Cost of Molds

[StrawHat]

I have heard there will be an added cost (tariff) to the overseas molds.

Kevin

[Lance Boyle]

Arsenal worked for the shop that made NOE's molds when Al first started out. After NOE bought their own lathes and moved away from having that shop contract with him, one of their employees started Arsenal. He may have had a noncompetitive agreement with the old shop but that did not extend to all employees starting a new business.

I believe that Accurate uses a different aluminum type of block than NOE. I do know that both are much more durable than Lee's.

That sounds about right. I recall a bit of discussion and venting in the past. A kerfuffle over mold blocks being rejected as off spec or something was the impetus of the fallout. Vague collections.

I have at least one from Accurate and one from Arsenal. Both are a little fatter casting than I wanted, that beats the alternative. At least now Accurate has where you can spec the tolerance desired. It’s all 0.002” but you spec if it’s +/- 0.001, +0.002/-0, or +0/-0.002”. For what I was wanting if I used the last spec I would have been happiest. Live and learn.

I have more than half a dozen NOE molds and am already missing the opportunity to buy more. MP molds have been fantastic but their catalog is as was mentioned more limited to the more popular bullets. I get it, it’s a business operation judgement call and why his molds are 1/3 less than Accurate. Pretty much so were NOE molds if you bought a catalog mold off the shelf. You got your money’s worth.

[MiHec]

I have heard there will be an added cost (tariff) to the overseas molds.

Kevin

Yes.......
As we speak we do not ship to USA.
There is big chaos about tariffs and no one knows actual cost and fees.
I'm waiting response from Fedex, UPS and Dhl.

[Lance Boyle]

Yes.......
As we speak we do not ship to USA.
There is big chaos about tariffs and no one knows actual cost and fees.
I'm waiting response from Fedex, UPS and Dhl.

Thanks for the update Miha!

If you ever wanted leave beautiful Slovenia and set up shop here…….yea, I wouldn’t either lol. We don’t have the Kranjska sausages to make life livable. Some day I will visit that region!

[jdgabbard]

Yes.......
As we speak we do not ship to USA.
There is big chaos about tariffs and no one knows actual cost and fees.
I'm waiting response from Fedex, UPS and Dhl.

Miha, thanks for chiming in! And I'm sure that has been a huge blow for you. Hopefully you can get it figured out soon. As for the Tariffs, I don't believe you guys have the same rate as China, but I just ordered something from there, and the tariff wasn't too bad. I think it was like $15 for a $45 item. Hopefully you get it figured out.

[StrawHat]

Yes.......
As we speak we do not ship to USA.
There is big chaos about tariffs and no one knows actual cost and fees.
I'm waiting response from Fedex, UPS and Dhl.

Or, find a Country that is willing to deal with this regime, sell your products to them, and get them to this Country.

Kevin

[Cris T]

For about $600 you can buy the equipment to make your own molds.

[GregLaROCHE]

One more reason I’m in the process of building my own CNC milling machine… I can think of a thousand reasons to have one. And being able to make my own molds is just one of them. Every week I’m one piece closer. And even if it takes me a year to complete, I’ll be that much closer to being able to handle my own jobs…

You don’t necessarily need a CNC machine to make your own moulds, but if you want the excuse, go for it. I wonder if one day, we will be 3D printing boolits.

[jdgabbard]

You don’t necessarily need a CNC machine to make your own moulds, but if you want the excuse, go for it. I wonder if one day, we will be 3D printing boolits.

I know I don't NEED the CNC to make molds. The CNC is because I'm already into 3D printing and other hobbies that utilize CAD. It's just the logical next step. Making a home made machine capable of making something like molds is the real goal. Planned work space is going to be roughly 10" x 10" x 6". So this isn't going to be a large machine. More like a bench top hobby tool.

[MiHec]

Miha, thanks for chiming in! And I'm sure that has been a huge blow for you. Hopefully you can get it figured out soon. As for the Tariffs, I don't believe you guys have the same rate as China, but I just ordered something from there, and the tariff wasn't too bad. I think it was like $15 for a $45 item. Hopefully you get it figured out.

Problem right now is that big guys like UPS, Fedex and Dhl do not know how to proceed the parcels....real chaos... Still waiting for answers from them. In the mean time I sent a "test" parcel and we will see in a day or two.....

[jdgabbard]

Problem right now is that big guys like UPS, Fedex and Dhl do not know how to proceed the parcels....real chaos... Still waiting for answers from them. In the mean time I sent a "test" parcel and we will see in a day or two.....

Well, to back up your information, I will say that DHL wanted like $40 for tariffs on that order from China in addition to postage. But sending it standard mail it was only like $15 in addition to postage.

[justindad]

MP has good prices. The two cavity RCBS has become more expensive than a two cavity Saeco from Grafs… so Saeco is the best option for iron molds (Lyman molds, of course, don’t count because they are garbage).

[MiHec]

Well, to back up your information, I will say that DHL wanted like $40 for tariffs on that order from China in addition to postage. But sending it standard mail it was only like $15 in addition to postage.

Problem is that postal offices are not sending in US at all because of this chaos. You can only send letters....

[jdgabbard]

Problem is that postal offices are not sending in US at all because of this chaos. You can only send letters....

Interesting. Well, I’m sure they simply don’t want to have to send a package and the tariff change after they’ve already calculated it. It sucks. But I understand the hesitation.

[redhawk0]

Miha....I purchased a mold from you just 2 months ago...it sounds like I purchased at just the right time. Since tariffs are keeping shipments in limbo to the US...I hope this all calms down soon so I can place another order soon.

redhawk