03 June 2017, 09:46
cal pappasNEI Handtools
Gents:
Is NEI still in business? I gave up on them a few years ago when they would not answer the phone and only took orders that were placed and paid for on line. I guess I was spoiled from the "old days" where I could call NEI and discuss my needs. I use many of their moulds here and the quality is (was) excellent.
I just received an email from a gent who read in one of my books recommending NEI but he can't reach anyone by phone.
Can any of you AR fellas shed some light on NEI? I would like to know as I need 6 to 8 moulds for double rifles.
Cheers, all, and thanks for looking.
Cal
05 June 2017, 05:36
sharpsguyIf you need 6 to 8 molds for double rifles, you don't want NEI to do them, even if you can somehow get in touch with them. Contact Steve Brooks. He does absolutely first rate work with a quick turn around, AND does custom work. You won't find a nicer or more ethical guy than Steve and his molds set the standard other guys are trying to match.
09 June 2017, 04:04
Bill/OregonCal, I kind of lost interest in NEI after Walt Melander passed -- and that's been 15 years ago.
Hi Cal,
I ordered a mould for a 600-grain bullet for .50-70 Govt from NEI on 10 December 2016.
I talked to the "proprietor" named Joel, by telephone, before typing up my order using their online order form.
I think Joel is the husband of Walt's daughter, and he and she took over the business after Walt Melander died.
I sent a check with the order form, was told to expect delivery in about 6 weeks, IIRC.
NEI cashed my check on 16 December 2016 and never delivered the mould.
I really wanted that mould, recommended in Croft Barker's book on .50-70 shooting.
The NEI telephone service was no longer in service after two months had passed and I called.
No response to emails either.
One more try on 30 March 2017: Joel answered the telephone.
He said he had been hospitalized, had been on dialysis for renal failure and nearly went blind.
He was still recovering and not up to speed yet.
I am retired from the God-Awful practice of medicine in the Obamacare era,
and no longer subject to $50,000 HIPAA fines and 1-year imprisonment for repeating what he told me on the telephone.
Joel suggested that I should snailmail him another letter reminding him of the previous order.
He said he was trying to sell the business, trying to catch up on unfulfilled orders.
I have written it off as charity from me to Joel.
I do not expect to see a mould or a refund.
Hope Joel gets himself and the business squared away.
I have about a half-dozen NEI moulds, fine stuff.
Sad to see the business fail.
I suggest looking somewhere else, consider NEI shut down until further notice.
Steve Brooks' Tru-Bore moulds have been superb.
Hoch too.
Accurate Molds is my latest trial: I ordered my first from them 05 June 2017.
Strictly internet order there, but lots of nice stuff and details.
6 weeks delivery suggested there too.
Will see ...
www.accuratemolds.comTHE FEW THE PROUD THE 395 FAMILYRip
17 June 2017, 15:21
cal pappasThanks for the feedback, gentlemen.
I will forget NEI and look at your suggestions.
Cal
"Current turnaround time is 3 weeks"
Is now on the opening page at
www.accuratemolds.comTHE FEW THE PROUD THE 395 FAMILYI have bought a number of molds from Tom at accuratemolds...good molds and good service
no complaints
Daniel
Ordered on 6-5-2017
Arrived on 6-21-2017
after just a first pass impulse internet order,
I am sure I can find something else I need at
www.accuratemolds.com This one is for 470 NE [aka .47-140 (3-1/4") Lang Necked] a .477/530-grainer, gas-checked:
THE FEW THE PROUD THE 395 FAMILY Rip
22 June 2017, 18:39
Bill/OregonVery happy with Accurate Molds here, too. NOE as well.
Speaking of NOE,
this looks like an outstanding bullet for the
.50-70-"580" Supersonic:
http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/p...423&products_id=3241THE FEW THE PROUD THE 395 FAMILY25 July 2017, 14:52
The DaneTom at accurate is wery hard of hearing so no phone with him, but he's fast on the mail.
Joel has passed away at age 54, R.I.P. Joel.
Condolences and prayers to wife Patricia.
NEI Handtools is for sale.
Rip
.
18 November 2017, 21:27
450akTom at accurate molds is a terrible liar. His website says three week turnaround. Placed an order, molds were delivered in just over a week. I'm gonna call somebody. Oh and the molds cast beautifully.
21 November 2017, 19:47
cal pappasI emailed Tom about eight moulds I need. He wanted me to order from his webiste but I'm lost on the coumputer stuff so I emailed him I would find someone to do it or have to pass on the order. He didn't reply. His products have good reviews but his webiste is beyond me as to ordering a mould with two bullet styles and/or weights.
I'm still optimistic.
Cal