Lets make a Swage press

[Faret]

So is the hole flat or tapered like the drill bit?

[ratboy]

So is the hole flat or tapered like the drill bit?

in mine is has the tapered base of a drill bit. i dont have a boring bar that will fit down in it. i will make a plug to make the hole flat if needed but so far it is cosmetic only.

[Faret]

Can somebody measure from the top of the ram to the top of the bottom plate when the handle ram is in the down position for me?

[bottomline]

I wish I had the skill to try something like this, very cool.

[Muddi1]

For those who have built or are in the process of building one of these beasts, where are you getting your bushings?

Also what type of bushings are you using?

I am assuming they are bronze of the "oilite" type?

Thanks,

[Faret]

I got mine from mcmaster carr.

[Faret]

Welcome by the way!

[Muddi1]

Thank you, been a lurker and researching for a while. I'm about ready to begin my build in the midst of two jeep projects and full time commitment paying for my existence.

[AF FAL]

I don't know the market name, but I used oil impregnated bronze bushings, got them from MSC.

[Muddi1]

Another quick question while I'm placing parts in my cart...what is everyone using for pins in the links and ram
?

[AF FAL]

If I remember, I just used some stainless drill rod I found stashed in the shop.

[Faret]

Can somebody measure from the top of the ram to the top of the bottom plate when the handle ram is in the down position for me?

Still need this ? answered please.

[Faret]

Another quick question while I'm placing parts in my cart...what is everyone using for pins in the links and ram
?

Some people just use cut off Grade 8 bolts too.

[Muddi1]

Sounds good, I will look at picking up either some stainless or grade 8...may have those already. I sourced 32" of 1-1/2 for the ram and 24" of the 1" for the guides for a whopping $10 the top plate 1x4 and 1x3 guide plate in 12" lengths ran me $50 from another source. Just need the toggle links and base plate and I'm in business.

[chaoticmachinery]

If it helps anyone, I made some changes to the press to accept Corbin dies. I had the slot length extended to a total of 4.70 inches. The ram was bored out to a total of 5.408 inches.

[chaoticmachinery]

Still need this ? answered please.

Faret,

Mine measures 5.552 inches from bottom of the top plate to the top of the plate the ram moves.

[Faret]

Faret,

Mine measures 5.552 inches from bottom of the top plate to the top of the plate the ram moves.

I found it. It was 4" if built to the plans.

[chaoticmachinery]

Yes it is 4" provided you are using the 1st hole in the toggle for the ram.

[toolz568]

I added another hole in my toggle arms so I could reduce the distance when the handle is down. This greatly reduced my handle travel distance. My next one will have Foster Co-Ax handle design.

[Castloader]

First of all, I know this thread is old and long, but wow, what a doozie! So, I'm working on a modification of this press that I can produce on my 7x12 bench lathe. Can someone tell me the minimum REASONABLE clearance from the ram face to the underside of the top plate with the ram raised? In the design here, it is 3.5" clearance in reloading mode and 5" in swage mode. I drew a schematic to verify. I plan to swage only, I already have reloading presses. 5" of clearance seems like a lot. In Aneat's pics, it looks like he's got a top punch that could be used as a jousting lance in a pinch. I'm thinking about a 3" swage stroke with 3" of clearance at the top of the stroke. Is this reasonable? I've never swaged in my life, just cast and reload. I appreciate any help.

-David