New Loadmaster handle

[dikman]

Whilst the wooden knob on the Loadmaster isn't too bad, I found that after a 100 or so rounds my hand started feeling a bit sore (not too bad, but I was aware of it). Unlike my other presses I couldn't replace the whole handle assembly without a lot of work so figured replacing the knob was the best bet. I made a collar to fit the end of the handle but as it has a slight taper it needed a bit of work in the lathe. Once I'd cut the taper (approx. 2.5 degrees), by fitting it and rotating back and forth I could find the high spots on the handle and file them down, resulting in a nice snug fit.

My original intention was to fit a "D" handle, as this would give a good grip and the force applied would be in line with the centreline of the handle. Unfortunately after making it and doing a trial run I found that the resultant extended handle was too long and at the bottom of the down stroke my arm wasn't long enough and I had to lean over the side of the chair! Not good!

So, I cut a piece of square stock and tapped it for 3/8" Whitworth, then found a bolt long enough to go through the new handle (foam handle bought at the rubber shop and a piece of broom handle turned down to fit and bored through), then welded it to the collar. Blue Loctite should hold the bolt in place, and I just need to shorten the clamping screws on the collar.

The handle tends to put the force applied a little off-centre, but hopefully it should work ok (certainly feels better than the knob).

Incidentally, I had to dismantle the handle assembly from the press and I found that one of the "axle" bolts had virtually no grease on one side, so I pre-greased it before assembly and then pumped grease into all the fittings!

[ReloaderFred]

Even with improved handles, and yours looks like a good job, I've found that a fingerless glove with a padded palm does wonders for my hand for long sessions on the press. I found mine online, intended for bicycle riders, and it makes it much more pleasant to spend a couple of hours at the press.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[dikman]

Thanks mate, if for any reason this doesn't work out I'll give that a try.

[toallmy]

Thanks for reminding me I have been meaning to grease up my loadmaster ,by the way good job on the handle . I must be lazy I just wax the wooden ball .

[dikman]

Once I saw how little grease there was in places I dug out the grease gun (haven't used it for years!) and forced in grease until it started oozing out everywhere!!!
If waxing the ball works for you then that's great. I actually found the ball works well, but after a while I started getting a problem in the palm of my hand (could have something to do with getting old(er))!

[ReloaderFred]

My Rockchucker has the ball handle, and for that one, I bought the smallest baby socks I could find and just slipped one over the ball. That allows my hand to move a little and doesn't cause any pain.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[Outer Rondacker]

I a very old press I never knew the name of the maker. It was blue and no it was not dillon. Anywho it had a wood handle like the front of a gun stock. Hurt my hand every pull. So I got a container of DIP for fixing rubber handle tools. Made as many dips in the can as I could then one last one dumping the last bit of the can over it. I built up about a 1/4 of an inch of soft rubber on the handle. Worked great. I sold it.

Yous looks good and if it fixes the problems you are having that is even better. Oh yes the grease zerks. Guess I should hit mine since it has been a while.

[44Vaquero]

Nice work! My own version from about 7 or 8 years used a split ring/ground from the plumbing dept to achieve the same result!!!

[gene10pntr]

I went to Hobby Lobby,it's a craft store,and got a larger wooden ball. Sanded it down really smooth and give it about 3 coats of clear coat. Really made a difference for me. Did it to my RCBS turret press too. I got the Inline handle for it,but don't care for it. They make a roller handle for the LLM too for $40 I think?

[Walter Laich]

Even with improved handles, and yours looks like a good job, I've found that a fingerless glove with a padded palm does wonders for my hand for long sessions on the press. I found mine online, intended for bicycle riders, and it makes it much more pleasant to spend a couple of hours at the press.

Hope this helps.

Fred

I just cut off the fingers of and old glove.

agree it is a great way to run the press and reduce stress on your hand

[dikman]

I actually made roller handles for my Pro1000 and Turret presses and find them very comfortable. I made them offset so on the down stroke they don't go down as far but unfortunately the LoadMaster doesn't lend itself to this mod.

[jetinteriorguy]

Great job. Looks very similar to my Inline Fabrication handle. Best thing I ever did for my Pro. It not only made things run smoother and is much easier on the hand, but also lengthened the handle for a little more leverage.