Forster Outside Neck Turning Tool... for the Case Trimmer

[RBD]

I have inherited--sort of--a Forster Outside Neck Turning tool, the kind that fits a Forster case length trimmer.

Does anyone use these?

It looks like the adjustment is a little rough. 1/16 of a turn of the cutter adjustment screw is .002", and I'd like to just skim the necks, say .0005 on a side, to clean up irregularities.

I read somewhere that it's possible to adjust a neck turning tool using a feeler gauge. Is this possible with the Forster?

TIA,

RBD

N.B. I like the idea of the Forster "mini lathe" tool to align the cases, but I'm a neck turning virgin, and, well, a little overwhelmed.

 

[OldDoug]

Also have a Forster Outside neck turning outfit. Finally got around to try and turn necks with it after about 40 years in the box. I love the Forster unit as a trimmer and have 3 of them.

It will work. Use a tubing micrometer to read the neck thickness. This system is OK for good hunting ammo, but seriously dated compared to current tooling.

However, If you are doing serious long range shooting, I would highly recommend the K&M Services system. Ken Markle,SP) 717-292-3175 will give you the advice you kneed to get started and ship you his products.

This system uses a mandrel to open the re sized and trimmed case mouth. You then adjust the neck tool to remove an appropriate outside neck brass to make the neck uniform thickness.

I do not use the shell holder handle. I use an adapter to hold the shell holder and turn it in a 3/8" drill to turn the case.

Ken is a real class act and has a sterling reputation. Old Doug

 

[Rootshot]

I replaced my Forster with a K&M because the rough adjustments frustrated me and because I didn't have a matching expander to fit case necks to the mandrel. The K&M with the Expander Iron works great.

--Rootshot

 

[treeman]

I used the forster years ago and the round cutter did an unsatisfactory job. It left the necks with a wavy surface.
I have both a sinclair and a k&m and would recommend either. I do use a feeler guage to set the cutter close but if i'm turning for a tight neck chamber I set the depth of cut bytrimming one case and seating a bullet then measureing the loaded neck dia. for me this works better than measureing the neck wall thickness. just be REAL sure of your setting before you trim a bunch of casses or you may end up with a pile of brass thats nothing but scrap. don't ask me how i know

good luck in your endevors,
treeman

 

[tenring]

K&M was sold a few weeks ago to a guy in MIchigan; search the archives for his phone and address. I have the Forester and K&M. Treeman is correct; the Forester leaves a wavy pattern on the neck, not good. I believe a neck turner should be set, and not moved if you want consistent neck turning. Two passes are really needed. On 6BR necks, I take them to about .0013 with the Forester, then finish with the K&M at .0011,depends on your desired final neck diameter).

 

[fdshuster]

I also started out years ago with the Forster outside neck turner attachment, against the advice of many. Should have listened to them, since it was a big disappointment. Went to the Sinclair NT 1000, and it was an improvement, but then bought the K&M, and consider it to be the best, in that price range. Forster has sat unused for years: if anyone wants it, contact me, and it's yours for shipping costs only.