21 century vs pumpkin Why?

[DngBat7]

I have 21 century turning system and am very happy with it. Works flawless. Not really looking to compare. Just looking to see what the benefits are to the pumpkin turners and what they may have over the 21st.

People seem to jump at the pumpkin on the forum when for sale like somebody is giving away free gold. Just wondering why, especially since they are not made anymore and there is probably no parts available. Just wondering.

 

[Shooter13]

Well, I compare it to custom bullets vs Bergers, one is easy to get and the other is not so custom has to be better, right? (disclaimer, I haven't tested bergers in my custom gun 'cause I know my custom bullets shoot better.....right?).

 

[jimmymac]

I’ve never used a Pumpkin.

I do have experience with 21st Century and PMA. Both work, but IMO the PMA equipment is a step above. I find the depth of cut adjustment to be more precise and easier to adjust. I also feel that the brass fit on the turning mandrel after it comes out of the sizing mandrel is better on my PMA equipment. I found the 21st to be a bit on the loose side for my tastes. As always, YMMV.

 

[BoydAllen]

The big deal with the pumpkin is the precision and ease with which you can make very small adjustments. The mandrel is ground so that the part that goes into the case neck is very slightly offset from the part that secures it in the turner. The body of the turner is two piece with the mandrel mounted to one that indexes it. It rotates within the other which holds the cutter and has a set screw to secure the mandrel's adjustment. The large adjustment is done by sliding the cutter, using a feeler gauge, and the tenths are handled by the eccentric mandrel. There is no slack in the system. Having said all of this, there are issues. The cutter and working part of the mandrel are down in a hole and if you cut by inspection this is a disadvantage. Also, chips do not clear as well. For those that are not familiar, here is the "pumpkin" turner.

 

[golong]

To the best of my knowledge, PMA is the only company making direct fit parts (cutters) for Nielson's turning tool. PMA is a fan of what Don did with his cutter so I would imagine they did what the could to make sure theirs worked as well if not better. I own a PMA setup. Could not be happier with it.

 

[INShooter]

We all know that when something is no longer being made it has to be better than current products.

 

[golong]

We all know that when something is no longer being made it has to be better than current products.

In all fairness, Don is no spring chicken.

 

[INShooter]

^^^^ I have known Don for many years. My comment was in no way intended as an affront on him personally. He made several fine products. I own one of his turners as well as many others.

 

[golong]

^^^^ I have known Don for many years. My comment was in no way intended as an affront on him personally. He made several fine products. I own one of his turners as well as many others.

Ah, so more along the lines of the older bench vises. Makes sense - sorry for misreading the direction the sarcasm was headed.

 

[michaeljp65]

I’ve never used a Pumpkin.

I do have experience with 21st Century and PMA. Both work, but IMO the PMA equipment is a step above. I find the depth of cut adjustment to be more precise and easier to adjust. I also feel that the brass fit on the turning mandrel after it comes out of the sizing mandrel is better on my PMA equipment. I found the 21st to be a bit on the loose side for my tastes. As always, YMMV.

PMA mandrels fit the 21st century turner, ive found the actual cutter itself cuts better on a 21st than the PMA. I agree with the depth of cut better achieved on PMA.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Its gotta be the rarity thing. Ive sold all of my stillers and pumpkins. I hate not seeing the cutter, i hate how big it is in your hand, and the adjustment actually sucks compared to the pma with the micrometer. Sorry to my friends that were going to list their dust covered pumpkins for sale after this thread.

 

[R.Morehouse]

Wow......Seems like you have found a lot to hate. The Pumpkin tool works great and I find they are a pleasure to use. I have to admit I DO like the rarity thing. Dust covered Pumpkins would surprise me.......Now the older Jaco tool is a little tough on the hands but very unique and still a pleasure to use.

Regards
Rick

 

[jimmymac]

PMA mandrels fit the 21st century turner, ive found the actual cutter itself cuts better on a 21st than the PMA. I agree with the depth of cut better achieved on PMA.

I wasn't talking about interchangeability. I was referring to brass fit on the 21st century turning mandrel once it comes out of the 21st century expander. IMO, it feels a little on the loose side compared to the PMA. As always, there is a lot of personal preference when discussing these issues. The 21st gets the job done as I've used the equipment myself, but to me it's a tick below the PMA. Not bad mouthing here. Lot's of folks are satisfied with the 21st. Just stating my opinion.

 

[Shooter13]

We all know that when something is no longer being made it has to be better than current products.

My point exactly!

 

[jimmymac]

My point exactly!

Kind of like the old Sako's with Bofers barrels.

 

[Terry]

I own two of Don's turners. I would buy a third if I found it. The expanding mandrel and the turning mandrel are a match set. The .0001 adjustment is second to none.

 

[Dean Slater]

I bought my Pumpkins long before they were a rarity. I like the way they adjust and like the way they fill your hand. I see no need to change to the newest micro adjust whatever. Maybe some people are jumping at the chance to buy one while they still have a choice to do so.

 

[DngBat7]

I bought my Pumpkins long before they were a rarity. I like the way they adjust and like the way they fill your hand. I see no need to change to the newest micro adjust whatever. Maybe some people are jumping at the chance to buy one while they still have a choice to do so.

Does anybody at all make mandrels for turner or expander anymore? Pma? I know they make cutters

 

[R.Morehouse]

Don N. may. Send him a PM he is known as The Pumpkin around here......

Regards
Rick

 

[Dean Slater]

Does anybody at all make mandrels for turner or expander anymore? Pma? I know they make cutters

I just recently bought a 6mm carbide mandrel off of Don Nielson. I know he no longer has the complete neck turners available but does have some neck turning and expander mandrels available. What caliber and quantity I don't know.