Dunbar Press

[Steve77]

I have an old Dunbar press that I picked up some time ago, just because. Now I am debating if I really need it or should let it go. I will be moving in a few weeks and I am weighing the value of moving all my life's accumulations. Can you guys give me a rough idea of what they sell for these days? It does need new bronze bushings, but other than that it seems like it would be serviceable. I suppose if it is worth enough, I will sell it, otherwise I will haul it with me and use it eventually.

http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s656/andrin77/DSCF1728_zpspqtatak7.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/andrin77/media/DSCF1728_zpspqtatak7.jpg.html)

http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s656/andrin77/DSCF1729_zps8m7vwraz.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/andrin77/media/DSCF1729_zps8m7vwraz.jpg.html)

http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s656/andrin77/DSCF1730_zpssi9ry4ov.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/andrin77/media/DSCF1730_zpssi9ry4ov.jpg.html)

http://i1310.photobucket.com/albums/s656/andrin77/DSCF1731_zpsaihjxfk2.jpg (http://s1310.photobucket.com/user/andrin77/media/DSCF1731_zpsaihjxfk2.jpg.html)

[flashhole]

Why do you say it needs new bronze bushings?

[Steve77]

It has a bit of slop at the bushings and it binds some. I assume that is due to the bushings being worn.

[Kevin Rohrer]

It is worth $90-120 in the its present condition.

Here is a link to info on how I cleaned one up.

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/threads/newest-addition-to-the-bench-the-dunbar.81541/

[Steve77]

It is worth $90-120 in the its present condition.

Here is a link to info on how I cleaned one up.

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/threads/newest-addition-to-the-bench-the-dunbar.81541/


Thanks for the info! How much leverage do they have, compared to a rock chucker or something similar?

[Kevin Rohrer]

More modern presses tend to have more compound leverage than ones made <1970. But I can FL resize .308 casings w/o a problem; have not yet tried 30/06. But, since too many people complain about resizing 9mm w/o lubricant, I may not be the average reloader.

[Kevin Rohrer]

It has a bit of slop at the bushings and it binds some. I assume that is due to the bushings being worn.

Not necessarily true, as those bushings are good for 1-2 MILLION cycles.

It could be that the vertical shafts are slightly out of alignment, or they need to be well-lubed w/ a penetrating oil like Breakfree. I seem to recall that motor oil might be too thick and will cause binding if applied too liberally. And WD40 is not a lubricant.

[plus1hdcp]

It is worth $90-120 in the its present condition.

Here is a link to info on how I cleaned one up.

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/threads/newest-addition-to-the-bench-the-dunbar.81541/

Well done Kevin

[LUBEDUDE]

Not necessarily true, as those bushings are good for 1-2 MILLION cycles.

It could be that the vertical shafts are slightly out of alignment, or they need to be well-lubed w/ a penetrating oil like Breakfree. I seem to recall that motor oil might be too thick and will cause binding if applied too liberally. And WD40 is not a lubricant.

I agree about the shafts.

One of my Dunbars or Herters number 9 (Dunbar copy) had to have one shaft tight and the other only snug.

You just have to test it out to find the sweet spot.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160315/6b738522e3b92fdd36483d3457a7eaf9.jpg

[Kevin Rohrer]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?92465-The-Restoration-of-a-Dunbar-%91H%92-Press-(long-message)&highlight=Dunbar