K&M Case Prep Machine

[Jesse Heywood]

Got an e-mail this morning from K&M about a new case prep machine. Looking at the website, it can be purchased with one to six stations. Prices start at $1,395 so be prepared to hide the cc bill from the better half.
http://kmshooting.com/benchtop-case-prep-machine/k-m-benchtop-case-preparation-machine.html

 

[fotheringill]

Yes. I saw it as well. The super duper 5 station is north of $2150.

The only thing I would be interested in would be the neck turner, but it looks wobbly as hell in the video. For that matter, a 21st Century lathe with power attachable doohickey might be a lot better and a lot cheaper.

 

[pert near]

Thanks. I'll put it on my wish list just below my Labradar...

 

[Jesse Heywood]

The only thing I would be interested in would be the neck turner, but it looks wobbly as hell in the video. For that matter, a 21st Century lathe with power attachable doohickey might be a lot better and a lot cheaper.

I agree. A mini lathe, some reamers and a cutter will do a lot. And think of all the other fun things you can build.

 

[jmorris]

Looks well built but over $2000 and it’s still a one operation at a time manual machine and looking at the runout of the tool in the 2nd station and the case in the last around 48 seconds into this video,



There isn’t a lot of precision needed.

 

[GW Staar]

Video did not make me want to trade in my old RCBS Trim Mate. RCBS's new Brass Boss replacement unit kind of did.........maybe if I can find a buyer of the old one.

Personally, I'd rather have gravity as a friend and helper. I'm not interested in having to hold up the tools and push.

The product reminds me of one developed without improving or even having knowledge about what the competition already has. (and for a lot cheaper)

New variable speed RCBS Brass Boss $134 at Midway

 

[marchboom]

I can find a LOT of other shooting related items to buy for what they want for this machine. WAY too much money!

 

[Dale shaver]

That’s crazy, no way would I spend that much on something like that. Reloading does not have to be that expensive

 

[Dale shaver]

Whoever would buy that the goal is not to save money but maybe to show how many toys they have. Lol

 

[Dale shaver]

Video did not make me want to trade in my old RCBS Trim Mate. RCBS's new Brass Boss replacement unit kind of did.........maybe if I can find a buyer of the old one.

Personally, I'd rather have gravity as a friend and helper. I'm not interested in having to hold up the tools and push.

The product reminds me of one developed without improving or even having knowledge about what the competition already has. (and for a lot cheaper)

New variable speed RCBS Brass Boss $134 at Midway
View attachment 781734

Much more sensable

 

[GBExpat]

IMO, if you pay that kind of money for something like that you are afflicted with a condition that I think of as "More dollars than sense".

 

[rocirish]

I can't believe a company would even try to charge that much for a machine that does not do anything different than machines that cost 90% less.

 

[Offfhand]

can't believe a company would even try to charge that much for a machine that does not do anything different than machines that cost 90% less.

Actually, that is not quite correct when you compare the numbers, and I expect they will be selling quite a few of the single spindle versions at $1,300.95. Here's why: It takes a lot of torque for turning case necks and at present the cheapest such tool I know of that will do the job sells for $495. and it isn't all that great. A better such tool is the Holland Brass Monkey, like the one shown in attached photo, sold for $700. when I bought it years ago, and may be more now. Sinclair once had one that was pricey too. And these are all single speed units. So, by adding the very desirable variable speed feature, which no doubt is pretty expensive at source, K&M is staying in the market ballpark. Which I why I think they will sell, providing that the unit actually has the steady torque necessary for case neck turning and has long, trouble-free life. We'll know in about a year or so, after benchrest shooters and others have given them a hard workout turning case necks..

 

[H&R Glock]

I got my Frankfort Arsenal Case Trim & Prep Center for $85. It is a power unit that quickly trims all my bottleneck cases. I bought it for my 5.56/223 cases. This does everything that needs to be done and I should have bought it years ago. I've had the RCBS lathe and the Lee versions of trimmers and they don't compare. Go compare prices for a power trimmer.

 

[rskent]

IMO, if you pay that kind of money for something like that you are afflicted with a condition that I think of as "More dollars than sense".

I can’t see me ever buying one either, but if you got it you might just as well spend it. Get it gold plated if it makes you happy.

 

[Reeferman]

There sure seems to be a lot of runout wobble in it as jmorris said for the money it costs.

 

[mjsdwash]

this looks considerably slower, and not much easier than my 19$ harborfreight corded drill mounted in my 50$ bench vise, lee 3 jaw chuck, and trimmers, for 20$ total. Of course, I use the vice and drill for other things.

 

[Hasaf]

I got my Frankfort Arsenal Case Trim & Prep Center for $85. It is a power unit that quickly trims all my bottleneck cases. I bought it for my 5.56/223 cases. This does everything that needs to be done and I should have bought it years ago. I've had the RCBS lathe and the Lee versions of trimmers and they don't compare. Go compare prices for a power trimmer.

I just went to Midway and watched the video on that unit. It does look good. It certainly looks better than 1. timing them by hand, or 2. not trimming the brass and expecting to lose the brass before I ever need to trim it.

I am not reloading any bottle-neck cases right now, just pistol. I expect that the case trimming is done before tumbling in media, is that correct?

 

[Offfhand]

There sure seems to be a lot of runout wobble in it as jmorris said for the money it costs.
Oops, see next post below, missplaced the above quote

 

[Offfhand]

There sure seems to be a lot of runout wobble in it as jmorris said for the money it costs.

Case wobble is not caused by the power source, but by the means of holding the case and how it is used. There are different options for holding cases for neck turning, or at least have been with the other neck turning equipment I've used and currently use. If I buy a KM unit I'll fit it with a collet type case holder. Which is slightly slower to use but very secure and straight.

 

[jmorris]

Case wobble is not caused by the power source, but by the means of holding the case and how it is used.

Go to the point in the video I noted and look at the runout of the stations. If you can see it with your eye, on a video, it’s a lot.

If I chuck cases up in my Forster trimmer/turner that was given to me, there is nowhere near the amount shown in the video they posted of their own product.

Now, does it make any difference? I don’t know but I don’t think I’ll be buying one.

 

[Dudedog]

Is the jmorris model ready yet?
(or it may have already been built and I don't recall seeing it)

 

[DRAINSMITH]

Next time someone laughs at me for spending $450.00 for my Hornady Lock N Load Case Prep Center (and I bought a used one for $300.00) I'm going to show them this. I too have 6 prep tool stations plus a case trimmer.

 

[GW Staar]

Go to the point in the video I noted and look at the runout of the stations. If you can see it with your eye, on a video, it’s a lot.

If I chuck cases up in my Forster trimmer/turner that was given to me, there is nowhere near the amount shown in the video they posted of their own product.

Now, does it make any difference? I don’t know but I don’t think I’ll be buying one.

Exactly my observation! Don't know if anyone remembers the vertical motorized Forster trimmer mod I did using a clutched Dewalt screw gun for powder....using none of the machining and talent jmorris has, but there was zero wobble. In fact it sounds like my wife's Bernina sewing machine and is just as smooth.

Because I'm talented? Ha! Don't make me laugh. Because Forster's Trimmer is an engineering wonder with the tolerances of something way more expensive? Absolutely! And did I pay Thousands for the Forster? Of course not. Would I pay thousands for something that wobbles like that? You're kidding, right? I'm a building contractor. I don't buy shop machinery from Harbor Freight either....

The other point you make is "Now, does it make any difference?" (the wobble) maybe not for some of the case prep....I admit the Trim Mate wobbles just a little....but mine was bought for $100.....and it does work just fine for what it needs to do. But no I don't trim or ream with it...the Forster does that) But to pay thousands for a wobbler? Like you, not going to happen.

 

[jmorris]

In fact it sounds like my wife's Bernina sewing machine and is just as smooth...

They are the Dillon of sewing machines.