Do you have a Star Sizer like this one?

[Texasflyboy]

I am working on my Star research again and I came across this photo on another website. I think, but am not sure, that this model of Star Sizer is the 3rd and final design before Star closed its doors. Note the large nut on the lube reservoir base.

My request is for a photo in this thread if you have a Star Sizer like this one. I would like to see a photo of the lube pump spring area (the pump is the spring in back that is usually a flat wire spring). The models differed over the years by the way the pump spring sleeve was held in place.

Any photos are appreciated.


http://i51.tinypic.com/35asr48.jpg

[HeavyMetal]

Wish I could be of help here.

Both the Star's I have are indentical to your unit. One I bought new from Star in the late 80's the other I got a a gun show here about 2 years ago.

Paid 175 plus tax for the new one and 170 for the used one.

[Down South]

I have one of the latest but I'm away from home and unable to take a picture of it.
This pic is from the Magma site. I'm pretty sure mine has the round spring.

On Edit, after I posted the picture, I noticed a diference between the picute and mine. On mine, the handle is longer.

[Texasflyboy]

On Edit, after I posted the picture, I noticed a diference between the picute and mine. On mine, the handle is longer.

That's just the way they store the handle before shipping. When the user receives it, one of the first things to do is to draw out the handle to its full length and then tighten the retention screw down. That photo is just misleading. That isn't the way to use the Star handle the way its depicted.

[MtGun44]

Not sure of exactly what you are asking. My two Stars look, at least superficially,
just like your pic.

Bill

[Roundnoser]

I have 4 Stars. Three of them are the originals. One is a Magma.

One of my Stars looks just like the one in your picture. It has the large nut between the lube tube and the base frame. Are you wondering if the lube pump is pinned in place? Mine is NOT. It looks just like the one you have in the photo.

The other two do NOT have a nut between the lube tube and base casting. However, the aluminum base casting has rounded edges, and the lube pump is pinned in place with a brass pin. It cannot be removed...would have to be drilled out to replace / repair the pump parts.

[No_1]

I got mine in a trade deal. This is how it looked after I cleaned it up.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p206/no_one_photos/Star%20Sizer/09-02-2008113.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p206/no_one_photos/Star%20Sizer/09-02-2008116.jpg
In the next 2 photos you can see there is something stamped on the two flats that are cast in the base either side of the frame. The right side is the patent number and the left side says "STAR MACHINE WORKS SAN DIEGO, CALIF"
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p206/no_one_photos/Star%20Sizer/DSC01399.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p206/no_one_photos/Star%20Sizer/DSC01398.jpg
The last photos are spring pictures and you can see a sticker on the side of the base. The sticker is shiny glod in color and says
Star Machine Works
418 - 10th Ave.
SAD DIEGO, CA 92101
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p206/no_one_photos/Star%20Sizer/DSC01397.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p206/no_one_photos/Star%20Sizer/DSC01396.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p206/no_one_photos/Star%20Sizer/DSC01395.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p206/no_one_photos/Star%20Sizer/DSC01394.jpg

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I bought a used Star last summer.
I still haven't tried it out yet.
From the story I got from the original owner,
it was originally bought new in early to mid 1980s.

http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/JonB_in_Glencoe/100_1594.jpg

http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/JonB_in_Glencoe/100_1593.jpg

http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu127/JonB_in_Glencoe/100_1592.jpg

[Pavogrande]

I bought mine new in about 57/58 -- Is that the style you are looking for ? -- if so I will dig it out and photo it.

[Texasflyboy]

Thanks to all who have responded so far. The photos to date are indicating to me that there may be at least three, possibly four styles that were offered by Star during their run on Sizers.

The photos so far are of the last design, which used a large nut to hold the base of the lube reservoir vs. the earlier design of the press fit. The earlier designs lack the large nut at the base of the lube reservoir. Please keep the photos coming. I will post here my comparisons and research.

Just for those to know, the Stars with a sticker or stamp without a zipcode predate 1963.

[Texasflyboy]

Not sure of exactly what you are asking. My two Stars look, at least superficially,
just like your pic.

Bill

Bill,

I want folks to post a photo of their Star sizer regardless of what it looks like. Even if you have one just like the one pictured, please post a photo anyway.

If I spot something I need to research, I will PM the post owner and share the results of the info.

Photos are the fastest way to derive production changes.

[scrapcan]

Texasflyboy,

have a look at the star reloaders forum under star lubricator & sizer section.

I will bet there is more info form that membership than one could hope for.

http://www.starreloaders.com/forum/

[STAR4ever]

I have 3 Star Lubrisizers.... One of them is the newer Magma version. When I get a chance I shall post pictures of the spring setup of their bases.

First Here is a Picture of an old Star Lubrisizer which has the Magma Feeder. This kind of limits my
ability to get a good shot...
http://www.lithicsnet.com/Star Lube1.JPG
Next Here is a Picture of another old Star which is set up without the bullet feeder for .44 Mag,
Notice that this old one does NOT have the threaded lube magazine or the big BOLT at the base
of the aluminum casting like the other two Lubrisizers.....
http://www.lithicsnet.com/Star Lube2.JPG
Next Here is a Picture of the newer Magma Star again with heated base and bullet feeder....
http://www.lithicsnet.com/StarMagma.JPG
Lastly... here is a picture of a bevy of Star Universals which I use to reload all of my pistol
calibers.... Left to Right, .45 ACP with CH4D roto shell magazine, 38 Special, 9MM and .44 Magnum
All but the .44 Magnum have the Moon Unit indexers and case flippers....
http://www.lithicsnet.com/4 Star Universals.JPG

Hope this helps you out...

[Roundnoser]

Hey STAR4ever. What's up with that last picture? Showin off a little, aren't we??? Until I get one of those Universals, you can't be doing that!!! Yer killin me!

[Texasflyboy]

Excellent!!!

Keep the photos coming.

[STAR4ever]

Hey STAR4ever. What's up with that last picture? Showin off a little, aren't we??? Until I get one of those Universals, you can't be doing that!!! Yer killin me!

Hi Roundnoser!
Ah HA! So you appreciate the STAR! Well, I have 3 additional Universals which I am cleaning and restoring. These will undoubtably be finding new "homes" in the future. Perhaps yours.

Best,
Art

[Roundnoser]

Hi Roundnoser!
Ah HA! So you appreciate the STAR! Well, I have 3 additional Universals which I am cleaning and restoring. These will undoubtably be finding new "homes" in the future. Perhaps yours.

Best,
Art

Perhaps you have a PM coming your way Sir!!!! Pehaps you should read it!!! Perhaps you should recognize my child-like craving for those things I don't yet have, but desperately want. Perhaps I have cash in my pocket. Perhaps this fool and his money will be soon parted! Perhaps!

[454PB]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/eddard49/IMG_0016.jpg

Apparently mine is an older one.

[Texasflyboy]

Apparently mine is an older one.

Great photo. But I need to see the other side to help with dating it.

[runfiverun]

those flat springs can be misleading, i have worn two of them out on one machine and one on the other and have replaced them with round ones from the ace.
the new one [magma] takes the round spring on the lube plunger.

i'd send in pics but i have replaced so many parts on the older ones from other machines and with new stuff i doubt they'd be much help at all.

[Cherokee]

Mine looks just like the one 454pb pictured, 'cept his is cleaner.

[Fugowii]

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i227/BP_2006/05_18_2009002a.jpg

[454PB]

I'll post another picture later, I'm away from the sizer at present.

[z4lunch]

Steve here... Here are a few pics of my Star
Looks like it has the small nut, flat spring and no zipcode.
Steve

[robertchambers]

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/robertchambers/DSC08920.jpg

[seagiant]

Hi,
Since this has turned into a Johnny show your STAR! Here is a luber that I believe was all handmade and one of the first star luber-sizers!

[robertchambers]

Wouldn't the one marked patent pending be earlier that the the one where the patent had already been granted and assigned a number?

[seagiant]

Hi,
Sound logic! Show us one!

[W.R.Buchanan]

Roundnoser:

You'll note that his machines are also very nice looking ! This may mean that he does nice work?

Probably a good idea to be friends with him!

I tend to appreciate talent that is like minded.

Randy

[Roundnoser]

Roundnoser:

You'll note that his machines are also very nice looking ! This may mean that he does nice work?

Probably a good idea to be friends with him!

I tend to appreciate talent that is like minded.

Randy

Randy, I was fortunate enough to purchase one of his Star Universals this winter....A beautiful peice of equipment, and history. He does do fine work. His restoration was top shelf, and the unit was clean as a whistle. I added a Moon Indexer and case kicker to it, and it runs like a charm...produces a very nice 38 DEWC target load.

[jcw1970]

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u105/robertchambers/DSC08920.jpg

does anyone know why there's gold paint under the blue? 2 out of the 3 stars i have show this.

[seagiant]

Hi JCW,
Is that your PAT. PEND. Star that's on E-Bay???

[jcw1970]

no it's not. like to have it though.

[seagiant]

Hi,
Yea I heard that! The old one of mine that you see on my other post cost me $5 because I bought 2 Stars at the same time for $80 and the guy said the old one did not work but he wanted $5 anyway! I never said anything,paid the $85 and when I got home had it running in about 5 min. It is now my dedicated 45 acp lubesizer and runs smooth as silk! Go figure!

[jcw1970]

The old one went for $255 on evilbay. Dang!!!

[bigdaddy.]

Here is a old lubrisizer I had.. It had a LARGE PAT PEND base...
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo260/BigDaddyUSMC/001-2.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo260/BigDaddyUSMC/002.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo260/BigDaddyUSMC/003.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo260/BigDaddyUSMC/004-2.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo260/BigDaddyUSMC/010.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo260/BigDaddyUSMC/008-1.jpg

[454PB]

Great pictures, bigdaddy!

That's the oldest one I've seen.

[bigdaddy.]

454PB
I just sold this one to the guys at ARTCA & it is going into their collection.
It was found in a old building 6 blocks from the the old STAR factory in downtown San Diego
I was told... This maybe the prototype used to get the patent?????
This came from a guy that worked at STAR in the 1950's
Weather it is or not...who knows.
I have posted it on many reloading blogs & have been told many times it is the oldest they have ever seen. Others told me I was full of S**T to say it is POSSIBLY the prototype to get the patent...but many of those same guys made me a LOW BALL OFFER....LOLOLOL
All I know is what I was told & I was VERY HAPPY with the price it sold for...

[gandydancer]

will take photo's of mine Wednesday and post.

[454PB]

I finally took a picture of the right side of my Star:




http://castboolits.gunloads.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=48940&d=1351111155

[bigdaddy.]

robertchambers & jcw1970 posted a photo with 2 old lubrisizers ,
Who owns the one with the PAT PENT BASE...
I would like to see more photos of the PAT PEND unit

If you have a PAT PEND lubrisize ,post photos or contact me at cchenowth@cox.net

[KohlerK91]

COLOR="Red"] VERY HAPPY[/COLOR][/U][/I][/B] with the price it sold for...

So how much did it sell for?

[bigdaddy.]

This was a private sale & I'm not able to disclose the final sale price.......Just kidding
We got $325 for the old lubrisizer. Not as much as I wanted to get for it , because I was selling this for a old guy that has nothing & lives in a tiny old one room apartment in downtown San Diego. His only income is a tiny social security check & what ever he can get recycling cans & plastic bottles.

My commission was a basket of HOOTERS BUFFALO WINGS & 2 BEER. PLUS I got to spend the afternoon with this old gentleman & listen to his stories of Racing at Balboa Stadium & Paradise Mesa Drag Strip in San Diego back in the day. I think I made out JUST FINE on this deal......

[6bg6ga]

8355983560

Can you tell me the age of this one? Has no large nut on the bottom of the tube. Has the patent number on the right side and the Star logo on the left side that has the brass plug cleanout.

[6bg6ga]

Anyone have an idea of the age of this sizer?

[starnbar]

I have one just like it got it used 35 years ago.

[6bg6ga]

Is there a place where I can find the years the different versions came out?

[captaint]

You need to contact texasflyboy. I believe he collects and researches everything Star/H&G.

[6bg6ga]

I sent him a PM. Hopefully he will see it and answer me. Is it pre 1963? No zip code on it, no large nut either.

[686]

if you have the old star luber with the flat lube pump spring you want to order one of the new round ones from magma. the flat ones brake easy. i have never had a round one brake.

[6bg6ga]

if you have the old star luber with the flat lube pump spring you want to order one of the new round ones from magma. the flat ones brake easy. i have never had a round one brake.

Years ago I did my share of tool room die repair and I delt with springs like the flat one in the Star. There is info to suggest that the flat springs have a breakage rate that is above that of a round type spring. The die springs I used in dies were all flat springs and they lasted unless someone bottomed out a die and in that instance more that the springs were damaged. My flat spring is still functional an I would guess that unless I fully compress it on every cycle it will remain ok.

[6bg6ga]

I sent him a PM. Hopefully he will see it and answer me. Is it pre 1963? No zip code on it, no large nut either.

So far no answer to my PM. Hopefully he will find time to shed some light on its age.

[Texasflyboy]

6bg6ga- Yours is production dating from about 1950 to 1960. I am dating it based on the flat wire plunger spring and the presence of the brass pin holding the plunger sleeve in place. To better date it I would need to see a photo of the entire unit, especially the top handle/lube reservoir assembly. But from those photos you have what I call the second or third generation model. One of the most widely produced and also one of the most enduring models IMHO.

I also want to caution you on your choice of screws holding the sizer in place. Those oversize wood screws should be a size or two smaller to fit inside the tapered screw holes. I've seen many bases cracked in this area due to use of oversize screws.

[6bg6ga]

I had it screwed down to the table in order to work on it. It has since been moved to its final resting place a piece of 1/2" thick 14 X14" aluminum plate that I C=clamp to my bench. I used smaller headed 1/4-20 screws to fasten the the plate. Thanks for the heads up on the screws.