I'm thinking about purchasing a brass annealer. I'm leaning towards the Giraud, but would appreciate any info or feedback on other setups in use by members here.
- Thread starter whytlotus
- Start date
Bench-Source and very happy with it
Tim
Tim
+1 In fact, I have a couple of friends that love it too. They bring thier brass over and use the machine on a regular basis. It only takes a few minutes to setup and teardown, and its easy to average about 10 brass per minute.
Giraud ..... it gets no better.
^^^^^^^^^^^ + 1 for Benchsource
Giraud. Very happy with mine.
From left to right. Factory Virgin Lapua 308, unannealed 6CM, annealed 6CM.
Using templaq, the inside of the case neck got to about 750' and the 450' zone did not extend more than 3/8 or so down below the annealed discoloration.
From left to right. Factory Virgin Lapua 308, unannealed 6CM, annealed 6CM.
Using templaq, the inside of the case neck got to about 750' and the 450' zone did not extend more than 3/8 or so down below the annealed discoloration.
For the Giraud owners...
-How long does it take to pull the unit from its stoarge place and setup?
-How long does it take to switch the machine from one caliber to another (i.e .308 to .338)?
-How long does it take to pull the unit from its stoarge place and setup?
-How long does it take to switch the machine from one caliber to another (i.e .308 to .338)?
Thanks for the input.... for those using the Bench Source, what kind of mileage are you getting from the propane bottles?
I am running the Bench Source system and really do like it. Extremely easy to setup, consistent, and you don't have to buy additional feeder plates unlike the Giraud. That being said, the automation of the Giraud would be nice. I can still crank out 1k + cases in a sitting on the Bench Source and not really mind at all while kicking back with a drink. Did 1250 .233 cases and 500 .308 cases last week and may do more this week, it's not really any big deal.
I am currently running the 1# Coleman canisters and would estimate that they will last about 4-5k (Big guess as I really don't check) cases depending on your time. I run the torches a bit closer to the cases to cut the time down and have not had any issues when checking with tempilaq.
My one suggestion is to convert over to a 20# BBQ propane tank if you're going to do large batches as it'll keep the torches with the most consistent supply of propane.
I am currently running the 1# Coleman canisters and would estimate that they will last about 4-5k (Big guess as I really don't check) cases depending on your time. I run the torches a bit closer to the cases to cut the time down and have not had any issues when checking with tempilaq.
My one suggestion is to convert over to a 20# BBQ propane tank if you're going to do large batches as it'll keep the torches with the most consistent supply of propane.
I have a Ken Light annealer works great. I would check out his web site.
Five minutes tops to get it adjusted and running.
Conversions take maybe 2-3 minutes.
Great... Thank you for the info Hoser. It sounds like the setup and conversion times are similar to the Bench Source.
Tag. Great information here, I've been thinking of getting one too.
Giraud here. Love it. Setup is easy as it sits out on one of the tables. Takes maybe a couple minutes to set flame and timing. I'm not generally doing small batches. The last two batches the holder was full to the top twice over. We only run .308 and .260 right now so they use the same plates. Usually sitting in the room doing something else like trimming or throwing charges at the other table. I like the capacity and not having to sit there and put shells in one by one.
I use the giraud. I have buckets of brass to do and like the "automation". I converted it to accept 20lbs tanks for a super consistent flame and installing a potentiometer for easy adjustments to multiple calibers. I credit all of this to fellow Hide members, I'm just thankful to find guys much smarter than me with machines 
I use the giraud. I have buckets of brass to do and like the "automation". I converted it to accept 20lbs tanks for a super consistent flame and installing a potentiometer for easy adjustments to multiple calibers. I credit all of this to fellow Hide members, I'm just thankful to find guys much smarter than me with machines
I just got mine delivered today. I would love to get info on how to perform those "upgrades".
Use and enjoy using the benchsource.
Search this on this site and read the thread. I didn't step up my throw away fittings, just cut them off, got a longer hose, and installed new fittings for the 20lbs tank. If you like, I can photograph my entire modification and post it up. I would like to splice off from the new regulator and run two annealers at once. C'mon, this is The Hide, that's how we roll.
Giraud annealing machine observations
i use a bench source and love it.
Never used a Bench Source, I use Turtle Sniper's Giraud. That thing is the trick.
Even better when I drop the brass off and he delivers it annealed and beautifully polished.
Even better when I drop the brass off and he delivers it annealed and beautifully polished.
Please do. I will be getting a giraud soon also. Just got the trimmer.
Bench source here. Have set up ready to switch to a bbq tank, but still running strong on the original two mini tanks. Have annealed around 5k brass (308, 223, 260, 338lm) so far. It's been great!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Girard trimmer.
Bench Source annealer.
Bench Source annealer.
this is the best set you can have.
i have both of these machines and love them. they make the job so much easier.
Bench Source
Two thumbs up. Easy to set up and stores in a smaller space than the Giraud.
Two thumbs up. Easy to set up and stores in a smaller space than the Giraud.
