Got my new Bench Source annealing machine yesterday!

[Erik Cortina]

When I opened the box my first impression is how well made the machine is! I put it together in about 5 minutes and started playing with it, the top plate has an adjustment so that you can "time it" so the cases stop directly in the center of the spinning plate so that they spin concentric when being annealed. I haven't annealed any brass yet but I will be doing that tomorrow morning, I'll let you guys know how it works, can't wait!!!

-Erik Cortina

 

[Flybuster]

I was watching the video for their machine. When the case drops down where does it go?

 

[Erik Cortina]

It just drops down next to the machine, I'm planning on putting a tray there so that it will catch the annealed brass.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Finally got to play with my annealing machine. It took about 5-10 minutes to get it adjusted using some old brass and tempilaq paint to see what I was doing. It is very simple because it has the timer knob, if not enough heat, increase time, if too much, decrease time. Very easy.

Once I set up I went ahead and did 75 pieces of brass which took about 8 minutes, I went ahead and wrote down the settings on the timer knob and I am now confident that I can get it set up next time in a minute or two.

Overall I think this is the best annealer on the market, very easy, precise and well built.

Here is some of the brass I annealed today, it looks like if I just pulled it out of a brand new Lapua box!

 

[Mark Walker in TX]

Looks good Erik. Some Wolf primers asked me for a ride to Bastrop next Friday, so I'm giving 'em a lift...

We'll be meeting Friday night at Cyndi's bar in downtown Bastrop, probably 6:00 or so if you can join us. If not, see ya at the range on Sat AM.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Are you guys trying to get me drunk? GOOD! ;D

I went and tested the "47" this evening to make sure it still shoots after annealing the brass, nice cloverleaf groups at 300, gotta love the "47"!

I'll try to make it Friday evening, if not drink one for me!

 

[therifler]

hunter sounds like a nice machine . what temperture do think it is running on the brass for annealing ? Rifler

 

[morpheus]

They don't reveal the price on the website, so would you mind letting us know how much you paid for it? Sorry for being rude, but inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Erik Cortina]

I run a strip of Tempilaq 650*F paint down the side of the case and the paint melts about 1/4" below case-shoulder junction. I use 400* Tempilaq also and that melts halfway down the body of the case.

I paid $ 449.95 for my annealing machine. And it's worth every penny! That thing is so easy to set up. I actually left it set up and all I have to do is light the torches and flip the switch and start annealing!

 

[RJinTexas]

Hunter, I watched the video and thought can it truly work that well and be that easy? Am I correct in thinking there are no addition index plates to purchase that the one plate will work with all the various sizes of brass? Slick!!!!

RJ

 

[Erik Cortina]

That's right, no index plates to buy, one size fits all (except for 50 BMG, but they have a plate for that). For taller or shorter cases, just adjust the height of the torches and fine tune the timer, and you're done.

-Erik

 

[Erik Cortina]

Price update: Apparently the first batch of 60 was $449.50, and that batch is now sold out. They are currently taking orders for the next batch but I believe they are going to cost $499.99.

Call Bench Source if you are in the marke for one, they will give you all the information you need.

-Erik

 

[Erik Cortina]

That's right, no index plates to buy, one size fits all (except for 50 BMG, but they have a plate for that). For taller or shorter cases, just adjust the height of the torches and fine tune the timer, and you're done.

-Erik

I just had what I believe to be a great idea! The machine has two torches but since it spins the case only one can be used, takes a little longer but no big deal. I anneal 6.5X47 Lapua brass and 284 Shehane brass, so I set up one torch for the 6.5X47 and the other one for the 284 Shehane, so now it's always set up, I just turn on the torch for the caliber I'm annealing, and voilà! ;D

-Erik Cortina

 

[Nomo4me]

I would guess that the reason for two torches is to get the job done faster. Less heat working it's way down the case body.

 

[Flybuster]

This product definitely looks like its built well. I wasn't familiar with Benchsource until I picked up a barrel vice made by them, good stuff.

That is a good point about setting up both torches at different heights for two cartridges. I enjoyed their video it does look like cake work, I'm all for that. I think I'll put one on the wish list.

 

[Erik Cortina]

I would guess that the reason for two torches is to get the job done faster. Less heat working it's way down the case body.

On their website they say only one torch can be used, so it should work just fine.

-Erik Cortina

 

[RJinTexas]

Eric, What typy of fuel is recommended for use with this unit? If it's LPG would it be possible to rig it to connect to 20# propane bottle. This might be handy as well as cost efficent. If your lucky enough to have sufficent room it could be placed on one of those small roll around metal tables simular to the ones sold at Harbor Freight, placing the LPG tank on the bottom shelf and the machine on top, just a thought. I can definitely vision one of these machines in my reloading room. As they say the difference in men and boys is the price of their toys.

Regards
RJ

 

[Erik Cortina]

I just went out and bought two Bernzomatic UL100 for $11.97 at Home Depot, but you're right, I think it could be rigged just like you're talking about.

-Erik

 

[DasherDawg]

Eric,

We're glad you like the annealer. You're comments are music to the fellow who designed and built it. We sold out of the 1st units and have another 100 in the works. We're about 40 deep into this batch on back orders.

Thanks!
Dasher Dawg

BTW...you tried your pointer yet?

 

[Erik Cortina]

Yes, the bullet pointer worked great as well! It made my gun more accurate, I guess the bullet tips become more consistent after pointing!

-Erik