:
"One thing I do different now is I do use a shell holder, with a piece pressed in it to fit the jacobs chuck, to put them on and remove them. I got that idea from Mike Bryant, and it is easier, and quicker.........jackie"
again the mandrel centers the case, not the lip,primer pocket or flash hole.

True dat but if the primer end of the case is not centered when the tailstock ram is used to push the neck onto the mandrel the case is going to be skewed. Then we are left with wondering if the primer pocket is centered.

 

[JimPag]

What is the thickness of a Melonite coating?

Melonite is not a coating. It's a salt bath nitrocarburizing process that changes the surface (10-20 microns deep) of say a steel barrel for example.

 

[retired]

no...it is 100 % mandrel cut the day of turning with a press fit on the necks.
the guy has shot a 30 br in group matches at national record levels.
it is about the neck, not the primer pocket or flash hole.
these are fire formed cases.
you do as you please,, when you can out shoot him let me know.
done

True dat but if the primer end of the case is not centered when the tailstock ram is used to push the neck onto the mandrel the case is going to be skewed. Then we are left with wondering if the primer pocket is centered.

 

[PatMiles]

no...it is 100 % mandrel cut the day of turning with a press fit on the necks.
the guy has shot a 30 br in group matches at national record levels.
it is about the neck, not the primer pocket or flash hole.
these are fire formed cases.
you do as you please,, when you can out shoot him let me know.
done

Thought this was a discussion, not a pissing match.
I've been aware of Jackie's feats at a benchrest shooter for 25+ years and am fully aware that he has forgotten more than both of us will ever know. I was talking about using a tool that will do the exact same thing that his shell holder does... center up the rear of the case during neck turning.
CYa

 

[PatMiles]

Melonite is not a coating. It's a salt bath nitrocarburizing process that changes the surface (10-20 microns deep) of say a steel barrel for example.

Thanks for the info.

 

[retired]

i give up. his shell holder is a typical loose shell holder.
you go do as you please.
done

Thought this was a discussion, not a pissing match.
I've been aware of Jackie's feats at a benchrest shooter for 25+ years and am fully aware that he has forgotten more than both of us will ever know. I was talking about using a tool that will do the exact same thing that his shell holder does... center up the rear of the case during neck turning.
CYa

 

[Toejoe12]

How about we get back to the thread topic! I like what I see from John's updates to an existing really good lathe. I look forward to hear and see more after Shot Show. Hopefully those of us who already have his lathe ( and like it) can upgrade at nominal cost. We'll have to wait and see.

 

[Jdne5b]

+1

Regardless of the possibility of being marginally underpowered, it looks so much more ergonomic than using a drill. If the upgrade is reasonably priced, I'm a buyer.

According to Facebook, a new base, motor and mount, are available for an upgrade kit.

 

[21shooter]

NEWS FLASH! Hi this is John from 21st Century Shooting. I Just got my hands on the New Speed Controllers (Digital Readout), for the 21st CSI Powered Lathe. Now the operator can run from 200RPM - 600 RPM, in 50 RPM increments.
I like the 600 RPM gets the job done, twice as fast, with no loss of accuracy.
It's all about case mouth (I.D.) fit on the arbor...If U cant roll the case on the arbor with your fingers its to tight, period! Now I'm not talking about cinching the case neck on a arbor and turning on your engine lathe Have Fun John

 

[Willow]

Can the new motor arrangement be retrofitted to the existing neck turning lathe, because that lathe in itself isn't exactly cheap?

 

[Sniper338]

I still find it difficult to change out cutters. Its not easy getting one set right, then when you tighten screws it changes..

Id like to see an upgrade on that side of it.. good feeling clicks per 1 thousanth, or half thousanth clicks, easier swap of cutters. because I kill a few pieces of brass each time I change gear on it..

 

[michaeljp65]

New motorised lathe on their website now, but no upgrade kit as yet. Sent a message to John, awaiting reply. scroll right on the main page large photos

 

[Toejoe12]

Upgrade kit is now showing as well $499 to upgrade

 

[Willow]

Upgrade kit is now showing as well $499 to upgrade

Damn...that will set me back $700 in Australia.

 

[michaeljp65]

I wonder if the motor on the website is 220v comparable?