Electric Screwdriver with particular features

[dtalbot]

There are a lot of options out there, and I've been exploring some search results. Unfortunately, Artificial Intelligence is acting more like a marketing department than an information source. At 70+ years young, my arthritic hands are making my reloading tasks too painful for enjoyment. I'd like to turn my small bench mounted tools into simple task providers. I have purchased the necessary attachments for these tools to do the changeover. I just need to 'right' electric screwdriver to run them. To make these tools work the way I'd like them to, I need specific features.

It will need to be mounted to the bench, so a straight line tool (or one that can be set that way) is preferable.

It needs a 1/4" chuck for attachment to these tools

It needs to be variable speed, at least run low, say to 20-50 RPM

It needs the ability to be locked in the on position

Lastly, and if possible, a corded 110 volt device has the ability to be controlled with a foot pedal (on/off). Not a requirement, but a nice feature.

As I stated previously, there's a lot of info out there, but I'm hoping someone can enlighten me to what you have that fits my needs. I will do the legwork to check out what you present me with.

 

[liliysdad]

I can only imagine you are working on automating your case trim and prep setup. If I am correct, is there a reason why you don't want use a case prep center?

 

[dtalbot]

Yes, I've invested a small sum already in the tools. They've served me well and there's not a thing wrong with them. I do enjoy using them. The cost of a quality case prep center will be a lot more than the tool I am looking for, but I will pay what's needed for that tool.

 

[liliysdad]

I have used both the RCBS Prep Center and the Frankford trimmer prep center.

I would highly recommend either, but the Frankford is altogether better. Either use standard threaded case prep tools so you shouldn’t have to buy anything additional. The shoulder indexed trimmer on the Frankford is a game changer.

 

[JradM]

I can only imagine you are working on automating your case trim and prep setup. If I am correct, is there a reason why you don't want use a case prep center?

That was impressive reading-between-the-lines. I don't understand how you got there, but nicely done!

 

[liliysdad]

That was impressive reading-between-the-lines. I don't understand how you got there, but nicely done!

Lots of years and lots of rounds fired and built.

 

[RTM]

I think cobbling together something to build a low speed drill will be easiest. That low speed, coupled with a 110v foot switch really paint you into a corner. Maybe a vintage sewing machine motor, mated w a 1/4" chuck? Put a blocking screw on the foot switch to limit max speed.

 

[liliysdad]

That's an awful lot of work and time to build something that's already built.

 

[seber]

A flex shaft would do what you need. Foredom makes what is probably the best.

 

[liliysdad]

A flex shaft would do what you need. Foredom makes what is probably the best.

A flex shaft would be a horrible tool for case prep.

 

[seber]

A flex shaft would be a horrible tool for case prep.

Maybe but they are commonly set up just this way for working opal.

 

[liliysdad]

Maybe but they are commonly set up just this way for working opal.

I’ve no reason to doubt that, but opal has nothing to do with brass cartridge case prep.

 

[RTM]

A flex shaft would do what you need. Foredom makes what is probably the best.

the extra zeros on the speed would bother me for suggesting that

 

[liliysdad]

the extra zeros on the speed would bother me for suggesting that

Yep…150-200rpm is more than enough.

 

[seber]

Yep…150-200rpm is more than enough.

Which is exactly the speed used for working opal. Foredoms are variable speed and are very happy at 100-200 rpm.

 

[liliysdad]

Which is exactly the speed used for working opal. Foredoms are variable speed and are very happy at 100-200 rpm.

Ok.

A flex shaft Foredom it is. I don’t know why they even make case prep centers and why absolutely no one uses them for case prep.

 

[no704]

Sounds like a servo motor could work. There are lots of options depending on torque and speed requirements. Also some neat little controllers if you don’t want to get into programming your own.

 

[dtalbot]

Thanks all for the wide ranging discussion on the multitudes of subjects. I didn't really get the advice I was looking for as it relates to screwdriver function so I will go with something that should accomplish my task for less than $100.

I had pretty much identified these available items before I posted here, but thought I could do better.
I found a corded close quarter drill and I'll attach it to a foot operated switch. I'll use a flex shaft to drive my tools. The close quarter drill is variable speed, and can be locked in the on position. It will easily rake a 1/4" flex drive cable. The foot operated switch will control the start/stop function of the connected tool. The only challenge will be mounting the drill as it doesn't lay flat on my bench like a screwdriver will. I'll likely hang it.

 

[liliysdad]

I’m genuinely curious…and please don’t take this the wrong way…

What will this accomplish that an existing commercial solution will not? Is it simply the challenge of doing it yourself? Lord knows we have all been there…

 

[dtalbot]

As I stated in my post above, I wanted to retain my existing equipment as I have a lot of money in them. I looked at the available case prep centers some time ago, and decided to stay with what works for me.

The heart of my case prep includes a Sinclair/LE Wilson Ultimate case trimmer. It cost me close $300+ along with the added accessory add-ons. In addition, I have some 25+ LE Wilson shell holders, one for each of the calibers I shoot. Those run me approximately $20 apiece.
In addition, I do neck turning, primer pocket and case mouth beveling work on a Forster trimmer tool. These tools are each mounted to finished oak squares that are attached to my work bench with threaded inserts and knobs so they can be removed easily as need for space allows. I've purchased the needed 1/4" drive pieces for these tools, easily installed by removing the handles of each.

 

[liliysdad]

I see.

 

[dnschmidt]

I hate guns so I don't have a clue as to what your talking about but I assume you're bending or forming metal casings of some sort. That stated I can't see a screwdriver having sufficient torque to do that job. I agree that a corded low speed drill would seem to be the best solution unless my assumptions are completely wrong, which having no knowledge of reloading bullets, where I grew up they were only used once to kill somebody, so they probably are.

 

[liliysdad]

I hate guns so I don't have a clue as to what your talking about but I assume you're bending or forming metal casings of some sort. That stated I can't see a screwdriver having sufficient torque to do that job. I agree that a corded low speed drill would seem to be the best solution unless my assumptions are completely wrong, which having no knowledge of reloading bullets, where I grew up they were only used once to kill somebody, so they probably are.

That’s a whole lot of completely off base irrelevance coupled with just as much wrong information.

 

[NHtoolguy]

I use rechargeable electric screwdrivers for my case prep tasks. I have two, so I can swap them when a battery needs charging. My recent purchase was a Bauer unit from Harbor Freight, which uses a lithium ion battery. It can run a long time between charges, and was only about $20. Both screwdrivers use a 1/4" hex interface which works well with my Lee trimmers. For my RCBS case trimmer, I purchased a hex adapter to replace the crank. The only only variable-speed 110 volt screwdrivers I have seen are very expensive industrial units.

 

[Etchase]

I have a couple of these. They work well and have as much torque as my others. 20 inch pounds if I recall. For under $20 you might want to try it.

Amazon.com: SATA 3.6 V 1/4" Cordless Screwdriver Kit - ST51010U : Tools & Home Improvement

Amazon.com: SATA 3.6 V 1/4" Cordless Screwdriver Kit - ST51010U : Tools & Home Improvement

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