WFT case trimmer review

troy_mclure · May 17, 2011, 10:53 PM

since the issue of hatred of case trimming has been coming up lately i finally talked a neighbor down enough to get this little crow gunworks wft(worlds finest trimmer).

you put it in the drill and stick the brass in the hole in the "top".

i grabbed my drill in my vice and locked the trigger and went to town. i grab a handfull of brass and go. it is easy, simple and fast. ill be timing it here soon.

its wayyyyy faster than my zip trim, no chunking or un-chucking brass, just stick it in the hole.

there are very few reviews on it so i thought i would add one here.

i am not associated with little crow gunworks or getting anything from them. just figured id share some info with you guys.

Don H · May 17, 2011, 11:03 PM

Does it deliver consistant case lengths with square (even) case mouths? Is it adjustable for length?

troy_mclure · May 18, 2011, 12:44 AM

yes and yes, they recomend giving the case 1/4 turn once cutting has been stopped to remove any burs and level it out.

and it comes set to factory spec, but its fully adjustable.

Don H · May 18, 2011, 11:50 AM

Thanks, Troy.

physikal · May 18, 2011, 12:00 PM

What's the advantage of this one over a possum hollow trimmer? It's 3x the cost and does the same thing right?

oakfloor · May 18, 2011, 12:12 PM

Where do I buy one of these?

troy_mclure · May 18, 2011, 05:11 PM

Quote:

What's the advantage of this one over a possum hollow trimmer? It's 3x the cost and does the same thing right?

its more massively overbuilt than the possom hollow one, and it has bearings on the shell contact area to it so it wont damage the case.

Quote:

Where do I buy one of these?

email little crow gunworks: [email protected]

alloy · May 18, 2011, 06:42 PM

Think it would do well chucked in a small old bench lathe?

Looks like a nice piece.

itman · May 18, 2011, 07:44 PM

How do you change sizes? Will it handle brass as small as 380 or 9mm?

physikal · May 18, 2011, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troy_mclure

its more massively overbuilt than the possom hollow one, and it has bearings on the shell contact area to it so it wont damage the case.

email little crow gunworks: [email protected]

Does the delrin on the possum hollow tools damage cases? I honestly wasn't aware of that.

Smokey Joe · May 19, 2011, 09:34 AM

Troy McClure--I have to echo Itman's post--How do you change cartridges?? Or is this a one-cartridge thing; want another cartridge, buy another trimmer?

Also, how do you hold onto the brass as you "stick it into the hole in the top?"

Can't quite visualize how this thing works.

A photo or 2 of the gadget in action would be helpful.

snuffy · May 19, 2011, 10:31 AM

I'll pass on this one. I don't think you'd get a square case mouth hand holding the shell. Also, I bet you'd get hand cramps in a hurry trying to hold the base of the shell from turning while being trimmed.

Here's a link to a discussion;

http://texaspredatorposse.ipbhost.co...howtopic=19703

troy_mclure · May 19, 2011, 04:44 PM

its trimmer per "family", ie: '06, .223, etc...

i hold the shells by hand. no cramps, tho i only have done it for 15 mins strait as a max.

its only for bottleneck cases, it spaces off the shoulder, so no straight wall cases.

i didnt realize that the possum hollow one was delrin, ive never been able to get my hands on one.

a lathe should work fine, a drill press is not recommended tho.

ill take a picture and post it soon oh how its used.

alloy · May 19, 2011, 05:07 PM

After seeing this thread I searched u tube.
Nothing on the Little Crow Gunworks, but the Possum Hollow trimmer got a few hits.
I suppose it works about like this? Seems to headspace/length set...like using an adjustable headspace case gauge?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4_QaEusPFg

troy_mclure · May 19, 2011, 06:03 PM

ok, heres the interior view of how the cutter trims the brass.

heres how the brass goes.

ill email them and see if they will weigh in with more/better info.

Don H · May 19, 2011, 06:11 PM

Troy, thanks for providing all this information on a product you just bought!

troy_mclure · May 19, 2011, 07:51 PM

i looked long and hard for reviews on it, i figured id add to the few out there.

i decided to get it in my 2 highest volume cartridges, and just use the zip trim for the low volume stuff.

troy_mclure · May 29, 2011, 06:55 PM

ok, just trimmed 500 .223 cases(of 2700) mixed milsurp(very long necks) and commercial, with a handful of .204 ruger cases(sized to .223) thrown in.

first 100: 5m 48s,
second 5m 32s,
third 5m 19s,
fourth 5m 31s,
fifth 5m 15s.

its all about your case placement, and how much you grab.

if i had a large pocket apron it would go much faster.

i have the un-trimmed brass in a bucket to my right, the trimmed brass goes to a bucket on my left.

i grab a handful(small handfuls are faster(less fumbling)) with my right hand, and feed the brass and drop it in the trimmed bucket with my left.

im expecting to break 5m/100 in the next few hundred i do.

the biggest drawback i have found is the noise. i bought a cheapo $20 drill. it is very loud. im sure a better quality drill would work better.

mineralman55 · June 1, 2011, 03:09 PM

+1 on this trimmer. I bought one from Little Crow several months ago, and it is excellent. Each one trims a "family" of cartridges, such as .308/.243 or 30-06/25-06/35 Whelen. The case is inserted into the opening and is indexed off the shoulder of the case. I first experimented with the WFT in a hand held drill, then after understanding it chucked it into my lathe. It is simple to use with very little practice. I found it trims the cases square every time, and cases didn't require chamfering or deburing although I did it anyway. I wear a "grippy" glove on my right hand and feed them into the trimmer. I did 500 .308 cases in 2-3 hours, no cramping in my hand at all.

Rather than buy a second one for my 30-06 cases, I simply adjusted the cutting length (instructions are included) to what I wanted and began. You have to hold the 30-06 cases steady in order to get a square cut, but I did several hundred this way. It's a great product. Highly recommended.

troy_mclure · June 1, 2011, 04:24 PM

id kill for a bench lathe, but its so far out of my budget. lol

alloy · June 1, 2011, 05:22 PM

Quote:

id kill for a bench lathe, but its so far out of my budget. lol

After reading this thread I ordered a Possum Hollow .223 to try the whole concept.
Ordered the power adapter, but since I have a small lathe(old Craftsman/Atlas) the chuck holds the cutter easily without it. Came yesterday and haven't had alot of time yet to experiment but I did about 15 real quick.
The slow and variable speed is nice....I use it as a prep center for chamfer, primer pockets etc. It zips right along as fast as you can pick them up.
All in all it goes well instead of using my Hornady camlock.
How does the WFT trimmer leave the edge?
The Possum Hollow needs the regular inside and outside chamfer still, but it sure is quick.

troy_mclure · June 1, 2011, 06:20 PM

the edge of the case is flat and very level.

tomt53 · December 31, 2011, 12:01 PM

I got the .308 family trimmer. It in conjuction with the Hornady case prep assistant, is putting fun back into prepping brass.

hounddawg · January 1, 2012, 01:15 PM

I am going to have to consider one of those in .223 if I keep my AR, would not be worth it for my other stuff

May 17, 2011, 10:53 PM	#1
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	WFT case trimmer review since the issue of hatred of case trimming has been coming up lately i finally talked a neighbor down enough to get this little crow gunworks wft(worlds finest trimmer). you put it in the drill and stick the brass in the hole in the "top". i grabbed my drill in my vice and locked the trigger and went to town. i grab a handfull of brass and go. it is easy, simple and fast. ill be timing it here soon. its wayyyyy faster than my zip trim, no chunking or un-chucking brass, just stick it in the hole. there are very few reviews on it so i thought i would add one here. i am not associated with little crow gunworks or getting anything from them. just figured id share some info with you guys. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time." Last edited by troy_mclure; May 19, 2011 at 06:06 PM.

May 17, 2011, 11:03 PM	#2
Don H Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2000 Location: SLC,Utah Posts: 2,704	Does it deliver consistant case lengths with square (even) case mouths? Is it adjustable for length? __________________ Don http://www.utahconcealedcarry.com/forum/

May 18, 2011, 12:44 AM	#3
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	yes and yes, they recomend giving the case 1/4 turn once cutting has been stopped to remove any burs and level it out. and it comes set to factory spec, but its fully adjustable. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

May 18, 2011, 11:50 AM	#4
Don H Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2000 Location: SLC,Utah Posts: 2,704	Thanks, Troy. __________________ Don http://www.utahconcealedcarry.com/forum/

May 19, 2011, 09:34 AM	#11
Smokey Joe Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2001 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 2,106	Diff. ctgs??? Troy McClure--I have to echo Itman's post--How do you change cartridges?? Or is this a one-cartridge thing; want another cartridge, buy another trimmer? Also, how do you hold onto the brass as you "stick it into the hole in the top?" Can't quite visualize how this thing works. A photo or 2 of the gadget in action would be helpful. __________________ God Bless America --Smokey Joe

May 18, 2011, 12:00 PM	#5
physikal Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Posts: 135	What's the advantage of this one over a possum hollow trimmer? It's 3x the cost and does the same thing right?

May 18, 2011, 12:12 PM	#6
oakfloor Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2009 Posts: 111	Where do I buy one of these?

May 18, 2011, 07:44 PM	#9
itman Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2005 Posts: 199	How do you change sizes? Will it handle brass as small as 380 or 9mm?

May 19, 2011, 10:31 AM	#12
snuffy Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2001 Location: Oshkosh wi. Posts: 3,055	I'll pass on this one. I don't think you'd get a square case mouth hand holding the shell. Also, I bet you'd get hand cramps in a hurry trying to hold the base of the shell from turning while being trimmed. Here's a link to a discussion; http://texaspredatorposse.ipbhost.co...howtopic=19703 __________________ The more people I meet, the more I love my dog They're going to get their butts kicked over there this election. How come people can't spell and use words correctly?

May 19, 2011, 04:44 PM	#13
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	its trimmer per "family", ie: '06, .223, etc... i hold the shells by hand. no cramps, tho i only have done it for 15 mins strait as a max. its only for bottleneck cases, it spaces off the shoulder, so no straight wall cases. i didnt realize that the possum hollow one was delrin, ive never been able to get my hands on one. a lathe should work fine, a drill press is not recommended tho. ill take a picture and post it soon oh how its used. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

May 19, 2011, 06:03 PM	#15
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	ok, heres the interior view of how the cutter trims the brass. heres how the brass goes. ill email them and see if they will weigh in with more/better info. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

May 19, 2011, 06:11 PM	#16
Don H Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2000 Location: SLC,Utah Posts: 2,704	Troy, thanks for providing all this information on a product you just bought! __________________ Don http://www.utahconcealedcarry.com/forum/

May 19, 2011, 07:51 PM	#17
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	i looked long and hard for reviews on it, i figured id add to the few out there. i decided to get it in my 2 highest volume cartridges, and just use the zip trim for the low volume stuff. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

May 29, 2011, 06:55 PM	#18
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	ok, just trimmed 500 .223 cases(of 2700) mixed milsurp(very long necks) and commercial, with a handful of .204 ruger cases(sized to .223) thrown in. first 100: 5m 48s, second 5m 32s, third 5m 19s, fourth 5m 31s, fifth 5m 15s. its all about your case placement, and how much you grab. if i had a large pocket apron it would go much faster. i have the un-trimmed brass in a bucket to my right, the trimmed brass goes to a bucket on my left. i grab a handful(small handfuls are faster(less fumbling)) with my right hand, and feed the brass and drop it in the trimmed bucket with my left. im expecting to break 5m/100 in the next few hundred i do. the biggest drawback i have found is the noise. i bought a cheapo $20 drill. it is very loud. im sure a better quality drill would work better. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

June 1, 2011, 03:09 PM	#19
mineralman55 Member Join Date: September 29, 2009 Location: deep south Posts: 99	WFT Trimmer +1 on this trimmer. I bought one from Little Crow several months ago, and it is excellent. Each one trims a "family" of cartridges, such as .308/.243 or 30-06/25-06/35 Whelen. The case is inserted into the opening and is indexed off the shoulder of the case. I first experimented with the WFT in a hand held drill, then after understanding it chucked it into my lathe. It is simple to use with very little practice. I found it trims the cases square every time, and cases didn't require chamfering or deburing although I did it anyway. I wear a "grippy" glove on my right hand and feed them into the trimmer. I did 500 .308 cases in 2-3 hours, no cramping in my hand at all. Rather than buy a second one for my 30-06 cases, I simply adjusted the cutting length (instructions are included) to what I wanted and began. You have to hold the 30-06 cases steady in order to get a square cut, but I did several hundred this way. It's a great product. Highly recommended.

June 1, 2011, 04:24 PM	#20
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	id kill for a bench lathe, but its so far out of my budget. lol __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

June 1, 2011, 06:20 PM	#22
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	the edge of the case is flat and very level. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

December 31, 2011, 12:01 PM	#23
tomt53 Member Join Date: April 2, 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 15	I got the .308 family trimmer. It in conjuction with the Hornady case prep assistant, is putting fun back into prepping brass.

January 1, 2012, 01:15 PM	#24
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	I am going to have to consider one of those in .223 if I keep my AR, would not be worth it for my other stuff __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek

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