Bench Source or Giraud Annealer?

Smokin

Smokin

Sergeant
Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 20, 2007
545
11
Houston, Texas
#1
Looks like they both have good designs. The Bench source looks a bit more versatile with one attachment that accommodates many calibers. It also seems to be made of superior materials. The Giraud is nice with the gravity fed hopper. Any opinions from those who have used both? While I have a Giraud trimmer already and love it, my bias will be for the best product. Opinions?
 
#2
Re: Bench Source or Giraud Annealer?

Interesting. The Giraud gets my vote, just looking at their literature. Only thing that caught my eye was the time it listed for 223 cases...6 1/2 sec. I have a Ken light machine, which works perfectly, and does a case every 3 seconds. I do have to sit and add cases, but at 1200 pieces an hour, I'm not there very long.
 
#3
Re: Bench Source or Giraud Annealer?

J -

While I can't speak for him, I'm sure Doug would let you swing by to look at his annealer in person. I did when I bought my trimmer. Were I to ever need an annealer, I'd be buying Doug's if for no other reason than he is local and support/troubleshooting is that much easier. I like the design of it too.

That being said, I shoot my primer pockets loose before I have a need to anneal...

Best,
JP
 
#4
Re: Bench Source or Giraud Annealer?

I have the Giraud and I do like it, never used or have seen the Bench Source. I like the hopper on the Giraud as I can load it and do other things (not walking away) while the machine is running.

Twinky,
Doug's time recomendations are based on using a low flame. They can be sped up if you increase the flame used. So far I have been very happy with my annealer from Doug.
 
#5
Re: Bench Source or Giraud Annealer?

I've got the Bench source and I have absolutely no problems with it at all. I like the fact that one single unit can handle anything up to a 50 BMG so there is no changing plates or fiddling with feeding or anything like that. The fit and finish on it is stellar and honestly I'd rather put them into the feed plate by hand than have to stack them all into the hopper. I don't know how the Giruad controls the time in the flame but the Bench Source is very easy and very precise to set to anything you want and fiddle with as necessary based on how hot the burners are going. And the fit and finish is first rate. If the Giruad had been 300 and the bench source 500 then I'd be sorry not to have the extra $200 still in my pocket. But head to head for the same price, I like the bench source.

Plus, they keep them in stock so you can order and get it in less than a week.
 
#6
Re: Bench Source or Giraud Annealer?

Knowing the owner of Bench Source, and all the efforts he has put into his annealer to make it the perfect machine, I would (am) getting a Bench Source.
I already have friends that use them and they are working great.
 
#7
Re: Bench Source or Giraud Annealer?

Wow i didnt even know Giraud made an annealer. I just checked the vids and it looks pretty cool. I like the fact that you can load the Giraud and walk away from the machine. It is truly automated.

If it were me I would have to go for the Vertex, simply because the Giraud does not ship out of the states.
 
#10
Re: Bench Source or Giraud Annealer?

The need for extra parts for different calibers (and the time to switch them out) is a nuisance in the Giraud, although the cost is nominal. Looks like you could get the base unit and parts for any caliber but .50BMG for less than what the Bench Source cost. Current waiting period on the Giraud is a bummer if you're in a hurry. But you can load the Giraud and go about something else instead of hovering over the machine. My back would start killing me if I had to stand there and feed a thousand cases - slowly and one at a time. The B.S. is compact; not sure how big the Giraud is but it's tall.

Looks like a judgment call.
 
#12
Re: Bench Source or Giraud Annealer?

Giraud size:
18" tall
12" wide
8" deep

Really not as big as it looks on the web.The propane bottle is held inside the box with a padded hold down strap. As far as time to change calibers it is very minimal, maybe 2 minutes. I have been leaving the 308 size wheels on when doing 223 cases and have had no problems. I also dont change out the sliding plate that the cases set on. So for me I dont change anything but the flame time when going from 223 to 308. I have found it does help to turn the motor on for a few minutes before using the annealer. It seems the motor needs to warm up just a touch before use. Just my opinion here nothing more
 
#13
Re: Bench Source or Giraud Annealer?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Essential</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I knew I could get a dillon casefeeder to work on the Bench Source......Oooohhhhh man! </div></div>
Do you mean like jmorris built? That guy friggin' rocks when it comes to fab work.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...rue#Post2113352


 
#18
Re: Bench Source or Giraud Annealer?

Bench-Source.

the machine is slick. it's a functional, very well built machine.

The only thing I don't like about it is the torch holders. I do wish it had a separate locking clamp for the torch heads vs the adjustments for angle / height.

the appeal of the automatic Giraud with the case feeding is cool, but I don't think I would be out there without watching it, so it makes sense that I am feeding the bench source as well.

So bench-source.
 
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