Annealing newbie - Anyone tried this DIY annealer?

[OutsideBill]

Hey folks. I'm preparing myself to start reloading. Just wondering if anyone has tried building an annealer using a kit like this? https://www.etsy.com/listing/1147706025/version-3-brass-annealer-parts-kit-for?gpla=1&gao=1& If you don't want to click on my random link, just do a google search on "version 3 brass annealer parts kit" to find this.

I figured this $65 solution would allow me to start developing that skill set along with all the others, if it works.

 

[Rick Richard]

If you decide not to go this route, look at the EP Integration annealer. Very reasonably priced and works great.

 

[OutsideBill]

If you decide not to go this route, look at the EP Integration annealer. Very reasonably priced and works great.

That one is on my list. At just $65, the Etsy version is still a nice savings, if it works.

 

[MarkInPA]

That one is on my list. At just $65, the Etsy version is still a nice savings, if it works.

Not telling anyone what to do. To each their own. I will say that there is something to be said about purchasing something that is completed and working versus buying a kit that you have to invest your time and put together and hope that you put it together correctly without breaking. Sometimes, a little extra money is well spent.

I would thoroughly review this to make sure you are getting everything you need to complete the project. From the description, "Download the instructions to see a list of additional items you will need to complete the project." Also be aware that these are 3D printed parts. I have some experience with 3D printers and 3D printed parts. For some applications, they are fine. For something like this, I'm not so sure. I would be concerned about how long they would last long term.

 

[southpa]

Not telling anyone what to do. To each their own. I will say that there is something to be said about purchasing something that is completed and working versus buying a kit that you have to invest your time and put together and hope that you put it together correctly without breaking. Sometimes, a little extra money is well spent.

I would thoroughly review this to make sure you are getting everything you need to complete the project. From the description, "Download the instructions to see a list of additional items you will need to complete the project." Also be aware that these are 3D printed parts. I have some experience with 3D printers and 3D printed parts. For some applications, they are fine. For something like this, I'm not so sure. I would be concerned about how long they would last long term.

Point taken but I believe the idea behind this is that some people enjoy investing their own time. The gentleman who sells these parts kits built this kit because of that. I highly doubt you have a pockett full of cash and you're looking for a top shelf AMP annealer and your time is worth a ton of money if you're looking to buy DIY parts kit from someone off etsy. Just saying.

OP, Mr Bean is a fantastic American Veteran. He built this kit because he knew he could make something that didn't cost a million dollars that works just as any other flame annealer. Like many of us, he would rather build his own rather than give another man his money for something he could do by himself. The kit works exactly as you see it. It's very DIY but everything is simple and explained with links to products. You will spend more than the advertised price because there is a small list of products that aren't included. If you like tinkering and have the time this winter it will work just fine. If you have the money but not the time buy something else. In the end they will both give you the same product.

 

[HuntingBronco]

Looks like a fun kit. Oh the days of Heathkit and people learning to build and experiment. His instructions are well written with super drawings and photos. If I wanted a flame style annealer, I would definitely play with this. It might be better than the early version Annealeez I have been happily using for 10 years. Would I prefer an AMP? Absolutely, but for $100 bucks (about where you land with additional parts) and some time, this will get you in the game of volume annealing. Good luck, learn, have fun, and post results.

 

[BrentM]

Hey folks. I'm preparing myself to start reloading. Just wondering if anyone has tried building an annealer using a kit like this? https://www.etsy.com/listing/1147706025/version-3-brass-annealer-parts-kit-for?gpla=1&gao=1& If you don't want to click on my random link, just do a google search on "version 3 brass annealer parts kit" to find this.

I figured this $65 solution would allow me to start developing that skill set along with all the others, if it works.

I made a induction annealer DIY and love it. It's not auto fed yet. I need to work on that part but the consistency and ease of use is so much better than my flame auto annealer. Just a thought. However, that thing looks sweet

 

[OutsideBill]

Not telling anyone what to do. To each their own. I will say that there is something to be said about purchasing something that is completed and working versus buying a kit that you have to invest your time and put together and hope that you put it together correctly without breaking. Sometimes, a little extra money is well spent.

I would thoroughly review this to make sure you are getting everything you need to complete the project. From the description, "Download the instructions to see a list of additional items you will need to complete the project." Also be aware that these are 3D printed parts. I have some experience with 3D printers and 3D printed parts. For some applications, they are fine. For something like this, I'm not so sure. I would be concerned about how long they would last long term.

I respect the advise, and don't disagree. That's why I was asking here to see if anyone had done this. Getting some insight into the product might help me avoid wasting time and money.

 

[HRM Johnny]

Outside Bill, please let us know what you decide. Also, please let us know how it works out. Thanks.

 

[OutsideBill]

I made a induction annealer DIY and love it. It's not auto fed yet. I need to work on that part but the consistency and ease of use is so much better than my flame auto annealer. Just a thought. However, that thing looks sweet

I've looked at the DIY induction annealer too. I want to first find out if annealing is something I even find helpful and necessary with my ammo before going to the $200+ step.

 

[OutsideBill]

Looks like a fun kit. Oh the days of Heathkit and people learning to build and experiment. His instructions are well written with super drawings and photos. If I wanted a flame style annealer, I would definitely play with this. It might be better than the early version Annealeez I have been happily using for 10 years. Would I prefer an AMP? Absolutely, but for $100 bucks (about where you land with additional parts) and some time, this will get you in the game of volume annealing. Good luck, learn, have fun, and post results.

Thanks for the encouragement. I also thought it looked fun, and I imagine it will be very much like those early flame annealers in function.

 

[OutsideBill]

Outside Bill, please let us know what you decide. Also, please let us know how it works out. Thanks.

I certainly will.

 

[OutsideBill]

Point taken but I believe the idea behind this is that some people enjoy investing their own time. The gentleman who sells these parts kits built this kit because of that. I highly doubt you have a pockett full of cash and you're looking for a top shelf AMP annealer and your time is worth a ton of money if you're looking to buy DIY parts kit from someone off etsy. Just saying.

OP, Mr Bean is a fantastic American Veteran. He built this kit because he knew he could make something that didn't cost a million dollars that works just as any other flame annealer. Like many of us, he would rather build his own rather than give another man his money for something he could do by himself. The kit works exactly as you see it. It's very DIY but everything is simple and explained with links to products. You will spend more than the advertised price because there is a small list of products that aren't included. If you like tinkering and have the time this winter it will work just fine. If you have the money but not the time buy something else. In the end they will both give you the same product.

Thanks for the input, southpa. I do like tinkering. I also don't mind paying another person for their product either, if it's something I need and they're not gouging. I understand a lot of markup on any product has to do with a business or person paying for protection from the inevitable lawsuits that will happen, so I don't think the EP Integration product, or the Annealeez, or any of those are unreasonably priced.

FWIW, I edited my original post way down. I started with a question and a ramble on whether I even needed to anneal since I'm just starting out. My new Speer reloading manual doesn't even mention annealing as something to do in it's steps and processes. That got me thinking about doing it on the cheap, and the drill/torch method seems too uncontrolled for me. I'm already going to be fighting to manage variables in the process. With this setup, I think I will have about as much control as one can get on a flame annealer.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

If you decide not to go this route, look at the EP Integration annealer. Very reasonably priced and works great.

I've got an EP ^^^^^. Once you get the hang of it, it's easy to use and produces consistent results. For the cost, it's hard to beat. They do run periodic sales.