Ideal #1 lube sizer

[fred2892]

Just picked up this old Ideal #1 lube sizer

90423

This is the piston

90424

I have a couple of questions.
as i intend to use this alongside my other lube sizers, I would like to give it the best shot at working efficiently.
1. Did the piston ever have a seal (leather?)
2. Does the cylinder rod need sealing (silicone mastic?)
3. I know I have no chance of finding an original clamp but are there any modern alternatives. ( i have tried a google search for 'double c clamp, double g clamp, split bench clamp etc etc with no luck)

Included in the sale were the original instructions for the 'Ideal' Improved Bullet Lubricator and Sizer. The instructions mention the previous model which instead of a lube wrench handle, had a wheel for cranking down on the lube. Anyone know of a picture of this earlier model anywhere?

Also included were instructions on How To Cast Bullets and the Ideal Improved Powder Measure No.1 Model 1899.

These old reloading tools are starting to get a bit addictive.
Fred

[Pressman]

1. No the piston did not have a leather seal. The current Lyman 450 piston will fit with out modifications.
2. the rod does not need sealing.
3. the "wheel" is a faucet handle, readily available at a hardware store. Your hand will get really tired when using it. I do not have a picture or example. I do know someone that has one but he won't sell.
4. The clamp is always left behind. I made a wooden "sandwich" using two pieces screwed together over the base ears to hold mine until I found a clamp.
Ken

[Green Frog]

The big selling point when I bought mine was that it had the handle. It didn't have the wrench, but I was able to get it on Flea-Bay pretty reasonably. It came with a 357 die and the top punch for a SWC (IIRC.) Eventually it will be my 313 sizer for all my 32 revolvers.

Froggie

PS [smilie=b: The clamp, it had the CLAMP! They do show up with broken handles from time to time, but that funny double clamp is the thing that is usually missing.

[Beagle333]

I just got my spiffy restored #1. I heat it with a desk lamp. (loaded here with Carnauba Red)

http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/cast%20boolits/ideal-sizer030_zpsea5e1e72.jpg

Then I stick a bullet on the little plunger and....
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/cast%20boolits/ideal-sizer022a_zps6c6ef814.jpg

with one magic pull of the handle, up pops a nicely lubed bullet.
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/cast%20boolits/ideal-sizer023a_zps6ef2fb35.jpg

It does the single fat groove ones...
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/cast%20boolits/ideal-sizer027a_zpse6e292e7.jpg

...just as easily as the multi groove RanchDog designs. I love this thing. Heck with pan lubing ever again!!!!!! :D
http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt214/shutupandjump/cast%20boolits/ideal-sizer028_zpsbbeab62f.jpg

[Beagle333]

I don't know if this would work, but it would probably need to look something like this. I doubt the spacing is perfect on this one.... it'd really be amazing if it was.
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/16834

I got lucky that the ol' boy still had the original clamp with mine. It is not all that secure and feels like it rocks a bit, but it has worked so far. Good luck!!

[fred2892]

Pressman, I think I will try your idea of the wooden 'sandwich' to hold her steady until a clamp turns up (if ever).
Beagle, the saeco clamp is too large. I tried one, it also comes back a little to far and rubs the frame while operating. Nice looking boolits there. I regret not picking up some ranchdog designs when they were available.
I intend to use this with bac lube for my 44 sizing needs. Hopefully it will be soft enough not to need heat.
I found the #1 on a website over here in the UK and it was posted from France. What I was searching for was a Lyman 45 and I was surprised to find the #1, so had to grab it.
Still searching for a 45, but they are pretty rare over here and I have only ever seen one in
the flesh.

Thanks for all replies.
Fred

[NoZombies]

I've got a #1 that someone drilled through the 3 tabs in order to screw it to the bench, I suppose with a soft lube, and bullets close to finished diameter, that it will hold up okay.

[Beagle333]

I run mine through a Lee push-thru sizer first. I'm not sure the cast arm on this thing would hold up to much sizing. I just use it for a luber. It beats the heck out of pan lubing.

NOE picked up several RanchDog boolit designs. I got this .30 cal one about a month ago.
Mine shown is the SC311-165 in RG2.
http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/index.php?cPath=71&osCsid=u3k5ltsj7hanh7vc9eksbpvpp6

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I like the #1 for small boolits, like 22 cal. there is more "finger room" to load and unload the boolits. I have a couple of the #1. Before I found a clamp, I used a piece of sheet steel with a cutout to go around the base and tabs, then just bolt (clamp) the steel plate to the bench with the sizer tabs under it, in a clamping fashion...it worked great.
Jon

[bonza]

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, but I ran across an Ideal No.1 today in a LGS. In the original (shabby condition) box, with the factory instruction sheet. No die or top punch, but does have wrench & clamp. They're asking $60, is that a decent price?

[Beagle333]

If it is functional.... yes. 8-) But offer them 50 first and feel very happy if they take it. :mrgreen:

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Yes, it's worth $60.
The Clamp is worth $25 all by itself.

[bonza]

Good to know, thanks guys.

[fryboy]

the handle alone ( lube wrench ) is also worth at least half the asking price !