Forster Original Case Trimmer with Neck Turning Kit
Forster's Original Case Trimmer with its optional Neck Turning Kit is positioned as the best value for precision reloaders, combining accurate case trimming and an integrated neck-turning capability in a single, durable unit. It outperforms basic standalone neck turners on cost-per-feature and convenience, offering near-professional finishes at a lower price than premium units like the Sinclair NT-4000 while sacrificing some of the ultra-fine repeatability of high-end lathes.
Bench-grade precision (old-school charm)
Rigid, no flex (trusty heft)
Bench-grade precision (old-school charm)
Rigid, no flex (trusty heft)
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise the Forster Original Case Trimmer with Neck Turning Kit for its exceptional build quality, precision, and very low runout, producing excellent neck finishes; it's viewed as reliable but relatively expensive and slower than some dedicated lathes."
Quick setup (snap-in joy)
Co-axial case trimmer design centers cutter and case for excellent concentricity.
Quick setup (snap-in joy)
Co-axial case trimmer design centers cutter and case for excellent concentricity.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Forster's Original Case Trimmer with its optional Neck Turning Kit is positioned as the best value for precision reloaders, combining accurate case trimming and an integrated neck-turning capability in a single, durable unit. It outperforms basic standalone neck turners on cost-per-feature and convenience, offering near-professional finishes at a lower price than premium units like the Sinclair NT-4000 while sacrificing some of the ultra-fine repeatability of high-end lathes.
Bench-grade precision (old-school charm)
Rigid, no flex (trusty heft)
Quick setup (snap-in joy)
Co-axial case trimmer design centers cutter and case for excellent concentricity.
Includes neck turning kit with mandrels and interchangeable cutters for controlled material removal.
Bench-grade precision (old-school charm)
Rigid, no flex (trusty heft)
Quick setup (snap-in joy)
Co-axial case trimmer design centers cutter and case for excellent concentricity.
Includes neck turning kit with mandrels and interchangeable cutters for controlled material removal.
Sinclair NT-4000 Premium Neck Turning Tool
The Sinclair NT-4000 is the market leader for reloaders who demand repeatable, micrometer-grade neck concentricity and fine control; its premium build, precise adjustment mechanisms, and broad bushing support justify its higher price. Compared with more budget-focused options such as the PMA or K&M Expandiron, the NT-4000 delivers superior surface finish and consistency for match-level work, though it represents a larger capital outlay than compact or integrated systems like the Forster kit.
Micro-adjustable accuracy (pro mic)
Buttery feed action (silky)
Micro-adjustable accuracy (pro mic)
Buttery feed action (silky)
Review Summary
"The Sinclair NT-4000 is regarded as a premium, accurate neck-turning solution with solid construction and good support; some users mention cutter wear and the need for occasional tuning but most report outstanding, repeatable results."
Tool-free head swap (speedy grin)
Heavy-duty construction with micro-adjustable cutter feed for fine neck thickness control.
Tool-free head swap (speedy grin)
Heavy-duty construction with micro-adjustable cutter feed for fine neck thickness control.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Sinclair NT-4000 is the market leader for reloaders who demand repeatable, micrometer-grade neck concentricity and fine control; its premium build, precise adjustment mechanisms, and broad bushing support justify its higher price. Compared with more budget-focused options such as the PMA or K&M Expandiron, the NT-4000 delivers superior surface finish and consistency for match-level work, though it represents a larger capital outlay than compact or integrated systems like the Forster kit.
Micro-adjustable accuracy (pro mic)
Buttery feed action (silky)
Tool-free head swap (speedy grin)
Heavy-duty construction with micro-adjustable cutter feed for fine neck thickness control.
Accepts a wide range of mandrels and cutters to cover many calibers and profiles.
Micro-adjustable accuracy (pro mic)
Buttery feed action (silky)
Tool-free head swap (speedy grin)
Heavy-duty construction with micro-adjustable cutter feed for fine neck thickness control.
Accepts a wide range of mandrels and cutters to cover many calibers and profiles.
$700-1000 CAD
K&M Expandiron Neck Turning Tool
K&M's Expandiron system stands out for its clever expanding mandrel design that speeds set-up and reduces runout for mid-volume shooters, offering a good balance of performance and affordability. It is generally less costly than a full lathe like the 21st Century unit and easier to use for quick batches, though it does not deliver quite the same absolute precision or rigidity as the premium Sinclair NT-4000 or full-size lathes used in dedicated shops.
Compact footprint (space-saver)
Expandable mandrel (clever twist)
Compact footprint (space-saver)
Expandable mandrel (clever twist)
Review Summary
"The K&M Expandiron is lauded as a good-value, flexible neck-turning option that delivers acceptable concentricity, though it often requires careful setup and users report occasional quality-control variability."
Surprising accuracy (value shock)
Expandable mandrel (expand-iron) system minimizes runout for superior concentricity.
Surprising accuracy (value shock)
Expandable mandrel (expand-iron) system minimizes runout for superior concentricity.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
K&M's Expandiron system stands out for its clever expanding mandrel design that speeds set-up and reduces runout for mid-volume shooters, offering a good balance of performance and affordability. It is generally less costly than a full lathe like the 21st Century unit and easier to use for quick batches, though it does not deliver quite the same absolute precision or rigidity as the premium Sinclair NT-4000 or full-size lathes used in dedicated shops.
Compact footprint (space-saver)
Expandable mandrel (clever twist)
Surprising accuracy (value shock)
Expandable mandrel (expand-iron) system minimizes runout for superior concentricity.
Quick-change mandrels and cutter holders speed caliber swaps during batch work.
Compact footprint (space-saver)
Expandable mandrel (clever twist)
Surprising accuracy (value shock)
Expandable mandrel (expand-iron) system minimizes runout for superior concentricity.
Quick-change mandrels and cutter holders speed caliber swaps during batch work.
$650-900 CAD
21st Century Shooting Neck Turning Lathe
The 21st Century Shooting Neck Turning Lathe is built for high-volume and professional shops that need the throughput and rigidity of a true lathe-based neck turning platform, delivering exceptional concentricity and surface finish under continuous use. It typically requires a larger investment than bench-mounted kits like Forster or handheld units from PMA, but its industrial-grade construction and speed make it the cost-effective choice for heavy users seeking shop-level output and longevity.
Industrial robustness (tank-like)
Consistent finish (mirror necks)
Industrial robustness (tank-like)
Consistent finish (mirror necks)
Review Summary
"The 21st Century Shooting neck turning lathe is celebrated for its rigidity, fast material removal, and repeatability—favored by frequent reloaders and competitors—though it carries a premium price."
High throughput (workhorse)
Lathe-style design with motorized or crank feed options for consistent, repeatable cuts.
High throughput (workhorse)
Lathe-style design with motorized or crank feed options for consistent, repeatable cuts.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The 21st Century Shooting Neck Turning Lathe is built for high-volume and professional shops that need the throughput and rigidity of a true lathe-based neck turning platform, delivering exceptional concentricity and surface finish under continuous use. It typically requires a larger investment than bench-mounted kits like Forster or handheld units from PMA, but its industrial-grade construction and speed make it the cost-effective choice for heavy users seeking shop-level output and longevity.
Industrial robustness (tank-like)
Consistent finish (mirror necks)
High throughput (workhorse)
Lathe-style design with motorized or crank feed options for consistent, repeatable cuts.
Stable heavy base and precision leadscrew reduce chatter and improve finish.
Industrial robustness (tank-like)
Consistent finish (mirror necks)
High throughput (workhorse)
Lathe-style design with motorized or crank feed options for consistent, repeatable cuts.
Stable heavy base and precision leadscrew reduce chatter and improve finish.
$500-800 CAD
PMA Tool Neck Turning Tool
PMA Tool's neck turning tool targets budget-conscious hobbyists who want a simple, modular solution that produces competent results without the complexity or cost of premium systems. It is more affordable and easier to store than larger dedicated lathes such as the 21st Century model, but it typically requires more user attention and multiple passes to match the ultra-fine tolerances achievable with high-end tools like the Sinclair NT-4000.
Precision-engineered (classy feel)
Retrofit friendly (fits rigs)
Precision-engineered (classy feel)
Retrofit friendly (fits rigs)
Review Summary
"PMA Tool's neck turning tool is seen as a capable, modular system that yields good results for experienced users; buyers note a steeper learning curve and limited documentation/support compared with some rivals."
Budget pro-grade (wallet wins)
Affordable, compact neck turner aimed at hobbyists and occasional users.
Budget pro-grade (wallet wins)
Affordable, compact neck turner aimed at hobbyists and occasional users.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
PMA Tool's neck turning tool targets budget-conscious hobbyists who want a simple, modular solution that produces competent results without the complexity or cost of premium systems. It is more affordable and easier to store than larger dedicated lathes such as the 21st Century model, but it typically requires more user attention and multiple passes to match the ultra-fine tolerances achievable with high-end tools like the Sinclair NT-4000.
Precision-engineered (classy feel)
Retrofit friendly (fits rigs)
Budget pro-grade (wallet wins)
Affordable, compact neck turner aimed at hobbyists and occasional users.
Uses replaceable mandrels and cutters with straightforward depth adjustment.
Precision-engineered (classy feel)
Retrofit friendly (fits rigs)
Budget pro-grade (wallet wins)
Affordable, compact neck turner aimed at hobbyists and occasional users.
Uses replaceable mandrels and cutters with straightforward depth adjustment.
$300-500 CAD