Revamping the bench and press(s?) Input please

Noel

Noel

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The basement renos have started. No more staring at pink insulation through vapor barrier.:)
While we're at it why not build a new bench. I'd like to run two presses on it,
since BassPro is coming I thought I'd check their website. They list the Lyman "Crusher" single stage for $99.99. Anyone have experience with this press? How does it compare to my Rockchucker?

If that price is correct and they are compareable to the RCBS I'm tempted to trade mine in and get two Lymans.:D They have very similar traits.
crusher_two.jpg


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Also, how is Lymans 55 powder measure?
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I forgot one more thing. The Rcbs case trimmer has long been a burr under my saddle. Those stupid little sets screws have all but stripped themselves out and were not very reliable for holding thier place. Any suggestions for a different trimmer. It would be nice to have a hollowpointer for the old cast hunting loads.
 
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RCBS tools are guaranteed for life. If you're having problems with your trimmer, call them and they will fix or replace it FREE of charge! They stand behind their product and have the best warranty in the business.

Lyman stuff isn't bad, but I generally opt for RCBS stuff instead. Generally it is heavier duty and better built, plus their warranty blows Lyman's away. I do have quite a few Lyman moulds, however, and haven't had any problems with them.

For the basic tools, if I wasn't looking at RCBS, I'd go with Redding. A little more expensive than Lyman, but worth the money!
 
I will dispose of your old RCBS junk free of charge Noel ;). I could use a companion for Big Boss.

While downgrading why not just jump into a Lee set up :p
 
X-man said:
RCBS tools are guaranteed for life. If you're having problems with your trimmer, call them and they will fix or replace it FREE of charge! They stand behind their product and have the best warranty in the business.

Lyman stuff isn't bad, but I generally opt for RCBS stuff instead. Generally it is heavier duty and better built, plus their warranty blows Lyman's away. I do have quite a few Lyman moulds, however, and haven't had any problems with them.

For the basic tools, if I wasn't looking at RCBS, I'd go with Redding. A little more expensive than Lyman, but worth the money!
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That is a good point X-man. You get what you pay for. Redding and RCBS are so close in price it is nearly a wash.

As far as downgrading goes from what I had found the Crusher was right in line with the Rockchucker for quality. They certainly look much better than any Lee product.

Looks like Forster would get the nod for the trimmer.......
 
I'd keep the rockchucker and add a lyman turret press might add a bit of speed to your
set up. Just a thought.
 
Lee Case Trimmer

While I don't have any Lee presses I do use the Lee Case trimmer. While a lot of people slag Lee stuff for one reason or another, the case trimmer is a well designed tool. There are no fiddly set screws to adjust and you get repeatable results every time. While spinning my brass I also chamfer the neck and then polish the brass with fine steel wool. Your brass will be identical in length and your reloads will look very professional.
 
I prefer the lee breach lock or anniversary kit personally because it has quick change dies... set it and forget it...

The lee classic cast is a big press and very heavy duty... but no quick change option there.
 
duster said:
I'd keep the rockchucker and add a lyman turret press might add a bit of speed to your
set up. Just a thought.
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Most of my time at the bench includes reforming brass for obsolete chamberings which is what makes me lean toward another single stage press.
It is a valid point.;)

Just got back from WSS and fondled a press. The Crusher is very near identical in design as the RCBS. A slightly different casting where the handle mounts and then the top 7/8-14 threaded hole is directly into the casting, not steel sleeved like the RCBS which will make a difference.

Thanks for the input here fellahs!
 
X-man said:
RCBS tools are guaranteed for life. If you're having problems with your trimmer, call them and they will fix or replace it FREE of charge! They stand behind their product and have the best warranty in the business.

Lyman stuff isn't bad, but I generally opt for RCBS stuff instead. Generally it is heavier duty and better built, plus their warranty blows Lyman's away. I do have quite a few Lyman moulds, however, and haven't had any problems with them.

For the basic tools, if I wasn't looking at RCBS, I'd go with Redding. A little more expensive than Lyman, but worth the money!
Click to expand...

Just because some of a particular company's gear is top notch doesn't mean all of their gear is so. You just can't fix poor design. The Lee trimmer (and I have seen other fixed length designs) is simple to set up and use and gives repeatable results. The investment is small and the frustration is zero.
 
Gun5tuff said:
Just because some of a particular company's gear is top notch doesn't mean all of their gear is so. You just can't fix poor design. The Lee trimmer (and I have seen other fixed length designs) is simple to set up and use and gives repeatable results. The investment is small and the frustration is zero.
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I totally agree, and their trimmer is poo poo. I am going to try and put some short Allen head bolts in place of the set screws to hopefully fix the problem. It should never be an issue for what a guys pays for the equipment.
 
Gun5tuff said:
Just because some of a particular company's gear is top notch doesn't mean all of their gear is so. You just can't fix poor design. The Lee trimmer (and I have seen other fixed length designs) is simple to set up and use and gives repeatable results. The investment is small and the frustration is zero.
Click to expand...

I had a terrible time with the Lee trimmer. Every other case would wobble around and require fiddling with to get them to sit square in the holder. I like my Forster power case trimmer much better.
 
By fiddling you were probably just following the instructions on how the holder is to be tightened on the brass. What is important here is that the case has to be square, not so much to the holder as you seem to imply, but to the cutter. This is insured by the pin that goes into the flash hole at the base of the brass and the mandrel at the neck.

The Forster trimmer is a nice bit of gear and it does much more than what the Lee trimmer was designed to do. You can't do inside and outside neck turning for example.
 
Gun5tuff said:
By fiddling you were probably just following the instructions on how the holder is to be tightened on the brass. What is important here is that the case has to be square, not so much to the holder as you seem to imply, but to the cutter. This is insured by the pin that goes into the flash hole at the base of the brass and the mandrel at the neck.

The Forster trimmer is a nice bit of gear and it does much more than what the Lee trimmer was designed to do. You can't do inside and outside neck turning for example.
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If I didn't correct the wobble, I found that I got a lot of chatter. Also, because the threaded end on the guide rod has a slit in it, I found that it was not always square to the cutter's face. (i.e. it could be bent out of square).

I don't own the Forster product you are referring to. Mine is a collet/clamp assembly that bolts to a standard drill press. The cutter is "chucked" and you set the depth on the press. It was about $50.
 
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