Lets make a Swage press

[hardcase54]

Looking good. Which dies did you get with the press?
Looks a bit small compared to yours.

[ANeat]

When I originally ordered the press last year I got a set of 452 lswc dies and had those. I also got dies to do 224 and 243 jacketed.

[hardcase54]

I'm almost done with my .224 point form die, I thought I had it last time, but alas another " nice looking, what is that?' Know what I mean? The next caliber I try I'm going to make the point form first, then the others. Oh well when you are retired ya got a lot of time.

[ANeat]

Ill probably try to do my own 30 caliber dies first, bigger is easier right??

[hardcase54]

Oh yeah. I figure if I can do a .224 I can do any caliber. My 45 works, I have a corbin 44, and 7mm.

[Doug_F]

A couple of weeks ago, I ordered a couple of sets of dies from Dave Corbin for my new press. One set of dies cuts a copper disc for the base of a 45 ACP bullet. The other set swages a round nose 45 acp bullet.

My problem is that I don't know how the nose punch is held by the press. There are no threads on it. Can someone explain how this thing works?

[blaser.306]

Fast answer , floating external punch holder .

[Doug_F]

Thanks Blaser. Do you have a picture by chance? Measurements would be extremely helpful too.

I've looked at the Corbin site and can't figure out how it is held. When I ordered the dies, I spoke with Dave Corbin and explained that I was using a homemade press and didn't have a punch holder. He said he would send me a photo but I guess he forgot.

[ANeat]

Doug the punch holder will need to thread into the top of the press, say 7/8-14 threaded piece.

Then counterbore a hole into it to accept the top punch with a little play.

Then a threaded colar to capture the punch and keep it from falling out.

My de-rimming die is similar to that, it holds drill bushings.

[MIBULLETS]

Thanks Blaser. Do you have a picture by chance? Measurements would be extremely helpful too.

I've looked at the Corbin site and can't figure out how it is held. When I ordered the dies, I spoke with Dave Corbin and explained that I was using a homemade press and didn't have a punch holder. He said he would send me a photo but I guess he forgot.

Doug _F,

Look at this link...

http://www.corbins.com/prcsp-1.htm

The punch holder threads into the top of the press like Aneat said. If you scroll down you can see a closer picture. The holder is threaded internally and the nut fits into it. The nut has a hole through it about .375+ so the punch head rests on the nut. When pressure is put on the punch it is seated in the solid part of the holder. One could certainly make one with external threads like Aneat's though. Hope that helps some. I could try to take pictures of mine if you need more help.

Dan

[Doug_F]

Ahhhh. Mystery solved. Thanks ANeat and Dan. I really appreciate your help.

I'm going to have to think about this for a while. Looks like I have a couple of options and I want to be as accurate as I can but at the same time, do it as easily as possible.

ANeat, I'm assuming that the play in the holder is to allow the operator to align the punches and holes then tighten everything up? I hope so because I'm worried that the tolerances on this die exceed the tolerances on my press. The die is beautifully machined and the thin edges of the nose punch appear fairly fragile.

This is a GREAT forum and y'all are a GREAT bunch of guys. Thanks again.

[Doug_F]

Hmmmm...after rereading ANeat's and Dan's posts, I'm starting to wonder wether the top punch is left loose in the holder so that it can self align during the swaging process. Can one of y'all straighten me out on this?

Although I haven't had a chance to use this press yet, I sure do love it. In fact, I'm simultaneously building four more. One additional for me and three others for some buddies of mine. Thanks again, ANeat, for taking the time to post all of your photos and for answering questions.

[ANeat]

That sounds great Doug. You do want a little wiggle in the top punch, "floating" holder as Blaser mentioned.

[jrsaw27]

approx. how much did you spend on materials alone? I think this is the perfest long term, learning project. I like it!

[ANeat]

Jr; I think I had about $200.00 in materials ordering online. If you could find a supplier locally and save shipping that would knock off $40.00 or so if there prices are similar.

You could also downsize a bit with no worries. Its really a little overkill for most swaging duties but its nice to know when you need to lean on it a bit that it will hold up.

[Sarg]

The only bad thing is your "Monster" could probably generate enough pressure to explode a set of dies fairly easily!!! Not a problem if you have the discipline not to lean on it too hard - but I am one of those types that if a normal hammer doesn't do the job - I reach for the 25lb sledge. It would be a very costly press for me to own HAHA!!!

Sarg

[JTknives]

ANeat:
I work with AutoCad and solidworks Every day for my job. If you wanted i could get the press all drawn up for you. Solidworks would allow it to be function tested in a 3d environment before actually building it. this will allow changes and tweeks to be made to the blue prints.

[ANeat]

JT that would be great, I have autocad (2008) but Ive never got around to getting the press put in (im a rank beginner at Autocad)

PM me if you want to go forward with it

[JTknives]

Let the drawing begin, give me something to do at work while I'm waiting for my cnc lathe to finish

[Jim_Fleming]

JT, I'd like to be among those that beg a copy of your finished drawing, if it becomes available...?

Thanks,

Let the drawing begin, give me something to do at work while I'm waiting for my cnc lathe to finish