RCBS LAM1 Rebuild

[Taterhead]

THIS is a cool thread. Man I wish I had more spare time. I could get into a project like this. Alas, I don't even shoot as much as I like. Thanks for the epic thread! Enjoyed it.

[dragon813gt]

I bought another one a few weeks back. I can't not buy one when they pop up at a good price. It's in pretty rough shape and will need some new parts like the last one.

Pretty easy to tell which one needs some work.


O-rings were completely torn which explains why there was lube above the plunger. I was able to push out most of what appears to be TAC1.


Missing some washers and one of the bolts is wrong. Bullet ejector screw and lock nut have had tools out on them so the knurling is gone. And the bullet ejector rod seems to be slightly bent. I could barely get it out of the screw. All the parts are currently soaking in #2 oil where they will stay for a few weeks.


The casting, reservoir cap, lube plunger and threaded rod all lie in the bottom of the pot. Just waiting for it to cool so I can pull them out after boiling to remove lube.


I plan on sand blasting the casting along w/ most of the parts. Hoping I can make it look like its brand new.

[RMII]

I love the RCBS customer service and warranty. My rebuild was not as extensive, but I was thoroughly satisfied with the service. Customer service is the reason I continue to purchase RCBS.

[David2011]

These are the other two.

Dragon,

Would you mind sharing with us the source of your paints? Are they hardware/big box store brands and colors?

Thx,
David

[dragon813gt]

I will post it when I get to that stage. It's gonna be a few weeks due to my work schedule.

I pulled the pieces out of the pot this morning. The little remaining lube on the metal parts was quickly removed w/ carb cleaner. I put them in the can to soak w/ the others. The casting has a light coat of lube all over it. Much less than w/ the past ones. Have to call a buddy to see when I can use his sandblasting cabinet.

[mtgrs737]

RCBS customer service is top notch! I emailed them to see if I could purchase a new style handle for my Rock Chucker press as the old bicycle handle was causing a blister on my aging hand. After a couple of questions about what the frame casting letters were they shipped me a new ball ended handle to replace my 43 year old handle completely free even though I told them I would gladly pay for it. RCBS equipment may be a tad higher than some other brands but when you factor in the product quality and top notch customer service it is worth it.

[casac47]

What size O-rings do you use ?

[dragon813gt]

What size O-rings do you use ?

The ones that RCBS sends me. They're free so no point messing around trying to find the right size.

[Jack Stanley]

Do the crimped on nuts that RCBS uses need special attention either removing or installing ?

Thanks , Jack

[dragon813gt]

Crimped on? They come right off. Never had any issues removing them.

[dragon813gt]

Fixed all the dead pics after ditching Photobucket and migrating to Flickr.

Had a chance to sand blast the press a few weeks back.




It's primed and painted but I forgot to take pics. I left it hanging outside for two days. Caused it to rust in a few places. If I can't clean it up I will sand blast it again and start all over. I still need to contact RCBS for new parts. The only one that is salvageable is the handle yoke. The rest are either broken, worn or rusted heavily.

[Mytmousemalibu]

What's the difference between the LAM and the LAM II. You mentioned not liking them as much.

[dragon813gt]

LAM2s have a solid bottom and the pressure adjustment assembly is different. I'm not a fan of the handle for adjusting it. There are pros and cons to both styles. W/ the 2s you don't have to worry about leaking out the bottom. This is the biggest issue w/ the 1s. Lube can leak out of the base plug.

[Maven]

Also. the innards of the LAM II are different, which means the rod, piston, and O rings are different from the LAM I.

[Mytmousemalibu]

Ah ok, not a huge difference. I'm pretty happy with mine, I like the idea of the solid bottom but the adjuster does leave a little bit to be desired. I would have preferred a ratchet but ot does the job. I got a good deal on it too. Perhaps I'll add a Star to the bench someday but if i don't the LAM II will do just fine.

[dragon813gt]

Perhaps I'll add a Star to the bench someday but if i don't the LAM II will do just fine.

Stars are great but they cost more money all around. I have one w/ a bullet feeder and air cylinder. If I'm sizing less than 100 bullets I don't bother getting it out. This is w/ having separate punches set up for each bullet set up already. A lot less strain on my elbows because it's half the handle pulls. But there is just something about using the LAMs that I like.

[dragon813gt]

Had time to clean it up while the baby was sleeping today. It's just him and me this weekend.






The casting has some score marks in it. I don't understand why people don't keep their tools free of debris. The ram fits tightly w/ no play. But it's on the list of parts that I'm going to replace. Hopefully I can get one. If not I need to polish up the one I have. It was really rusted so I sand blasted it to clean it up.



The paint job leaves a lot to be desired. It laid down w/ a lot of air bubbles in it. They eventually popped but the pain never laid flat. I'm going to use the press so it's of no concern. But the OCD in me wants to sand blast it and start all over.

[dragon813gt]

RCBS wants money for the parts I need. Not complaining because the parts can be had. But I'm batting well under fifty percent when it comes to them sending me free parts. Makes buying an older one a money losing proposition since it ends up costing more than a new one.

[myg30]

Dragon, Very nice jobs on the lube sizers rebuild. Can you share with us the paint you used ?
I also liked the darker green one with the dark handle.
Thank you for the pictures and info.

Mike

[dragon813gt]

The paint is Rustoleum that I bought at Home Depot. I will check the color when I get home. I forget the color used for the darker one. The can is long gone.

The black handle is a recent replacement from RCBS. That's what you get when asking for one. I'm assuming that's what I will get for the latest rebuild.

Have a matching JR3 as well