Just noticed Km turner accepts dial indicator

[DngBat7]

On a picture on their website, I just noticed Km turner accepts dial indicator. It seems like a really great idea for killing 2 birds with one stone. Has anybody tried this feature? I don't use km, so I never noticed this feature.

Thanks

 

[T-shooter]

 

[DngBat7]

View attachment 1150375

How do you like it?

 

[T-shooter]

How do you like it?

It works fine as long as your cases fit the mandrel snug, and it makes it easier to get the right depth of cut when setting up. I leave in in all the time. If you need an inexpensive dial indicator, this Shars is $18.95 on Ebay and reads to .0005".

If you order a K&M, get it with the right cutter that is close to the shoulder angle of the cases.

 

[T-shooter]

And I forgot to mention, If you get a K&M turner, you'll need to get the right expander to the necks are sized to fit the mandrel and the shell holder. In the picture it's inside an insert for a Lee press. They have an accessory called a Power Grip that I haven't tried that should aid tightening the cases in the shell holder without any tools.

 

[DngBat7]

Cool thanks

 

[Fotheringill]

BTW- I asked K&M which angle cutter was recommended for .223 and the prompt response was the 23 degree blade but that the 50 degree standard blade works as well.

 

[oley55]

T-Shooter,

What is the advantage or reason to leave the dial indicator in all the time? Once used to set the cutter to the desired neck wall dimension and the cutter has been clamped/pinched in place I don't see the dial indicator doing much of anything.

 

[Fotheringill]

I THINK it should indicate the runout deviations in the turned neck for the particular case. Please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[TIMO]

As T-shooter mentioned the power grip, I use a die lock ring, like the Forster type.
Tim

 

[oley55]

I THINK it should indicate the runout deviations in the turned neck for the particular case. Please correct me if I am wrong.

It is measuring neck wall thickness. The neck is held in perfect alignment against the mandrel, eliminating any means of detecting or measuring runout. Or so me thinks...?

 

[T-shooter]

T-Shooter,

What is the advantage or reason to leave the dial indicator in all the time? Once used to set the cutter to the desired neck wall dimension and the cutter has been clamped/pinched in place I don't see the dial indicator doing much of anything.

There is a locking screw to hold it. No need to take it out, granted after it's set the reading will remain the same. It does make the trimmer easier to hold onto.

 

[AckleymanII]

I prefer a Sinclair case holder that looks like a small tap wrench. This small tap wrench is easier on my fingers, and simple/ quick to tighten down where the case does not slip. I put a variable speed 1/2" drill in a bench vise, grip the back of the Mandrel. I spin the case holder and feed the case on by hand. Lee sizing wax as a lubricant tops any petroleum base product I have ever tried, does not contaminate powder for fire forming either. I squirt a large dob of the wax in an empty bullet box, use a Q tip to put a small dab in the case mouth and mandrel, with no gauling.

ON varmint cases, you can do 4-6 per minute and not gaul case mouth or mandrel. Key is to use a 1/2" drill with the speed control on the trigger of the drill speed, you want a slow RPM of around 70 or so.

Run out is .0001 over 1000 cases.

Lots of ways to skin a cat, this is mine. I have used the same method in a drill press, but you need to get the speed way down. Most drill presses are WAY too fast. Use the same method in a lathe, but bending over a lathe is not very comfortable. A large bench vise on the top of the bench holding the 1/2" drill is at a very comfortable working height with no strain on your back or neck for long hours turning case necks.

 

[T-shooter]

BTW- I asked K&M which angle cutter was recommended for .223 and the prompt response was the 23 degree blade but that the 50 degree standard blade works as well.

It will work but can leave a sharp transition into the shoulder, the 23° will blend in better.

 

[Fotheringill]

That is why I am ordering one.

 

[oley55]

It will work but can leave a sharp transition into the shoulder, the 23° will blend in better.
View attachment 1150423

Thanks, a great graphic is worth a lot o words.

 

[group therapy]

And I forgot to mention, If you get a K&M turner, you'll need to get the right expander to the necks are sized to fit the mandrel and the shell holder. In the picture it's inside an insert for a Lee press. They have an accessory called a Power Grip that I haven't tried that should aid tightening the cases in the shell holder without any tools.
View attachment 1150377

I have and use the power grip, it’s great!!! I also have the ergo holder, another item worth the money!!!! Any km item you might be interested in Bruno’s probably has and their prices are great!!!! Good luck

 

[dgeesaman]

It works fine as long as your cases fit the mandrel snug[ly]

This is the key. My KM expander leaves a few tenths or more of clearance. This helps make cuts go easily but it limits the accuracy of the dial indicator reading since the indicator point alone doesn’t hold the brass tight against the mandrel.

I now use my 21st Century and Sinclair expander setup and turn with the brass on a line to line fit. This is not for everybody but I skim small amounts of brass and take my time.

I have and use the power grip with a cheap cordless screwdriver. It’s a great accessory.

 

[RedfootRanch]

https://kmshooting.com/neck-turning-tools/neck-turners/standard-caliber/power-grip.html

This is well worth itself after a 100 cases, too!

 

[T-shooter]

This is the key. My KM expander leaves a few tenths or more of clearance. This helps make cuts go easily but it limits the accuracy of the dial indicator reading since the indicator point alone doesn’t hold the brass tight against the mandrel.

I now use my 21st Century and Sinclair expander setup and turn with the brass on a line to line fit. This is not for everybody but I skim small amounts of brass and take my time.

I have and use the power grip with a cheap cordless screwdriver. It’s a great accessory.

I took my expander, chucked it in a drill, and polished it with 2000 grit sandpaper and took off a couple 10's. 2000 cuts very slowly so no real danger of taking off too much if you watch and measure.