Lyman universal trimmer question

[PD Gohil]

I bout a Lyman universal trimmer from the classifieds. I have never used a trimmer before so this is brand new to me. How much effort should it take to begin to shave the cartridge? It seems like I have to put a ton of force behind the hand crank to get it to cut. I have cleaned and lubricated it and it spins freely however it's as if the cutter head is dull. How would I know? I hate to throw new money at a cutter head when that's not needed.

Thanks

PGohil
WV

 

[WyleWD]

Sorry, but if I was you I'd call Lyman directly and buy their top of the line cutter head if they have one. Life is too short for a dull one or one that goes dull quickly.

Here's the link to their cutter accessories.... https://www.lymanproducts.com/brands/lyman/case-trimmers-accessories/trimmer-accessories

And it wouldn't surprise me if they sent it to you no charge or at least gave you a good deal on it. JME. WD

 

[bozo699]

Pgohil,
I’ve never owned a Lyman I don’t believe but when my Wilson’s get dull they take no effort at all because there not cutting much! I would call the seller for one and also as mentioned Lyman. One quick question does Lyman take a pilot and if so do you have the right one installed?... I’ve been trimming about .135 off 708 brass reforming to 6 creedmoor in my Wilson and it don’t take long at all and that’s a lot if brass. Good luck oh and if you have a sportsman warehouse mine stocks Lyman cutter parts
Wayne

 

[jds holler]

As I recall, the shaft on the Lyman is too large to clamp in a half inch drill motor. Or the handle is riveted or some such. I've got one around here somewhere that my chick picked up at a yard sale for me.

I think the main thing I like about it is that she was so sweet to remember me and buy something that she didn't even know what it was; but it looked like it was a reloading tool. jd

 

[gambleone]

Are you sure your not bottomed out on the adjustment? If its not that then seems like you got a very dull cutter head.

 

[dantiff2]

I bout a Lyman universal trimmer from the classifieds. I have never used a trimmer before so this is brand new to me. How much effort should it take to begin to shave the cartridge? It seems like I have to put a ton of force behind the hand crank to get it to cut. I have cleaned and lubricated it and it spins freely however it's as if the cutter head is dull. How would I know? I hate to throw new money at a cutter head when that's not needed.

Thanks

PGohil
WV

I have one with the optional drill powered shaft. I've trimmed many of thousands of brass with the same, factory original cutter head. I keep the shaft lightly lubed and attach my corded drill and use very little pressure to easily trim brass. When I make my own 300 blackout brass I have no issues trimming excessive amount. The only down side to the Lyman is they do not except the RCBS three way cutters, so I had a machinist friend of mine make me an adapter.

 

[243winxb]

A dull head will make brass flow off to the sides. This makes it very had to extract the pilot from the case mouth.
This also happens if the feed rate is to high & pushing on the handle too hard.

My Lyman cutter head got dull. Replaced it with standard head.. Now i use Break Free CLP on a tooth brush to clean the chips off the cutter every 2nd cut.

Hand cranking for standard cutter heads.

Replace your cutter head. https://www.lymanproducts.com/brands/lyman/case-trimmers-accessories/trimmer-accessories

 

[nmkid]

If possible same your money and get the new Lyman Express trimmer. It's a pretty good piece of machinery for the price.

 

[PD Gohil]

Ok guys thanks. I spoke directly with Lyman this morning and they recommended a new cutter head. Now I just have to decide between a carbide cutter head or a standard one. I'll probably go with the standard one as my volume is low.

Thanks all.

 

[Hntndad]

Ok guys thanks. I spoke directly with Lyman this morning and they recommended a new cutter head. Now I just have to decide between a carbide cutter head or a standard one. I'll probably go with the standard one as my volume is low.

Thanks all.

I’m pretty sure I have a carbide one sitting in a drawer. Also have the drill adapter. Donate to the site and I’ll ship em free. Just send me a pm.

kevin

 

[PD Gohil]

I’m pretty sure I have a carbide one sitting in a drawer. Also have the drill adapter. Donate to the site and I’ll ship em free. Just send me a pm.

kevin

That's a win for everyone. Thank you. I will do it now.

 

[Hntndad]

That's a win for everyone. Thank you. I will do it now.

Mr. Gohil,

Congratulations on becoming a member! Your right, That is a win for everyone. I received your pm and have your address. I will send you both cutter heads and the power adapter at no cost, as promised. I’ll send ya the tracking number tomorrow.

Kevin

 

[K22]

They sale, at least use to, a replacement cutter head with a carbide cutter. This makes trimming much easier than their standard cutter. I only use this trimmer for pistol cases and it does a very good job for that purpose.

For precision rifle, I use the Wilson trimmer that does not employ pilots, like the Lyman trimmer, that can scar the inside of the necks as you rotate the cutter.

 

[Hntndad]

Little dip in sizing wax takes care of that. My Lyman trimmer is probably as old as I am. It was dad’s. I remember ordering replacement cutters and the power adapter years ago and they’ve been sitting in a drawer since. Also enjoy using a Wilson, but that ol’ Lyman worked for years and years.

 

[bozo699]

Mr. Gohil,

Congratulations on becoming a member! Your right, That is a win for everyone. I received your pm and have your address. I will send you both cutter heads and the power adapter at no cost, as promised. I’ll send ya the tracking number tomorrow.

Kevin

Kevin,
That was a awesome thing to do for a member and the site. Paul can always use the help. Thank you sir.
Wayne