I understand that there are several different manufactures of this item. What is the cheapest, that does an excellent job for it's intended purpose?
Changeling
Changeling
Case neck turning tools?
- Thread starter Changeling
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The Sinclair or even a Forster tool will do a decent job if you're just turning a couple thousandths off and you don't need smooth as silk necks. The K&M tool is micro-adjustable and has an optional carbide mandrel with a cutter at the tip. This allows it to ream the doughnut that can form at the neck-shoulder junction. The K&M primary cutter is also beveled to go up into the shoulder which is a good practice.
Many folks consider the Nielson "pumpkin" to be the best tool, but it is very pricey. Jerry Stiller's neck-turner shares most of the Pumpkin's virtues, including the eccentric mandrel. Adjusting cutting depth is much easier with an eccentric mandrel than with other types.
There are other good tools sold by Hart and others. Based on my own experience I'd get a carbide K&M or a Stiller. Make sure you get an expander mandrel that is sized exactly right,leaving the neck about .001" larger than the turning mandrel).
Many folks consider the Nielson "pumpkin" to be the best tool, but it is very pricey. Jerry Stiller's neck-turner shares most of the Pumpkin's virtues, including the eccentric mandrel. Adjusting cutting depth is much easier with an eccentric mandrel than with other types.
There are other good tools sold by Hart and others. Based on my own experience I'd get a carbide K&M or a Stiller. Make sure you get an expander mandrel that is sized exactly right,leaving the neck about .001" larger than the turning mandrel).
Don't forget the electric low-torque screwdriver you'll need unless, of course, you enjoy much pain!:,
I've only used the K&M Neck Turning Tool and have one set-up for each calibre. An expensive luxury but once you have the settings just write you'll find it a real chore undoing your good work when changing to another calibre. This is particularly the case if you ever feel in need of a challenge and decide to turn 500 .22 Hornet necks!:crazy:
Remember to keep both the cutter and mandrel,inside of neck) oiled throughout each turning exercise and de-grease after all are done. I use an ultrasonic cleaning bath for this operation that ensures there are no nasties left behind in the cases to affect either powder or primer. After drying I give them 24hrs in a case tumbler for that "shows I care" look.
Happy turning!
Klenchblaize
I've only used the K&M Neck Turning Tool and have one set-up for each calibre. An expensive luxury but once you have the settings just write you'll find it a real chore undoing your good work when changing to another calibre. This is particularly the case if you ever feel in need of a challenge and decide to turn 500 .22 Hornet necks!:crazy:
Remember to keep both the cutter and mandrel,inside of neck) oiled throughout each turning exercise and de-grease after all are done. I use an ultrasonic cleaning bath for this operation that ensures there are no nasties left behind in the cases to affect either powder or primer. After drying I give them 24hrs in a case tumbler for that "shows I care" look.
Happy turning!
Klenchblaize
I have a hart turner.
PITA to adjust, but dead nuts and the ONLY one with a carbide cutter that i am aware of
HSS cutters DULL, and require attention to dimensions,
), the carbide doesnt change.
IN FACT, I have a buddy that will be SELLING a NEW Hart toll shortly, with several included mandrels.
let me know if you are interested.
JB
PITA to adjust, but dead nuts and the ONLY one with a carbide cutter that i am aware of
HSS cutters DULL, and require attention to dimensions,
), the carbide doesnt change.IN FACT, I have a buddy that will be SELLING a NEW Hart toll shortly, with several included mandrels.
let me know if you are interested.
JB
Guys, a lot of information but could you please through in some prices,ball park) now and then so I have some touch with reality and the tool, LOL!
Change
Change
BountyHunter
Gold $$ Contributor
K&M has carbide mandrel and is only one that cuts the donut.
Every mftr has slight variances in mandrels as compared to other mftrs. As expanding mandrels are cheap, I would buy the one from that mftr.
Key is not to try and take too much off with one pass and the motorized screwdriver or other too.
BH
Every mftr has slight variances in mandrels as compared to other mftrs. As expanding mandrels are cheap, I would buy the one from that mftr.
Key is not to try and take too much off with one pass and the motorized screwdriver or other too.
BH
Thanks guys. It appears the K&M is the winner hands down. Now to find it cheap! I know, but I have to try!
Changeling
Changeling
BountyHunter
Gold $$ Contributor
Every once and awhile one will be on Ebay. Just order it straight from KM. He will send it out with invoice and you pay him when received.
BH
BH
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Keep in mind that there is a difference between carbide mandrel and carbide cutter tip. K&M offers the carbide mandrel as an option. I don't know if the cutter tip is carbide. Just ask Ken.
But take a good look at the Stiller. It's in the gear review section. The large round shape is much easier on the hand if you turn without power. And as noted above, the eccentric mandrel makes adjustment easier. If you want to cut away doughnuts, the K&M is still the ticket.
Also remember proper lubrication is key. Everyone has their favorite "miracle lube" but my current favorite is the MP7 lube. It is just the right viscosity, and is really, really slippery. Rem-Oil is too thin, motor oil too thick.
But take a good look at the Stiller. It's in the gear review section. The large round shape is much easier on the hand if you turn without power. And as noted above, the eccentric mandrel makes adjustment easier. If you want to cut away doughnuts, the K&M is still the ticket.
Also remember proper lubrication is key. Everyone has their favorite "miracle lube" but my current favorite is the MP7 lube. It is just the right viscosity, and is really, really slippery. Rem-Oil is too thin, motor oil too thick.
Correct! Kens cutters are not carbide
BTW -- ken sells them for 40$ IIRC
Change: I have the hart turner to sell in my posession if you are interested at all, make me an offer. It is NEW IN BOX
it comes with 6mm, 6.5 and 7mm mandrels/expanders
It is about 190$ worth of stuff, all in a nice lined box.
Hart is STILL the ONLY one with a carbide cutter.
cheers,
JB
BTW -- ken sells them for 40$ IIRC
Change: I have the hart turner to sell in my posession if you are interested at all, make me an offer. It is NEW IN BOX
it comes with 6mm, 6.5 and 7mm mandrels/expanders
It is about 190$ worth of stuff, all in a nice lined box.
Hart is STILL the ONLY one with a carbide cutter.
cheers,
JB
No single cutter does it all. The K&M has good depth of cut control and adjustment but it is small and heats up fast. The older Sinclairs had to be adjusted on a fixture, the latest one still has to be adjusted on a fixture but at least adjusts in and out. Sinclairs has an optional 40 degree cutter for Ackleys. The mandrels for the Sinclair and K&M are not the same size so if you get a K&M you have to get their expander mandrel. Hart has a carbide cutter but not turning mandrel, K&M has a carbide turning mandrel but only with the donut cutter and no carbide turning cutter. From the looks of it Nelsons Pumkin only takes a Nelson expander. Don't know what the Stiller takes. At least the Hart uses existing expanders.
What I want: carbide mandrels, 1 with, 1 without the donut cutter; carbide cutter; choice of cutter angles; easy adjutment ala Nelsons Pumkin or the Stiller; large enough to make it easy to hold and not heat up. I suppose it would be pretty difficult to grind the offset mandrels for a Stiller or Nelson in carbide.
What I want: carbide mandrels, 1 with, 1 without the donut cutter; carbide cutter; choice of cutter angles; easy adjutment ala Nelsons Pumkin or the Stiller; large enough to make it easy to hold and not heat up. I suppose it would be pretty difficult to grind the offset mandrels for a Stiller or Nelson in carbide.
BountyHunter
Gold $$ Contributor
I believe it is J. Pendergraft that is selling a "holder" for the KM turner. I bought mine a year ago from him on BR central ads for $40 and it is the best thing going.
Easy to hold, and helps cut down heat.
I love the KM, only have 3.
BH
Easy to hold, and helps cut down heat.
I love the KM, only have 3.
BH
jb1000br said:I have a hart turner.
PITA to adjust, but dead nuts and the ONLY one with a carbide cutter that i am aware of
HSS cutters DULL, and require attention to dimensions,
IN FACT, I have a buddy that will be SELLING a NEW Hart toll shortly, with several included mandrels.
let me know if you are interested.
JB
How come the Hart is so hard to adjust? Seems like with the micrometer it would be easy? I have been using a Forester trimmer w/ neck turn attachment and I would like to upgrade because it is so hard to adjust. Every time I have to change calibers I end up messing up a couple pieces of brass.
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