The Most Honest LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM Review Online
For any serious reloader, case preparation is a critical, often tedious, part of the process. I found myself spending an inordinate amount of time wrestling with my manual case trimmer, particularly when working through larger batches of .223/5.56 brass. It was a bottleneck that was significantly slowing down my output. This led me to search for a more efficient solution, something that could shave off precious minutes, if not hours, from my reloading sessions. After a bit of digging, the LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM emerged as a promising contender, boasting speed and convenience directly from its name. It promised to trim and chamfer in mere seconds, a proposition I found hard to resist.
My initial impression upon unboxing the Lee Power Quick Trim was one of practical simplicity. The unit itself feels robust, primarily constructed from a hard, black polymer with a metal hex shank for attachment. It’s not overly flashy, but it conveys a sense of utilitarian purpose. It’s clear this tool is designed to be a workhorse rather than a display piece.
In my search for a faster case trimming solution, I looked at a few different options. While some automated machines offered impressive speed, their price tags were prohibitive for my current needs. Other powered trimmers were often part of larger, more complex systems that seemed like overkill. The LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM struck a compelling balance between functionality and affordability, making it an attractive alternative for a home reloader looking to upgrade without breaking the bank. My first reaction was a mix of relief and genuine curiosity to see if it could truly deliver on its “quick trim” promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM to the Test
My primary testing ground for the LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM has been my dedicated reloading bench in a moderately controlled workshop environment. Given its intended use, extreme conditions weren’t a primary concern, but it certainly encountered the usual dust and occasional minor debris common to any workshop. I used it with a cordless drill, which provided ample power, though I learned quickly that gentle pressure is key.
The ease of use was remarkably high. Setup was straightforward: attach the appropriate caliber-specific die (sold separately, of course), insert the brass, and engage the drill. The hex shank snapped easily into my cordless drill’s chuck. The entire process, from inserting a case to having it trimmed and chamfered, took mere seconds. There were no major surprises or quirks on first use, other than the initial realization of just how much power a cordless drill can deliver through this compact tool.
After several hundred rounds of .223/5.56 brass and a good amount of .45 ACP, the LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM has held up exceptionally well. There are no visible signs of wear on the cutting edges, and the polymer body remains intact with only minor scuffs from handling. I did notice that the cutter assembly can accumulate brass shavings, but a quick blast of compressed air or a small brush easily keeps it clean. Maintenance is minimal; essentially, keep it free of debris and ensure the cutter assembly is functioning smoothly. Compared to my old manual trimmer, this powered version is a revelation in terms of time savings and effort reduction. Budget options for case trimmers exist, but none offer this level of integrated speed and convenience without a significant price jump.
First Use Experience
I tested the LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM primarily at my reloading bench, a space that sees consistent use and is generally kept clean but is still subject to workshop dust. The tool performed admirably under repeated use, with no noticeable degradation in performance even after extended sessions. Attaching it to my cordless drill was seamless, and the power it generated was more than sufficient.
The LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM was intuitive from the start. There was virtually no learning curve; the process of inserting brass and engaging the drill felt natural and efficient. My only minor hiccup was initially applying too much pressure with the drill, which, as user feedback suggested, is unnecessary. A light touch is all that’s needed to achieve perfect results.
Extended Use & Reliability
Weeks of consistent reloading have proven the durability of this Lee trimming tool. It has easily processed hundreds of cases without any loss of sharpness or efficiency in its cutting or chamfering action. The robust polymer construction and the quality of the cutter assembly suggest a long service life for this unit.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down and occasional clearing of brass shavings from the cutter head are all that’s required. There are no complex mechanisms to disassemble or lubricate, making it an incredibly low-maintenance accessory. It significantly outshines the fiddly nature of some other case trimming systems I’ve used in the past.
Breaking Down the Features of LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM
The LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM is a compact and purpose-built reloading accessory designed for maximum efficiency. It features a hex shank designed to securely fit into the chuck of any standard cordless drill or screwdriver. This allows for powered operation, drastically reducing the effort and time required for case trimming.
The core of the system is the deluxe cutter assembly, which includes a hardened steel cutter that precisely trims the case mouth. Simultaneously, it performs a chamfering operation, smoothing the inside and outside edges of the case mouth in a single pass. This dual functionality is a significant time-saver.
Specifications
The LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM is a single-unit system that includes the power adapter and cutter. Its primary materials are durable, black-colored polypropylene for the main body and a steel hex shank for drill attachment. It does not include the cartridge-specific dies or the cordless screwdriver/drill, which are sold separately.
The key specification is its ability to trim and chamfer cases in seconds, a claim supported by its powered operation. This contrasts with manual trimmers which require significant manual rotation per case. The hex shank ensures a secure fit with common drill chucks, providing stability during use.
Performance & Functionality
The LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM excels at its primary function: rapid case trimming and chamfering. When used with the correct caliber-specific die, it produces consistently trimmed cases that are ready for resizing and further reloading steps. The integrated chamfering leaves a clean, burr-free edge.
Its biggest strength is undeniably its speed. The ability to trim and chamfer a case in a matter of seconds is a game-changer for high-volume reloading. A minor drawback is that it requires a separate die for each caliber, adding to the overall cost if you reload multiple different cartridges.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM is utilitarian and functional. The black polypropylene body is lightweight yet feels sturdy enough for its intended purpose. The hex shank is well-machined and provides a positive grip in drill chucks.
Ergonomically, it’s straightforward. The user primarily interacts with the drill, not the trimmer directly. Holding the drill steady while feeding cases into the die is comfortable, and the lightweight nature of the trimmer prevents fatigue during long sessions. The integrated chip catcher is a practical addition, preventing brass shavings from scattering.
Durability & Maintenance
The construction suggests this unit is built for moderate to heavy use. The hardened steel cutter, if kept clean and free from damage, should offer a long lifespan. The polypropylene body is resistant to common workshop chemicals and is unlikely to crack under normal operational stress.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick clean with compressed air after each session is usually sufficient. The cutter head itself is user-replaceable should it ever become dull or damaged. There are no other moving parts that typically require lubrication or frequent attention.
Accessories and Customization Options
The LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM comes with the power adapter, cutter assembly, and an integrated power Quick Trim adapter chip catcher. Crucially, it does not include the caliber-specific Quick Trim die (either pistol or rifle), which must be purchased separately. These dies are what actually hold the case and determine the trim length.
The ability to use different Quick Trim dies provides the customization needed to trim cases for various calibers. This modular approach allows reloaders to expand their capability without needing multiple entirely separate trimming tools. Each caliber-specific die is designed for precise length control for that particular cartridge.
Pros and Cons of LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM
Pros
- Exceptional speed: Trims and chamfers cases in mere seconds, drastically reducing reloading time.
- Integrated functionality: Performs trimming and chamfering in a single operation.
- Ease of use: Simple setup and operation with a standard cordless drill.
- Durable construction: Made with robust polypropylene and a steel hex shank.
- Cost-effective upgrade: Offers significant time savings at an affordable price point.
- Includes a helpful power Quick Trim adapter chip catcher.
Cons
- Requires separate dies: Caliber-specific Quick Trim dies must be purchased individually for each cartridge.
- Drill not included: User must supply their own cordless drill or screwdriver.
- Potential for over-powering: Can be too aggressive if too much pressure is applied with a powerful drill.
Who Should Buy LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM?
This tool is an absolute must-have for any serious handloader who frequently processes large quantities of brass. If you reload for pistol cartridges like 9mm or .45 ACP, or rifle cartridges such as .223/5.56, and are looking to significantly speed up your case preparation, the LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM is an ideal choice. It is perfect for those who have found manual trimmers to be a time-consuming bottleneck in their reloading process.
However, this tool might not be the best fit for someone who only reloads a handful of rounds occasionally or for a very wide and diverse range of calibers, as the cost of individual dies could add up. Those who require absolute pristine, match-grade precision might still prefer dedicated, high-end case trimming lathes. For optimal use, a variable-speed cordless drill is recommended, allowing for better control over the trimming speed.
Conclusion on LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM
The LEE 90670 DELUXE POWER QUICK TRIM is a remarkably effective and efficient tool for the home reloader. It delivers on its promise of speed and convenience, transforming case trimming from a laborious chore into a swift operation. The build quality is solid for its price point, and the integrated trimming and chamfering capability is a significant advantage.
Considering the substantial time savings it offers, the value proposition is excellent, especially when factoring in the cost of alternative powered trimming solutions. I wholeheartedly recommend this unit to any reloader looking to streamline their process and increase their output. It’s a smart investment that pays dividends in saved time and reduced effort, making it a standout accessory for any reloading bench.