Giraud trimmer not chamfering inside of neck evenly

[SDHNTR]

Worked fine when I got it and it was set up with the one pilot and caliber diameter already from them. Once I changed to a different caliber, I adjusted the cutting blade as per instructions and now it cuts the chamfer on the inside of the neck unevenly. I’ve tinkered with the blade over and over again. What am I doing wrong?

 

[bmart2622]

These answers cannot be found on the internet

 

[wind gypsy]

Worked fine when I got it and it was set up with the one pilot and caliber diameter already from them. Once I changed to a different caliber, I adjusted the cutting blade as per instructions and now it cuts the chamfer on the inside of the neck unevenly. I’ve tinkered with the blade over and over again. What am I doing wrong?

I dont understand, like one side of the case mouth gets more chamferred than the other? That sounds like something is bent or the case isn't being pushed down centered on the cutter drive. I've swapped cartridges and cutters a bunch and never had that issue. Getting the balance of debur/chamfer right is usually a PITA but i've never had it cut unevenly around the case mouth other than when i assume i push a case in less than straight.

 

[SDHNTR]

That's exactly right. One side of the case mouth gets a nice chamfer and the other side is barely touched. The cutter blade is not spinning true, or the case is being pushed in off center. The case holder (.308 win) has a little spring loaded bushing in it and there's a considerable amount of slop to it. You can definitely push it in off center. So I don't know if it's the blade or the bushing that's giving me grief. The case holders without that bushing seem better. If I take the time to spin the case around several turns as it's cutting it does even out, but that's a bit of a pita.

Honestly, I'm a bit displeased with my Giraud. I'm certainly willing to admit my issues may be user error. But just looking at the contraption sitting on my bench, it doesn't seem like it's engineered with much precision. Franken contraption. Rube Goldberg at work.

 

[wind gypsy]

I spin every case. If you don't have workin man hands and have to do a few hundred you might want to wear gloves.

 

[Dos XX]

Is your case mouth round.? Sounds like it is if the cut is off equally all the way around,

With the power off, loosen the set screw on the cutter. Push a case down onto the cutter. Center the case mouth edge in the crotch of the cutter. Tighten screw. Test one. If you want more on one side or the other, adjust minutely. If you knew that already, I apologize.

Also, if there is a nick on the cutter, there are 3 cutting edges on each cutter. Just take cutter out and rotate it.

+1 on rotating the case while cutting.

I sold mine because I couldn't communicate with them. When I asked about case holders for new cartridges I wanted to trim, I got a rant back from them. I didn't need that, so I moved on.

 

[Lawnboi]

You got to push the case in and spin it, normally a half spin does it.

I’ll occasionally get an uneven case, it can usually be tracked back to something in sizing or dents in the necks. I use my giraud as a final check on my cases, if they don’t do what most of them are they are marked as foulers or practice rounds.

 

[SDHNTR]

Is your case mouth round.? Sounds like it is if the cut is off equally all the way around,

With the power off, loosen the set screw on the cutter. Push a case down onto the cutter. Center the case mouth edge in the crotch of the cutter. Tighten screw. Test one. If you want more on one side or the other, adjust minutely. If you knew that already, I apologize.

Also, if there is a nick on the cutter, there are 3 cutting edges on each cutter. Just take cutter out and rotate it.

+1 on rotating the case while cutting.

I sold mine because I couldn't communicate with them. When I asked about case holders for new cartridges I wanted to trim, I got a rant back from them. I didn't need that, so I moved on.

Yes, that’s the same blade set up process I’ve used.

I got a similar rant when I asked why some case holders have that janky spring loaded thingy and some don’t. The dude must be some kind of mad scientist.

Rotating the case isn’t a huge deal, just seems to trim to a slightly less consistent length when I do that. And it’s kinda tricky to push the case all the way in, and spin it at the same time. A little easier on longer cases.

 

[Lawnboi]

The giraud is a little different too in that it trims off the shoulder. Versus the entire case, which is how we measure. This magnifies any differences in the cases as it relates to consistency and sizing.

With new cases, especially if they are not that all consistent, it’s not uncommon when trimming to have some differences. After a few firings they should all do exactly the same thing.

The good news is they sell quick if you want to try a Henderson. The giraud makes my fingers hurt but I do like that it cuts off the shoulder versus case oal.

 

[SDHNTR]

You got to push the case in and spin it, normally a half spin does it.

I’ll occasionally get an uneven case, it can usually be tracked back to something in sizing or dents in the necks. I use my giraud as a final check on my cases, if they don’t do what most of them are they are marked as foulers or practice rounds.

I hear ya, but conceptually, if the cutter spins around the case mouth, why do you have to spin the case too? I realize I’m answering my own question, but if it cut more precisely on the round, the spinning shouldn’t be needed, right?

 

[SDHNTR]

The giraud is a little different too in that it trims off the shoulder. Versus the entire case, which is how we measure. This magnifies any differences in the cases as it relates to consistency and sizing.

With new cases, especially if they are not that all consistent, it’s not uncommon when trimming to have some differences. After a few firings they should all do exactly the same thing.

The good news is they sell quick if you want to try a Henderson. The giraud makes my fingers hurt but I do like that it cuts off the shoulder versus case oal.

That makes sense.

 

[Lawnboi]

I hear ya, but conceptually, ifcutter spins around the case mouth, why do you have to spin the case too? I realize I’m answering my own question, but if it cut more precisely on the round, the spinning shouldn’t be needed, right?

No idea on the science. I just stick them in the hole, give them a half spin, and put the in the box marked ready to prime.

 

[Dos XX]

On the Giraud, If your shoulder bump varies, your trim length varies. It did hurt my hand when I did several hundred in one sitting.

 

[wind gypsy]

They have seemingly gotten worse on communication over the years. I’m pretty sure the springs are on every case holder below a given diameter. Not enough room for them on fatter cases. I assume the idea is to lift the brass off the cutter when there isn’t downward pressure?

 

[SDHNTR]

They have seemingly gotten worse on communication over the years. I’m pretty sure the springs are on every case holder below a given diameter. Not enough room for them on fatter cases. I assume the idea is to lift the brass off the cutter when there isn’t downward pressure?

You are correct about the diameter on the case. I initially had it set up with a .300 wsm and had great results. And now that I think about it, I then did 6.5 prc next and it worked great too. Both fatties. The problem started when I went to the .308 case family. Which now makes me realize it’s not the blade at all, it must be the slop in that dang bushing.