DIY case annealing machine - FUN!

[jhelmuth]

Hey fellow accuracy nuts!

Just wanted to post some pics and kinda brag on my pops for this new toy he made me...

[youtube]http://youtu.be/CDlz9dEsDPE[/youtube]

Nice to have a Dad with a machine shop in his detached garage! I have relayed some "tweaks" to him on the next one - but he got this prototype pretty much spot on (and he dosen't handload or have any real exposure to reloading or much shooting for that matter).

Some intial “specs”, etc….

 Runs at 1.5 – 4.5 RPM
 Can use single or double torch
 Automatically rotates the brass so that the flame/heat is evenly distributed around the case neck
 Fully adjustable flame tip – up/down/right/left/in/out (albeit we need to tweak that just a bit more)

Anyway... just wanted to brag a bit. ;D



[Added June 23rd, 2012 7:53pm]
I just got word from my Dad that he will be taking pre-orders for the annealer. He can be contacted at delbert.helmuth@hotmail.com.

All the best,
Jim

 

[brian427cobra]

<a href="http://imageshack.us/clip/my-videos/9/file28897.mp4/

Here's mine, cost is less than 155 bucks

 

[jhelmuth]

That's pretty cool. We went for the rotating case just to ensure more uniformity.

Good job!

 

[brian427cobra]

I thought about making my cases rotate with a pulley system but so far the uniformity has been good, 750 Templaq melts all at the same time, jMorris on Snipershide sells the wheel and plans for 50 bucks, the motor is from Grainger, I added a 12vdc PWM speed controller to set the dwell time, the advantage of the speed controller is full torque is always applied, the wheel rotates on a thrust bearing, in the video the sun was bright so the flames can't be seen. Making one of these was pretty easy, IMHO the units cost too much for what they are.

1/8 alum top was free from a previous employer
12vdc motor 2l009 60 bucks from Grainger
Wheel and plans from JMorris 50 bucks
PWM speed controller 20 bucks off eBay
3/8 thrust bearing with washers 10 bucks from Grainger
120vac to 12vdc power supply open box from Frys electronics 15 bucks
Hardware was scrounged, as was the square tubing I made the torch arms from.

I rounded up most of the costs but it was less than 155

 

[amlevin]

One of these in 12mm mounted on a hex adapter in my Drill, along with an old Bernz torch that's been sitting in the garage for years gets it done for my .308 brass

Total cost, not including drill and torch which were in the garage, $10.

Takes about 4 seconds per case. Even with fumbles I can anneal 400 per hour.

I'm a cheap sucker ;D

 

[jhelmuth]

Everything is cool... whatever your method. I liked this because [1] it came from my Dad, and [2] it really makes the job easy and extremely consistent!

PS - I added a video in the original post (chek it out - very cool!)

 

[tunered]

One of these in 12mm mounted on a hex adapter in my Drill, along with an old Bernz torch that's been sitting in the garage for years gets it done for my .308 brass

Total cost, not including drill and torch which were in the garage, $10.

Takes about 4 seconds per case. Even with fumbles I can anneal 400 per hour.

I'm a cheap sucker ;D

Me too,

 

[queen_stick]

<a href="http://imageshack.us/clip/my-videos/9/file28897.mp4/

Here's mine, cost is less than 155 bucks

I like that price! Nice homemade machine for 1/3 the price of anything you could by like that!

 

[Dgd6mm]

I like the countertop. ;D

 

[1066]

Anyway... just wanted to brag a bit. ;D

Good for you - Excellent job

 

[jhelmuth]

I like the countertop. ;D

My "Deluxe" reloading bench 8)

 

[Taildrag15X]

"Anyway... just wanted to brag a bit. ;D"

Very nice, well worth the "brag"!

 

[jhelmuth]

Anyway... just wanted to brag a bit. ;D

Good for you - Excellent job

Well... Props to Pops. He was/is the man! I'm just the most fortunate recipient!

 

[MDSpencer]

I hope my kids say such nice things about me having a machine shop.... Great job.

 

[jhelmuth]

I hope my kids say such nice things about me having a machine shop.... Great job.

Me too... kinda. I hope I've given them the same feeling I have about my Dad. If so, I've been a success...

PS - wish I had a machine shop!

 

[Nodak7mm]

Definite Props to Pop! Pretty kool home project and it works for you.

The irony is, I think those of us that use the socket and screwgun method and say it works well (I do and it does) secretly wish we had a machine.... ;D

Again, kool post, nice vid and you got a pretty handy-dandy Dad!

Rod

 

[killahog]

Nice machine your pop's is a Craftsman. Now as far as the choice of music, I would suggest some AC/DC Shoot to Thrill.

 

[amlevin]

The irony is, I think those of us that use the socket and screwgun method and say it works well (I do and it does) secretly wish we had a machine.... ;D

Not here. I'm running out of room to store all the BIG gadgets. I need more that fit in a drawer or shoe box when not in use.

 

[686]

where do i send my money tofor that one ? then you can build a real nice one. grate job

 

[Nomad47]

The irony is, I think those of us that use the socket and screwgun method and say it works well (I do and it does) secretly wish we had a machine.... ;D

Not here. I'm running out of room to store all the BIG gadgets. I need more that fit in a drawer or shoe box when not in use.

And since I live in a motorhome, space is a REAL problem. So I will keep using my torch & cordless screwdriver with deep well socket.