Tool to keep small brass particles off the shoulder inside WFT case mouth trimmer

[Cassidy]

I've noticed when using my WFT to trim my brass mouth to overall length (I measure case base to mouth though the WFT indexes off the case shoulder) that from case-to-case I get caliper readings varying from my target value by .002 to .004", sometimes more. When I see these variances I put the case back in the WFT repeatedly until the overall length is at or within .001" of my overall length target value, which it does. Trying to figure out why I was seeing these variances, I started looking inside the WFT at the WFT shoulder and found small particles of brass had landed on the shoulder from the cutting tool. I use a Q-tip to clean off the WFT shoulder when these variances occur but think there might be a better way using some sort of simple tool or hand-made tool to clean the WFT shoulder prior to trimming each case, which might avoid repetitive trims. Any thoughts about a fast and simple way/tool to keep the WFT shoulder clean?

 

[Cloudrepair]

Can of compressed air for keyboards to spray it off?

 

[Cassidy]

Cloudrepair - I thought of maybe using canned air but I'm concerned about blowing brass particles all over, including my nearby loading board full of cases I'm working on.

 

[JMayo]

I have a block i tap them on next to the cutter.
I also keep my hand vac close to keep the mess down.

 

[jpx2rk]

Sounds like a Q tip is a pretty simple "tool" especially if it works well.

 

[Walt Krafft]

Not familiar with your trimmer, but had the same problem with my Gracey until I mounted it vertically on the front of my bench. Standing up the chips all fall down away from the shoulder area.

 

[Clancy]

I run mine at a 45 degree downward angle and rarely get a chip. The q tip is the remedy when I do.

 

[Cassidy]

Upside down and vertical sound like great approaches. I am using a floor-based drill press which is right side up; can't go upside down or vertical.

 

[Oso]

Once upon a time (15ish years ago)... I used the WFT for doing clean-up and final trimming while forming 300BO cases. I would routinely blow out the WFT with compressed air and periodically inspect for imbedded brass. There were several solutions to removing unwanted brass chips and shavings.

Periodic cleaning use a Q-tip and some copper solvent. If brass is imbedded into the cartridge profile insert then you might need something more abrasive to scrap it off. You can get a scotch-brite type polishing bit and chuck it up in a drill and add a little Flitz polish. If you need something more aggressive then convert a standard blade screwdriver into a scrape. Radius the blade by grinding away the corners to reduce risk of it gouging the cartridge profile insert.

When the WFT's cutter starts to dull, the case mouth will start forming a slight burr on the outside lip as excess metal starts to be smeared instead of cleanly cut. When you begin to notice this then its time to change the cutter.

 

[searcher]

I've noticed when using my WFT to trim my brass mouth to overall length (I measure case base to mouth though the WFT indexes off the case shoulder) that from case-to-case I get caliper readings varying from my target value by .002 to .004", sometimes more. When I see these variances I put the case back in the WFT repeatedly until the overall length is at or within .001" of my overall length target value, which it does. Trying to figure out why I was seeing these variances, I started looking inside the WFT at the WFT shoulder and found small particles of brass had landed on the shoulder from the cutting tool. I use a Q-tip to clean off the WFT shoulder when these variances occur but think there might be a better way using some sort of simple tool or hand-made tool to clean the WFT shoulder prior to trimming each case, which might avoid repetitive trims. Any thoughts about a fast and simple way/tool to keep the WFT shoulder clean?

I use an acid brush. I always have them laying around on the work bench.

 

[ronemus]

Not familiar with your trimmer, but had the same problem with my Gracey until I mounted it vertically on the front of my bench. Standing up the chips all fall down away from the shoulder area.

I have mine tipped back 30 degrees and that seems to work well ; there were many issues when it was horizontal.

 

[Dimner]

I use an acid brush. I always have them laying around on the work bench.

I came here to post this. I don't have this exact trimmer but the acid brush is the way to go.

 

[Ron Gorski]

I've noticed when using my WFT to trim my brass mouth to overall length (I measure case base to mouth though the WFT indexes off the case shoulder) that from case-to-case I get caliper readings varying from my target value by .002 to .004", sometimes more. When I see these variances I put the case back in the WFT repeatedly until the overall length is at or within .001" of my overall length target value, which it does. Trying to figure out why I was seeing these variances, I started looking inside the WFT at the WFT shoulder and found small particles of brass had landed on the shoulder from the cutting tool. I use a Q-tip to clean off the WFT shoulder when these variances occur but think there might be a better way using some sort of simple tool or hand-made tool to clean the WFT shoulder prior to trimming each case, which might avoid repetitive trims. Any thoughts about a fast and simple way/tool to keep the WFT shoulder clean?

The WFT has 2 holes the side of the trimmer. I put painter's tape over these holes. Most of the brass particles will stick to the tape as the WFT spins. This helps keep particles off the brass shoulder,

 

[Cassidy]

I think between trimming each case, maybe just quickly popping a small brush up the WFT case hole might remove the small brass particle trimmings from the WFT shoulder. I'll give a try next batch.

 

[Rset]

Has anyone ever done any testing on what a .002 or even .004 difference in bearing surface does to accuracy?
For my purposes, and my skills, I have never found this to make a difference. Seems to me that there are so many other variables in play with bullet grip that this is just another small variable of little consequence.
I would be interested in some actual data and not just some thoughts on how my observations are incorrect if someone can point me to a good thread somewhere.