I seriously need to update my operating tips and instructions using Checkmaker™ Dies.
There have been so many of you that have figured out great tips over the years with your dies including using lube (something I've never done), sizing PB's, using LEE sizing dies, die cleaning, sharpening, and more.
I figured this would be the best place to start posting this, then I will redo the info on my website.
Guys, I'm totally committed to customer service. I know in the past I didn't handle some as well as I should have and a lot of that had to do with the pressure in my personal life, learning how to manufacture, going through a divorce and move. If I have ever came across as rude to anyone I sincerely apologize and it's never been my intent.
Now older and wiser, I've learned to stay totally positive.
•So please feel free to chime in and post about your process making your gas checks•
... on annealing, or metals, or sizing- ALL tips would very much be appreciated!
Here's a pdf file of basic instructions:
https://www.patmarlins.com/CheckMake...structions.pdf
More Quick Tips
Always Dog Ear your Strips:
Having a needle file in hand to use as an easy tool to set your cut disk in the forming hole of your female die works great. As you bring your ram down with the disk setting in the die, a needle file will help center if it doesn't fall right into the hole. Specially works well with small calibers like 22 cal, and big fingers like mine.
Rotate not only the upper die housing to align your dies so the male cutter comes up smoothly, but you can also rotate the lower female die as well.
Carefully test metals make sure it is suitable to cut and form gas checks. Almost all Big Box store or hardware store AL from .009" to .011" is hard as a rock and doesn't work worth a **** and will damage your dies.
Check out my "Frequent Questions" section on the front page of my website for sources on metals.
It takes awhile to get your method working for making your own checks, just like casting boolits, you have to develop your process... patiently.
There's lots of help here and I'm always just an email away....
Pat ...