neck turning tools

[wvuredneck09]

Old subject but there are some new entries out their that are worth mentioning. Basically what I want to know is what turner is the best bang for my buck? I plan to do multiple calibers but on average probably only 50 or so at a time (maybe even less if you look at it as a per evening type project as all of my reloading is). I've looked at the pumpkins (price and price of mandrels are pushing me away although if they are really worth it I dont have a problem spending my money for something that is worth the extra$$$$). I've looked into the 21st century turner and it may be on the top of my list but I've not used it. There are so many out there that I just need some help and thoughts on them from people that have/do use them. Heck maybe the standard forester or K&M will work for me, who knows. I know that I want to be able to change cutter angles and switch calibers relatively easily. HELP me out here a little.

 

[jkohler]

I have shire liked my PMA neck tool so far. They are very easy to set up and adjust them.

 

[mshelton]

I've had a 21st, I liked it at first but I think that's because I didn't know any better, have since thrown it away.

Bought a Time Precision, very well made turner but was too expensive, the blade is not angled to the case shoulder so it's a doughnut making machine, case holder serves better as a fishing weight and the last problem is finding an expander mandrel suited for the turning mandrel.

After seeing one in person, I'm going to buy a pumpkin if I see one at next months nationals, should have gone that way in the beginning and saved time, effort, money and brass.

Buy the best product you can, pay it off and be done with it.

 

[BoydAllen]

IMO the most important attributes of a neck turner are whether carbide mandrels are available, if a variety of cutter angles are available, and how easy it is to set. Beyond that, after they are set, all any of them do is hold the cutter and mandrel in a fixed relationship. I have friends who make a big deal out of setting their tools. To me, it is really not that big of a deal. I get around spoiling expensive brass by dipping into my collection of fired brass that I picked up at the range. To set the tool for a 6mm caliber, I expand up any of several .22 calibers. If I am setting the tool for a .22 caliber, I size a piece of range brass, and expand it to a good fit for the turning mandrel. One thing that I would not be without is a neck micrometer. It allows me to set a turning tool without seating a bullet each time that I want to check a setting, and I also use it to monitor neck thickness, measuring each after turning. Another related issue is what lube to use. There are several that work. Beyond that, the difficulty in removing the lube from cases is a major factor in the selection process. I have several different turning tools. I tend to use my K&M for finish cuts on my 6PPC. This is not to say that there aren't better tools out there. It is just that once I get set up with something that does a satisfactory job, I stop buying. I will say that recently I came into possession of a new case holder that I really like. The kind that is used for turning cases with a cordless drill or screwdriver. It is made by 21st Century, and I think that it is an improvement over others that I have seen and used. If you are tooling up, I would give it serious consideration.

 

[nosualc]

I've used several K&M turners and a pumpkin. The pumpkin is a little easier to set up, IMO, but gives me quite a bit better results.

Is it worth all the extra $? For me, yes. I agree with the "buy once, cry once" axiom.

-nosualc

 

[GSPV]

I have 2 K&M, 1 Pumpkin and 1 of the newest Sinclair (4000?). All are great. The Pumpkin is the easiest to set up, but the most expensive.

 

[19zip]

mshelton,
What made the 21st century so bad that your threw it away? Did you have the whole Neck Turning Lathe set up or just their Neck Turning Tool?

 

[wvuredneck09]

I'm also interested in what was so terrible about it that it had to be thrown away. Most seem to like them. As for Carbide mandrels are they necessarily when doing small lots that will not heat of the mandrel? I know SS is bad about heat expansion. What good does the titanium nitrate mandrels do, is it a lube issue? I agree to pay once and cry once just don't want to cry unnecessarily.

 

[mshelton]

First was the micrometer type dial, the way it's held in with a set screw it has so much backlash it's useless an any kind of indicator on how deep the cutter is set, just a really poor design with the set screw that holds the assembly in the base.

Second was the set screw that holds the cutter itself, there didn't seem to be an allen wrench in 3 counties that actually fit the thing, that coupled with the fact that it had to be cranked down as tight as possible to stop the cutter from moving, it eventually stripped in the allen head section. Ended up taking a dremmel cutting wheel to it which made it a slot head screw driver set screw, which turned out to be a huge improvement.

Third, any time you trued to adjust the turning mandrel for how far down the neck you wanted to cut, the cut depth would change about .010.

Their universal case holder is really nice though.

 

[jp]

Not knocking any of the them. I have a couple of Sinclairs, 21st century, PMA and K&M's. I find with each model there are good things. The finish work is what matters to me and of course parts. I find for my size hands the K&M is to small. But I still use them they do good work. Same with the smaller Sinclair models their new model is great. The 21st Century is easy to hold on too, but like one of the others stated it has it quirks, but once set it is repeatable on
cuts. I like the PMA the best for it's ease of use and size. I ordered it pre-set to my specs and with the carbide turning mandrel. I will ordering a couple more of them also. I would suggest. Find someone with a couple of the ones that strike your fancy and see if they would let you try them. If you have no one that has any of the models you may be interested in and if that is one of the ones I have, I would send it to you to try...

sorry for such a long post..Let me know if I can be of any assistance...

JP

 

[wvuredneck09]

On a side note has anyone used PMA's trimmer? looks like a handy little tool for those of us not willing to shell out the money for a giraud.

 

[mikecr]

I like Sinclair's latest.
None have a better system overall, or turn any bit better.

 

[fdshuster]

Tried several others & each had their own problems. Finally settled on the Sinclair NT-4000 & have no interest in any other.