K & M vs The Pumpkin neck turner.

[Changeling]

I keep hearing about some neck turner called the "Pumpkin", how does it stack up to the K & M neck turner?

 

[ronsroom1]

Do a search for Pumpkin. Lots of info there. Ron

 

[tightneck]

It stacks up higher than the K&M. It's a far nicer tool with better machining and more accurate adjustment. The K&M turns necks just as well though, just takes a little longer to get it set just right. It also brings around $175 as opposed to the K&M for around 50 bucks.

 

[Changeling]

tightneck thanks for the information, $50 vs $150.00 and does the same thing. I'm pretty sure witch way I'll go.

 

[SmokinJoe]

I have several K&M's, and they are good little turners, however, both of the last turners I bought are Pumpkins. There is a reason that Don's turners are more expensive; you get what you pay for. From a practical standpoint, the Pumpkin is a "set it, forget it" tool. IME, the K&M has to be closely monitored & occaisionally reset, also more temperature sensitive. If you are turning a low volume of brass and you are willing to recheck things along the way, the K&M will do fine. But for dead-on, accurate, repeatable turning, the Pumpkin can't be beat.

 

[mikecr]

What do you use for neck expansion/mandrel fitting with the pumpkin?
How do you see the cutting taking place with it?
Does it clean out easily?
How is it's adjustment better than another?

Just wondering

 

[vargetman]

The Pumpkin uses a carbide mandrel. I use the K and M expander mandrel. It us about .0008 bigger than the Pumpkin mandrel. I also use RCBS case lube to expand and neck turn with. It comes off and out of the case easy with a q-tip and a patch. I would second what Smomkin Joe said. The carbide mandrel does not heat up. Once you set the Pumpkin you are good to go. Just dedicate it to what ever you are using it for. I do 6ppc cases with mine. I also have the K and M and it does change from time to time. Also you must keep the K and M very clean or will get a build up on it and it heats up like all steel mandrels. Hope this helps.

Good Shooting, John

 

[xp100]

Have you tried the carbide mandrel and cutter K&M they offer for their turner? The carbide will run cooler in the K&M as well. You pay a little more for the carbide mandrel and cutter, but, they are offered.

 

[SmokinJoe]

Adding to Vargetman, I use the K&M Expandiron, also. It's a much better design than the Sinclair, IMO, and just happened to be the ideal size for use in conjunction with the Pumpkin turner. Note that Expandiron mandrels are not all the same, exact size, so buy several or ask Ken for an assortment when you order. The Pumpkin turner adjusts with an eccentric machined into the two housing parts & is very accurate, graduations are in .0001" increments. You don't have to worry too much about seeing the cut, just run it in by feel & watch the surface finish as you slowly withdraw. Usually can do all turning in one in & out pass. I'll also plug the Pumpkin concentricity gage; it is made to co-ordinate with the turner. If you do everything correctly, the Pumpkin turner will give consistent results from dead on to +/- .0001". Getting the expander mandrel the correct size to co-ordinate with the turner mandrel is the key, plus good lubrication. I use engine assembly lube, but Don supplies a formula for synthetic motor oil combined with STP that works very well, too. Hope I have answered the rest of your questions.

 

[butchlambert]

I have 3 turners for 3 cartridges. I have a K&M for my 22's, a Pumpkin for my 6mm, and a Jerry Stiller Pumpkin clone for my 30 cal. I agree with Joe and vargetman.
Butch