Which press for making GC's

[kshock]

How heavy of a press does one need to make their own gas checks? Would one of the Lee "C" frame presses be sturdy enough or would I need an "O" press? I realize the heavier press would be preferable, but does anyone use the C press and do OK? Would a Turret press (Lyman T Mag) work?

[Ben]

A lot of people give the Lee Classic press high marks .
The Lee Classic is all steel press with steel linkage.

I use a Lyman Orange Crusher, many others use the RCBS Rock Crusher.
All of the presses that I've mentioned are O frame presses and in
my opinion would offer the least amount of " flex " in the operation.

The punching out of the disc is the part of making g/c's that will
put the most stress on your press.

By the way, have you seen this :

http://www.castpics.net/subsite2/HowTo/MakingGC.pdf

Here is a pic of the Lee Classic Press :


http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_4414e1da1791d5ad.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=1459)

[truckmsl]

As long as we're on the topic - has anyone used Pat's check maker with an All American turret press?

[Swede44mag]

I use a Harbor Freight arbor press with my Free Chex III I made from plans on this forum.
I have a Rock Chucker and a Corbin press they would both work with Pat's check maker.

[Ben]

truckmsl :

I have a Lyman ALL American press, while it would probably work to
make g/c's, I doubt that I'll ever use it for that as I have other presses
that in my opinion are better designed for the task.

Ben

[truckmsl]

Thanks for the input Ben. My All American is my "miscellaneous operations" press, so I'll try to find a way to make it work. Seems like it would.

[30CAL-TEXAN]

kshock,

Yes it is possible to use the Lee C-Frame to make gas checks though it probably not the absolute best tool for the job. These two threads discuss using the smaller Lee presses with the CheckMaker tools and what is required to make them work.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=93142&referrerid=13084

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=97411&referrerid=13084

While I now have a bigger better press, I still keep the Lee Reloader (C-Frame) set up as a dedicated check making station. I don't know how well it would work for harder materials but it does just fine with my .014 Aluminum.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I prefer to use the Cheapo Lee "c" press when punching popcan metal.
But, you need to make or buy an adaptor kit to eject the finished check.

But when punching check material thicker than 0.005" I use
my Lee classic press. to give you an idea how much press
you may need, I was punching some 30 cal disc out of 0.016" copper,
the press was mounted with 1/4" lag bolts to a weak part of my bench,
well I broke the bench. I remounted it with 5/16" bolts with large washers
and lock nuts on a stronger part of the bench...problem solved.
Punching the thick copper really makes the bench jump, I have to remove
everything or it'll 'walk' right off the bench.
Jon