Skulptor
Member
You set it with a case that is the correct length. It just takes loosening two set screws and retightening them. Easy.
Looking for a case trimmer. Is WFT any good??
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oldpapps
Member
"Looking for a case trimmer. Is WFT any good??"
The one thing I dislike about loading is trimming.
I have tried so many tools, I don't remember them all. Then I got a 'WFT'.
First the bad - a little pricy for an old retiree for only one case. That's it, I don't have anything further to list on the bad side.
For my hand cranked lathe trimmer/s, I have my length samples and when I got my 'WFT', I adjusted it to my standard casing length. Done, every casing is trimmed to length.
I spread an old sheet out on the floor in front of the TV, dumped out my brass to be trimmed and went at it. As the trimmed pile got larger, I switched over to de-burring and chamfering. Then back to trimming. It was quick and easy.
I will get another 'WFT' for any other cases that I need to trim in bulk.
I'm sure there are many other trimmers out there for a lot more/less costs that work as well. I just won't be looking now.
The one thing I dislike about loading is trimming.
I have tried so many tools, I don't remember them all. Then I got a 'WFT'.
First the bad - a little pricy for an old retiree for only one case. That's it, I don't have anything further to list on the bad side.
For my hand cranked lathe trimmer/s, I have my length samples and when I got my 'WFT', I adjusted it to my standard casing length. Done, every casing is trimmed to length.
I spread an old sheet out on the floor in front of the TV, dumped out my brass to be trimmed and went at it. As the trimmed pile got larger, I switched over to de-burring and chamfering. Then back to trimming. It was quick and easy.
I will get another 'WFT' for any other cases that I need to trim in bulk.
I'm sure there are many other trimmers out there for a lot more/less costs that work as well. I just won't be looking now.
Ahh, to trim or not to trim, that is the question, it is a far far better thing that I have done than I have ever done. (LOL)
While trimming is a necessity for rifle cases, you will find that pistol cases for the most part do not need trimming. One of the tasks I dislike is the process of trimming cases. Since I shoot 223 the most, that is the task I find tasking.
So what is the best way to trim those pesky cases. Trying not to spend my children's inheritance, I try the least expensive methods, do they work, yes, are they great, not so much. But $69.95 for a single trim die is a bit expensive.
These are the methods I have tried, and out of all of them I find the new Lee trim die system the easiest to get the job done. At $9.00 for the die and $16.00 for the deluxe trimmer (also does the inside and outside of the case mouth at the same time) gives me the best results.
Jim
Zip Trim Methoid
Electric Drill Method
Standred Universal Trimmer
Lee Deluxe Trim Die
While trimming is a necessity for rifle cases, you will find that pistol cases for the most part do not need trimming. One of the tasks I dislike is the process of trimming cases. Since I shoot 223 the most, that is the task I find tasking.
So what is the best way to trim those pesky cases. Trying not to spend my children's inheritance, I try the least expensive methods, do they work, yes, are they great, not so much. But $69.95 for a single trim die is a bit expensive.
These are the methods I have tried, and out of all of them I find the new Lee trim die system the easiest to get the job done. At $9.00 for the die and $16.00 for the deluxe trimmer (also does the inside and outside of the case mouth at the same time) gives me the best results.
Jim
Zip Trim Methoid
Electric Drill Method
Standred Universal Trimmer
Lee Deluxe Trim Die
trixter
Member
How do you like the new Lee trimmer?
I used to think this way until I got my first WFT. They have made me want a Giraud, but i cannot justify the expense a Giraud--yet.
While I have not tried the new Lee trimmer and cannot comment, the old system is good but locking the case to the case stud was always a problem area. It frequently would get loose and the case would spin out of the holder.
Using a drill press to hold the Lee cutter with the drill press table being the stop sounds like a good idea but I have not tried it either. I like to trim in my reloading room, the drill press is in the shop.
I have several WFTs for cases that I shoot frequently and therefore trim a fair amount. For low volume shooters, I use an L.E. Wilson trimmer with the Sinclair upgrades.
But, life would be boring if everybody does things the same way.
Skulptor
Member
Well.............. I hate to say it but I'm not having great luck with my trimmer. I have used it in my drill press as well as a hand drill and my trims are being inconsistent.
I set it at 1.750 for the most part it gets them within about a 1000th, usually shorter but, there have been a few that just seem to "grab" or something and it takes them down to 1.690. I can not find a rhyme or reason. I have it tightened down, via the set screws, well but, it just wants to shave the hell outta one ever so often.
Since I am new at this and wanting to do it correctly, I am measuring every one. I could see if there was a long one once in awhile because of a shaving getting on the shoulder or something but these are being cut WAY too short.
Any ideas??
Thanx a bunch!
Chaz
I set it at 1.750 for the most part it gets them within about a 1000th, usually shorter but, there have been a few that just seem to "grab" or something and it takes them down to 1.690. I can not find a rhyme or reason. I have it tightened down, via the set screws, well but, it just wants to shave the hell outta one ever so often.
Since I am new at this and wanting to do it correctly, I am measuring every one. I could see if there was a long one once in awhile because of a shaving getting on the shoulder or something but these are being cut WAY too short.
Any ideas??
Thanx a bunch!
Chaz
Brass shavings on the shoulder of the WFT trimmer will affect the trim length. But it usually makes the cut length too long.
If you feed the case too quickly, it will grab. Longer cases tend to grab more easily than cases that are just a skoosh too long.
It takes a bit of feel to know how to prevent the grabbing.
I cannot say that when i have a case that grabs, it ends up being too short.
If the cases trimmed after the short one is also short, then the cutter is moving.
Let the cutter do its work, do not try to force it.
Hope this helps.
If you feed the case too quickly, it will grab. Longer cases tend to grab more easily than cases that are just a skoosh too long.
It takes a bit of feel to know how to prevent the grabbing.
I cannot say that when i have a case that grabs, it ends up being too short.
If the cases trimmed after the short one is also short, then the cutter is moving.
Let the cutter do its work, do not try to force it.
Hope this helps.
Yep, keep the brass shavings cleaned out regularly, and use some touch feeding them in.
Another thing is to use clean tumbled cases. If they still have lube on them they will attract shavings and gum up the trimmer. The shavings need to stay dry so they can fall away freely.
Another thing is to use clean tumbled cases. If they still have lube on them they will attract shavings and gum up the trimmer. The shavings need to stay dry so they can fall away freely.
Poper
Member
I am with jim243 and his "Electric Drill Method'.
I have used the RCBS trimmer lathe and the Lyman trimmer lathe. Neither was as consistent, easy or fast as the Lee system.
My Lee trimmer for .270 Win. was set to trim back to the maximum length so I nipped off .010" with a Dremel tool. It trims cases exactly to the trim-to-length every time with the press of a button. Cheap, too!
Cutter & Lock stud: $6.99 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/476992/lee-case-trimmer-cutter-and-lock-stud
Case Length gauge: $4.99 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/930066/lee-case-length-gage-and-shellholder-270-winchester
I have since set up each caliber I load for exactly the same way. Makes trimming simple, accurate, easy and economical. I have reloaded for more than 25 years and I have yet to wear one of these things out.
I am sure there are other trimming methods other folks are gonna swear by and I won't argue with them. But I think a fellow is doing himself a disservice if he doesn't try the Lee tool out. I mean, what does a guy have to lose for $12 plus shipping?
Hope this helps.
Poper
I have used the RCBS trimmer lathe and the Lyman trimmer lathe. Neither was as consistent, easy or fast as the Lee system.
My Lee trimmer for .270 Win. was set to trim back to the maximum length so I nipped off .010" with a Dremel tool. It trims cases exactly to the trim-to-length every time with the press of a button. Cheap, too!
Cutter & Lock stud: $6.99 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/476992/lee-case-trimmer-cutter-and-lock-stud
Case Length gauge: $4.99 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/930066/lee-case-length-gage-and-shellholder-270-winchester
I have since set up each caliber I load for exactly the same way. Makes trimming simple, accurate, easy and economical. I have reloaded for more than 25 years and I have yet to wear one of these things out.
I am sure there are other trimming methods other folks are gonna swear by and I won't argue with them. But I think a fellow is doing himself a disservice if he doesn't try the Lee tool out. I mean, what does a guy have to lose for $12 plus shipping?
Hope this helps.
Poper
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