The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Alpha1, the hobby standard for old school is the ML7 or if you can find it, the original Warco 7x20 which is like a well built Myford. I used one for a while and it was identical to my original ML7 however it was better built and finished, all the parts were directly interchangeable between Warco and Myford.

Alternaticely you could look at a new Chester, Warco or similar and the floor standing versions are reasonably robust and I can think of a couple of rifle plumbers who use them to great effect. My choice for accurate machining is a Colchester Chipmaster and I am lucky enough to have a reasonable example that will exceed the capability of the digital read out.

It's not the motor I have had it checked it's OK it may be the board. I probably ran it to long at low speed under load. I'm sure I can fix it. It ain't going to be cheap though.
Alan at work is finishing the 6.5x55 primer seating stem I was working on for me and making me a spare one as well. So all is not lost. In stainless as well. NICE.

Just spent two very frustrating evenings repairing the lathe so I can get back to machining gun related stuff.
I refitted the motor which wasn't to bad. Rewiring the two boards stop start button and speed controller was a bit more interesting especially as the wiring diagram that came with it bears no resemblance to what's actually on it. I'm getting there I can not see any obvious damage to the boards if it does not run after this I will just change them out one at a time. They are only about £110 each.
Ouch . Oh dear. I have to say though I am missing not having it working all ready.

I'm playing with my Wamadet press I really like this press. I'm full length sizing with it sat on top of my computer desk and it works a treat. Especially if you use the die without the expander button. My theory is if you are happy to neck size using a bushing die why do you need a expander.

I now know why you need an expander. The difference between shoulder set back with out an expander and shoulder set back with the expander in place is quite noticeable on my 6.5x55 reloaded cases. In fact the ones sized with out the expander chambered but the extractor would not pick them up to eject them.
The ones full length sized with an expander in place but using a redding competition shell holder to bump the shoulders slightly work fine.

I am in mourning the lathe is still goosed and I have a back log of projects I can not get on with. The Electrics are in the Instrument/Electrical work shop at work. Its not looking good.