Neck turning - K&M vs. 21st Century

[bidet]

A little while ago, I decided that it was time to get into neck turning. I found a used Sinclair NT-2000, which I used for a little while, and I've found that I'd like to move up. The main problem with the Sinclair is the coarseness of the adjustment, which becomes a real issue when switching from one caliber to another. I know they've made newer models that are a little easier to adjust, but I've been looking at other systems instead. So now I'm trying to decide between K&M and 21st Century. I'm looking for input on pros and cons of each system.

Currently, I can get the K&M system with the neck trimmer with carbide cutter, the ergonomic handle, pilot jack, the expander press adapter and riser mandrel, and shell holders, expanders and carbide cutting mandrels for .22, .30, and 6.5mm, for a little under $300, which is about $90 off of the manufacturers price.

The 21st Century lathe, in 6.5, is $315, and then I'd need to add on an additional case holder and driver ($35), as well as expander mandrels and turning mandrels for .30 and .22, at $38 each. Additionally, according to their chart, I'd need at least one additional carbide cutter ($35) because of a difference in shoulder angles between a couple of the calibers. So I'd be looking at about $475 give or take.

Things I like about the K&M include the fact that I can get the carbide turning mandrels, and that these mandrels have cutters to clean up the doughnut. I'm not sure how much of a problem that is in reality, since properly turned necks should prevent the doughnut in the first place. Another thing is that I can get additional cutter bodies, including carbide cutters, for a reasonable price ($65). That would allow me to set up a separate body for each caliber, minimizing the need to fiddle with settings when I change from one to the other.

What I like about the 21st C is the fact that everything self-aligns with the floating shell holder and floating cutter. And the lathe means that I don't have to hold the cutter in my hand, so maybe I could process a few more cases in a session without cramping. And, in theory, the option of cutters with different shoulder angles sounds good, but I don't know if it's really necessary. And I can get additional cutter bodies, just like with the K&M, but they are a bit pricier ($99).

Hopefully one or more members here have used both. If you have any thoughts of features that I have missed in the above, please share.

The difference in price for the 21st C system is not insurmountable, but I'm wondering if it's really worth it.

 

[spife7980]

I pondered building a tight necked ppc to dabble in the bench game (but came to my senses about my income) and in that researched it a good bit. I was convinced that the lathe would be the route that I would go if I did. It was less handling and its always nice when you can let a machine do it and I liked the adjustment mechanism from the videos I watched.

I also liked the design and the bit more universal aspect of the 21st century expanding mandrels and thats the route I did go for that. I also have a sinclair mandrel that works great.

I wouldnt ever put a internal reamer in my neck, youre just going to chew it up in all likely hood.

 

[digrazir]

I really like the 21st century power lathe setup and I don’t think you can go wrong with it. That said I went with the K&M because of the price. I have 5 cutter bodies so I can pretty much set them and forget about them. I also had an issue with donuts on my 260 and the cutting turning mandrel while in the process of outside neck turning easily eliminated the donuts. I originally ordered a kit for 6 mm 6.5 mm and 30 cal. With everything it was about $500 to get started and I added the additional cutter bodies and miscellaneous other parts over time. Ray

 

[ZiaHunter]

I use the 21st Century lathe and have it three neck turners set up for different calibers. Don't have the power adapter yet and use a powered screw driver which works fine. Turned literally thousands of necks with it and both fast and accurate. Prefer the carbide carbide turning mandrels over HSS ones. The cutters have the correct shoulder angle which permit a proper cut into the neck/shoulder junction. The K&M is a very good tool and several people I shoot with use it with good results. John at 21st Century makes excellent tools and customer service is second to none. I spoke to him at length at Berger SWN this past February about his power setup and think I am going to make the jump for it. I am in agreement with Spife regarding never touching the inside the of the necks with a cutter.