Precision reloading tool: Mini lathe

[@aussiesteveakastevecallagh2280]

Great addition to any reloading room Eric , I’ve been using the same as you for years I wouldn’t be without it , thanks for the tip Steve .

[@Jcreek201]

Ive been watching all ur videos lately and learning a ton from you. I was pretty surprised to find this one because i’ve been using my mini-lathe for all of this for years and never heard of anyone else doing it. Awesome video!

[@rexwinfrey9747]

As a machinist that has been doing this stuff for over 47 years, chamfer the inside and out side of the brass as slow as you can. You don't need to remove more than .001 inches. High speed will cause you to shore the neck to the point it is dangerious.

[@Spruce-Bug]

You mean the high speed will make the neck too thin?

[@matthewhelton1725]

You can use an MT3 collet for holding the neck tools in the spindle; you don't have to use a chuck at all. A small Mini-Lathe project would be to turn a 2MT Blank (with a Tang) in a 3MT to 2MT Blank hoder to make a dedicated holder for your case head collet. You will also gain back valuable real estate travel on the lathe bed.

[@speedbuggy16v]

This is what I was going to say roughly, for a lot of that work collets would be far simpler and more concentric.

[@peterkolovos3079]

The case prep centers are made of cheap plastic. I'm very extravagant with my reloading tools because I take my ammo prep very seriously. I'd like to have the skill Erik has on this tool.

[@MrFrankenfab]

I was lucky enough to trade in to a mini lathe Many years ago. I have used it in a lot of the same ways you do. I also used it to ...........wait for it......bore neck sizing bushings!🕺🏻

[@benjaminlittle7916]

Man, I didn't know that I wanted one of these so bad. My wife is gonna kill me, thanks. lol

[@Robbievigil]

with a little work these lathes can be accurate down to 0.001. great video!

[@matthewhelton1725]

Maybe more than a little work... but yes.

[@N5KDA]

Wow Erick, and all this time I just used a verifiable speed drill.

[@AeroSport103]

Some good ideas. Thanks for posting!

[@drone4higher]

Erik you take hand loading to a new level! Very impressive sir

[@pstewart5443]

Erik, I know this is an old vid, but just a quick question. Have you ever seen an effect on accuracy in the situation where you were chamfering the case and the case not be straight as possible which might leave one side of the neck more chamfered than the other side?

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

I want one to mod 308 win to 35 rem. The base of the 308 win is a few thousands bigger then 35 rem. Also the extraction grove is slightly different. This mini lathe would make short precise work of that. My first go around with reforming 308 win cases to 35 rem I used a drill and a file. It worked but it was the biggest pain in the a$$.

[@dalefourroux6402]

How good is that little mini lathe you have. Because I'm thinking about by one also. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@beargardenroad5469]

This was a good video , it gave me a few ideas on getting more use out of mine ,

[@repairfreak]

That’s a nice little lathe. If one was to shop for a precision mini lathe with auto threading capabilities to cut inside/outside threads, 4 jaw chuck, and many other cool accessories, do you know of a manufacture that makes such lathes? Thanks for the nice video, I find your videos very helpful. God bless my friend ✌️😎👍

[@49walker44]

Have you ever tried making cartridges on your mini lathe? Ideally a CNC auto feed through the chuck if money were no object. Thanks great info.

[@miguelperaza6615]

GOOD job Cortina , on that scary cheap lathe ! Better than nothing , wonder If u can put long bullet on chuck and you can true the point to rid of imperfections or wobble , with 400 sand paper?

[@icep34ch]

Where can I find the Diy collet shellholder Video? 😅

[@javiervelasquez2525]

Hi Eric, than you for sharing these excellents videos, what is the brand of your lathe?

[@ErikCortina]

Javier Velasquez Urbina It's a Harbor Freight lathe.

[@georgezink8256]

You have made it so complicated no one will want to reload following this craziness

[@mattthecat5036]

...But does it neck size?

[@wetwriterrr]

Eric, thank you for sharing how you use a mini lathe. I see the controls on your lathe are on the right end but the minis I have looked at are on the left so I am guessing your mini is British because they do everything opposite normal, except walking. What brand is your machine? Thanks.

[@duggaboy]

Hahaha

[@mossranchoutdoors7249]

Central Machinery from Harbor Freight

[@southeastalabamaguns]

The camera is making it seem that way .... this camera is mounted looking down from the top behind his lathe, if you look at his hands you can see that the controls are actually on his left

[@sergeleduc3755]

i have Giraud Triway Trimmer, might be a better option than using an hand drill

[@johntre7656]

Can second the coupon. Got the 7 x 14 with 20% off and free delivery

[@pamtnman1515]

Have you thinned a rim?

[@JamesM-l5g]

Very cool! Thanks Erik!

[@bensteinsholt6899]

I think that thing is cool! It does not look like it is over 18" in length! Does it have to be bolted to a base of some sort? I like it!

[@ErikCortina]

Ben Steinsholt It's only 10" between centers. The machine does not to be bolted down and mine just sits on a countertop in my reloading room.

[@andybrock100]

Anymore of these coming up Erik?

[@ronbianca9722]

Hey Erik! What do you use that big lathe for that is in your shop? Stay healthy my friend!

[@ErikCortina]

Chambering

[@morgan4xl]

I purchased ten boxes of lapua 220 russian cases from midway (1000pcs) for my 6ppc, then, following your instructions, drilled and tapped the primer holes on all of them. What is the next step I need to do now?

[@ricktrapp482]

Buh you some new brass,you have ruined those.

[@robertgilbert6939]

Can you cut threads on a 30" barrel on that lathe ?

[@mossranchoutdoors7249]

No,it's only 12 inches long

[@2charlesbryant]

@Erik cortina What improvements to the mini have you made?

[@ErikCortina]

None

[@thetexasrat]

A lathe is good for turning silver bullets, But seems like the Lyman case prep center does most all that without having to waste time changing the bits around.

[@DMHal01]

Stop neck sizing!!! Lol

[@kr25flyn]

Hey Eric, I'd love to see your load development process. I know sometimes feel like I'm working in circles when I'm working up new data and think some of your advice might be helpful.

[@ErikCortina]

Kyle Flynn I will work on that soon. I need to work up a load for my 6.5x47 Lapua and I'll do a video series on that.

[@tacticdesign5596]

Hey bro, What is the Calibration tool you chucked up for your test reading?? Where could I find one for my own lathe?

[@ErikCortina]

It's a .0005" test Mitutoyo indicator. Can get it for MSC, Enco, etc.

[@mybourbontobear7491]

What drill bit and also what is the size of tap you used, as in thread pitch so it fits the Hornady tool?

[@ErikCortina]

David Rohrich I'll look when I go to the shop and post it.

[@ErikCortina]

Erik Cortina I made a video about it. Check it out here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oanPkn5omcRqlZI

[@dring219]

@ Erik Cortina ALL the comments after 8 years and not a soul has said one thing about this being an April Fools Video . Got a laugh out of me . I guess no one looked at the release date and mistook it as you being serious .

[@clausziegler5720]

Hi Erik I have a question on the usage of the 21th neck turning tool you mentioned. You put the 21th centruy unit with the mandrel and the cuting tool in the "spinning" part of the lathe. The normal use is the other way round: The case is spinning and not the cutting tool. So I am wondering why not placing the 21th centruy items the other way round into the lathe? You mentioned also the "free flow" of the case by doing it by hand and that you loose the tail stock to have this also in the lathe. By using the complete 21th century case holder for the 21th centruy neck turning lathe I am wondering whethter I would get the same "free flow" result? Sorry for my not precise technical english - but for normal use at vacation you are not discussing quite often at the bar about mini lathe, mandrels and so on :-) Best regards, Claus

[@ErikCortina]

By spinning the neck turner instead of the case I can leave the lathe on the entire time. It also allows me to indicate the mandrel on neck turner to insure it is turning concentric. It makes it much faster to do it the way I do it but the other way around would work as well.

[@clausziegler5720]

Ok, understood - smart! (and I guess, because you are doing it that way, you have no problems with "unround" spinning because the neck turner is not symmetric) What about the "free flow" with the 21th century case holder? Do you think it is still neccessary to loose the tail stock? Best regards, Claus

[@ErikCortina]

+Claus Ziegler Yes, it is still necessary to allow the tail stock to free float because tail stock is not in perfect line with chuck centerline, and even if it was, the case holder doesn't grip the case with repeatability. So allowing the tail stock to free float will let the case neck self align when going over mandrel.

[@clausziegler5720]

Yes I understand the need for the "free float" because the tail stock is not perfect in line with the chuck centre line. www.xxicsi.com/17-338-cal.-neck-turning-lathe.html "The floating design of our neck turner and case driver allows the case mouth (bore) to run on the arbor absolutely concentric. Therefore allowing O.D. to be turned concentric with I.D. " I was just thinking by using all the parts from 21th century that this is doing the job with free float but without a loose tail stock. Best regards, Claus

[@ErikCortina]

+Claus Ziegler This only applies when using their neck turning lathe because the lathe doesn't hold the turner rigid, it allows it to float.

[@guyprosper1814]

Do you have a web address for this 21st century that you keep reference?

[@ErikCortina]

+guy prosper www.xxicsi.com/

[@huntthedistance]

g as gsz

[@appreciativeobserver4732]

Just type "21st Century" in your browser search window and the internet will take you there.

[@bryanshelton2826]

Coming from a 40 machinist, please take the ring off.

[@das250250]

What model Lathe is it?

[@mossranchoutdoors7249]

Central Machinery from Harbor Freight

[@wetwriterrr]

Ok now I see the machine is upside down.

[@ErikCortina]

Crabby Old Warrior Yes, camera is on backside.

[@Pushyhog]

camera is pointing dwn

[@12345NoNamesLeft]

We're upside down

[@ErikCortina]

12345NoNamesLeft Yes we are lol. I tried to flip it in post but I thought it looked just fine this way. Makes it look like you are opposite of me when I'm operating the machine.

[@forwhomthebelltolls392]

Not for $800. I'll use my drill press, thanks.

[@phatbikeguy]

I normally do not leave comments, but on this one I have to ask......... You realize that none of these tools you put into this lathe are high speed tools? Also your chamfer and deburring..... that much speed there is no way you can be consistant , nor avoid sharpening the case. Was over prepped for use.

[@ErikCortina]

phatbikeguy Lathe is variable speed. You can then it very slow or very fast. As for tools not being high speed tools, I turn brass at 1500 RPM. But that’s another discussion.

[@phatbikeguy]

www.midwayusa.com/product/442091/lyman-case-care-kit, I just cant see the lathe being any faster than this. Now your drilling and tapping on the lathe, that's for the accuracy level and correct, and using the primer pocket uniformer..... maybe....... everything else is a turn of two on this unit, and this is lower cost, as well as substantially less space.

[@ErikCortina]

Seriously? You can't see how an electric machine that goes up to ~2,000 RPM is faster than a hand crank operated contraption? How do you turn necks with the Lyman? As far as your previous comment that none of the tools are high speed tools, we are machining brass! Brass has an SFM of 300-700, which means we could turn it up to 5,000 RPM to do the steps I did on this video and it would be perfectly fine.

[@xxx3581]

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[@georgezink8256]

You can’t be that lazy u will ruin more cases. People do not play this game

[@feetfats1]

Somebody going to get a hurt, I will not tell you who but.. Somebody

[@S5Locks]

Erik you just take this to a whole other level. Wow!

[@kevinroberson1985]

I installed a three horse motor on my harbor freight lathe and put metal gears in it! I have made milling attachments for the cross slide tool holder for it all so! And they work very well!

[@joehunter5914]

I was saying to my self why the hell does he have it on its side but you gave us the Ariel view lol

[@bigshaggy6163]

I ran a lathe for years.. would never wear a ring while running one. Unless you wanna deglove a finger, ijs.

[@georgezink8256]

I’m 40 year retired machinist

[@georgezink8256]

Buy a Lyman made for job not a lathe

[@roderickmarruffo7600]

Huh 2015, is the camera upside down or the lathe...? Lol anyway cool lil lathe. Old Texas saying, "You ain't a good lathe man unless you can put left handed threads up a bulls ass without a steady rest...

[@DLN-ix6vf]

what about tapping out the bullet ends like you did with those Sierra bullets for better flight can this machine be that accurate ?

[@biglemms]

So is the forward/reverse used depending on the direction of your rifle's twist?

[@jakesullivan2005]

i wonder how this would do on making your own dies?

[@D70340]

More complicated and time consuming than it needs to be.

[@tonynagy2042]

Guess what we have now Eric in 2021 LOL.

[@olhemi1]

Cool

[@ms004650]

ERIK. NOBODY IS SPENDING $800, TO DO BASIC BRASS PREP !!!!

[@mossranchoutdoors7249]

He's only demonstrating that if you ALREADY have a small lathe that it can be used for this. He's not recommending that you go out and buy one to do these things lol

[@bdgackle]

I own two full sized lathes... And this dude just convinced me I need a mini lathe for brass prep. LOL.

[@axelec]

Do not purchase a mini lathe just for reloading if you do you will be disappointed

[@ErikCortina]

axelec I disagree. If you learn to use it, it’s one of the most useful tools you can have in reloading room.

[@bulkness1]

What size drill bit are you using to drill out the cases before threading them?

[@ErikCortina]

Tony Faulkner I don't know off the top of my head. I'll look next time I'm at the shop.

[@ErikCortina]

Tony Faulkner I made a video about it. Check it out here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oanPkn5omcRqlZI

[@bulkness1]

Thanks for the video. I have ordered the #L drill bit.

[@danielmiller7439]

What brand is the orange collet tool you use?

[@ErikCortina]

Nielsen

[@danielmiller7439]

Thank you...

[@JamesReedy]

@@ErikCortina you can't get the Nielsen anymore, outside of the IDOD cause *ouch* what do you suggest for outside neck turning? I mean I know it's ideal to turn inside and outside, but would you say better to have turned the outside than do nothing at all?

[@ehamady6]

Aren't the set screws supposed to hit the flat surface of the mandrel?

[@ErikCortina]

What set screws?

[@ehamady6]

Erik Cortina I thought the 2 screws in the pumpkin would bear against the flat.

[@ErikCortina]

+Emil Hamady No, the mandrel is round under the set screw to allow you to adjust it. The pumpkin is fine adjusted by turning the mandrel. The mandrel is eccentric. The flat on the mandrel if for the set screw on the bottom portion of the body, which I remove in order to reveal enough mandrel to chuck it in lathe.

[@Do-UR-Research2749]

I realize this is an old post, however have you ever tried facing the case head (squaring it up) and see if that helps your accuracy. I've used really fine steel wool on a nylon brush to smooth out the inside of the necks.

[@Bill14886]

I use a RCBS Case Master . Does all my case prepping and also hold 4 tools at once . Inside & outside Taper, primer pocket brush cleaner, primer pocket uniformer, inside flash hole reamer. Pretty much any and all the tools youd need for prepping cases. But a lathe is always a cool tool to have but a bit overkill for reloading . I'm sure it would be cool to use for trimming max case length and making your own tools. I like the way you found a use for a lathe in a reloading shop. Wonder if my wife would buy that story. I need one. Lol.

[@az2vet698]

Not trying to be negative but what advantage does using this have over using a case prep center which has multiple tool stations and you can do all steps and only have to handle each piece of brass once or twice with the exception of neck turning or drill/tap? The Lyman Case Prep Express costs a bit over $100 and has 5 tool stations. Again, this is a serious question.

[@ErikCortina]

The lathe is much more versatile. As you can see, I can chamfer, debur, uniform primer pockets, chamfer primer pockets, neck turn, trim brass, etc. And on top of that, you can make small tools needed around the shop. You can make your own ogive comparators, headspace comparators, I have even made small base dies with my mini lathe. There are tons of things that can be made with it that are useful around the reloading room.

[@txsharpshooter85]

Case Dismissed Guaranteed You dumbass. He didn't say you should go out and buy one just to do that stuff. He was simply showing what it can be used for...you know, like maybe if you already have one for other purposes??

[@gunslinger7647]

Very cool dude. Heavy duty made fore other things and you adapted it to your need. I like it !

[@jessdigs]

I have the Frankford arsenal case prep center to trim, chamfer id/od primer pocket, etc. and I have a hardinge lathe to make tooling. They both have their purpose, but I wouldn't idea the lathe for case prep. it is far more precise on the lathe, but takes way to Long to do one step at a time, handle each case several times, etc

[@gunslinger7647]

jessdigs No limits to the mind.

[@jamesmahon838]

Generally a good machine.

[@ramwall1500]

okay I'm 75 years old and I've been reloading for about 50 years I would not advise this whatsoever Precision reloading requires reloading tools not a lave

[@ZERO_42069]

Ram Wall you know he’s one of the top F class shooters in the US right? I’m sure he knows his shit

[@duggaboy]

Dementia

[@bobboldman1189]

Most all benchrest shooters who have a lathe prep their brass on their lathe. We have a couple of these guys who have world records; guess they are doing something right!

[@bobwoods5017]

OMFG, I've seen a lot of crap in my life but a cordless milaukee 18v drill is cheaper and less dangerous. Like they say, if you look around the table and you're the only brown guy, you are the "Token" guy to improve their demographic target audience appeal.

[@ErikCortina]

Comparing a drill to a lathe... you obviously don’t get it. 🤷‍♂️

[@lonniemcmanners6296]

Damnit now I want a new tool. Let's see I need to not buy her an anniversary present and boom I have a mini lathe. Yeah I'm pretty sure I'll be in the dog house again.