EP 2.0 Annealer
- Thread starter KMW 1954
- Start date
Works great for me. Easy setup and easy to use. The only negative is having to load brass one at a time, but that really isn’t an issue for me since I usually do only about 50 in a session.
Krogen
Gold $$ Contributor
I had one that worked just fine. I say "had" because I stepped up to an AMP and sold the EP.
The EP annealer was easy to use and gave me no trouble at all. I always aligned the flame in the same way and recorded the drum speed setting on my load sheets. That way I got good repeatability from batch to batch. If I were to pick one thing to whine about, it's the short power cable from the wall wart. It was short enough that it limited where I could place the annealer on my bench. Easily solved with an extension cord, it was just a minor annoyance.
My AMP is on another level. I'll never go back to flame annealing, but induction annealing comes at a price. For someone interested in flame annealing, I don't think there's anything better than the EP.
The EP annealer was easy to use and gave me no trouble at all. I always aligned the flame in the same way and recorded the drum speed setting on my load sheets. That way I got good repeatability from batch to batch. If I were to pick one thing to whine about, it's the short power cable from the wall wart. It was short enough that it limited where I could place the annealer on my bench. Easily solved with an extension cord, it was just a minor annoyance.
My AMP is on another level. I'll never go back to flame annealing, but induction annealing comes at a price. For someone interested in flame annealing, I don't think there's anything better than the EP.
I got the AGS 3.0 made in Serbia, Stefan, the owner, is a true gentleman.
Easy to set up. The instructions are good but it's easier to watch their videos.
It has 9 holes for the brass including the one in the flame. The time in flame is adjustable. I'm running 7.5 seconds. It does a great job.
Right now I'm using the 1lb tanks but will be using a 20lb tank.
Easy to set up. The instructions are good but it's easier to watch their videos.
It has 9 holes for the brass including the one in the flame. The time in flame is adjustable. I'm running 7.5 seconds. It does a great job.
Right now I'm using the 1lb tanks but will be using a 20lb tank.
64Rambler
Gold $$ Contributor
I was able to source all the identical or near identical parts and built my own. Functionally, it's the same, but I've learned through other threads here that I may not be getting the brass hot enough. I target about 1 second past 750F Tempilaq going clear, but apparently I should be hitting closer to 1000-1100F.
Once set and running, it's smooth and repeatable, at least for a particular annealing session.
I've had one for a couple years, no issues but not sure if it's the 2.0 or what. I use a HD extension cord in my cave to power the EP unit, no issues on that. Easy to set up and adjust but most of my brass is 223/204R size with some 6BR mixed in. Keep some old brass with the unit to adjust the settings as needed, getting the torch tip in the right/correct spot is probably the hardest/time consuming part. Feeding the unit one case at a time is not a bother to me as I'm not interested in walking away from a torch inside my house.
“I'm not interested in walking away from a torch inside my house.”
All the more reason to get an AMP machine….
Quick setup, exactly repeatable level of annealing over torching the brass and no fire danger… They even make a case feeder if you are into doing large volumes.
Since I have a gas fired water heater and having a gas fired cook top in the kitchen. . . all inside my house, I don't feel there's any problem walking away from my torch when annealing. Though when I do walk away, it's typically not for a long time and usually I'm doing other activities close by and within sight of the annealing machine while it's doing its business. 
jrb06
Gold $$ Contributor
I have been using the EP for a couple of years and very satisfied with it. You do have to watch out on the main wheel as it it can get bent if you tip it over by being a bull in a China shop, (don't ask how i know) but easily fixed and straightened.
Also in WI so yes like to support those here.
Also in WI so yes like to support those here.
Somehow I don't see how my gas stove, water heater or furnace is going to get accidentally tipped over Like one of these small appliances with a stand alone gas bottle. Besides the fact that I have seen and heard of too many times were someone has left a frozen pizza in the oven or eggs boiling on the stove and have passed out.Since I have a gas fired water heater and having a gas fired cook top in the kitchen. . . all inside my house, I don't feel there's any problem walking away from my torch when annealing. Though when I do walk away, it's typically not for a long time and usually I'm doing other activities close by and within sight of the annealing machine while it's doing its business.
But feel free, it's your house.
The cost of the EP machine is $230.00, whats the cost of the AMP? $1800.00
fatelvis
Silver $$ Contributor
Money well spent on the EP! I have two of them now, one set up for the shorter (6BR) cartridges and one for the taller (30-06) cartridges. I suggest getting the taller model right off the bat. The extra "drop clearance" is nice to have, even with the stumpier cartridges. Since I started annealing, I have been pleasantly surprised how consistent shoulder bump and neck sizing goes now.
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Krogen
Gold $$ Contributor
As I mentioned above, I think you'll do well with an EP annealer. I don't regret upgrading to an AMP but truth be said, the EP was fine. An AMP isn't needed by everyone. The nearly $1600 you save is a big chunk o' change.
For sure. I am sure the AMP machine is a fine tool, just way more than I feel a need for. Just as I don't need an F350 4X4 Quad cab to run to the hardware store.
My needs, I probably anneal 200pcs every few months. I could continue to do it with a torch and hand drill but looking for something a little more convenient and consistent. Would take me a good while to amortize the cost of an AMP.
Compared to the other "Flame" annealing machines the EP appears to be the simplest construction with the fewest moving parts.
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