RCBS LAM1 Rebuild

[dragon813gt]

I picked up another RCBS LAM1 a few weeks back. This one was cheap and once I received it I saw why. It was well worn to say the least. First on the list was to remove all the old lube.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4356/36489787781_1be8405f0f_b.jpg

It was a soft lube so it came out w/ little effort. If you look closely at the bottom right corner of pic you can see the homemade bullet ejection plate. You can see the well worn handle links as well. Any of the knurled parts were worn flat from using pliers on them. The parts are meant to be hand tightened so the use of tools drives me nuts.

The ram itself was scored pretty good in two places. At this point I wasn't sure what caused it. After tearing it down I ended up w/ a list of thirteen parts that needed to be replaced. I left the ram off the list as I don't think the scoring will be an issue. I fired off an email to RCBS on Election Day. Had a response the following day that the parts were shipping out free of charge. I had them in my hands by Friday. To say that's great service would be an understatement.

After it was fully stripped it was boiled in water to remove any residual lube. As usual I took it out a little to early and lube ended up on the exterior.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4430/35792689844_bf44397fff_b.jpg

Took it over a friend's house today to sand blast it. It came out looking a lot cleaner than it went in.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4397/36458640012_ae9cf85907_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4406/36489787921_867195f9de_b.jpg

Upon inspection of the casting I found score marks inside the ram portion. It appears the ram wasn't kept clean and it damaged both the ram and casting. Why people abuse tools is lost on me. Regardless it will look better than new in the end.

I put a coat of primer on it this afternoon. It's currently drying and I will take pics tomorrow. It won't look much different because the primer is gray ;)

All the small parts and pieces were placed in #2 oil for a week. I ran out of kerosene but the #2 worked just fine. It cleaned up everything nicely. Had to take a brass brush to the linkage arms to clean them up. At this point I have to paint it and then reassemble.

This will be my third one. Not sure why I need three. I only use two lubes. But I can't not buy them when they're cheap :D

[VHoward]

Cool.

[dragon813gt]

Primer is dry to the touch. Won't have time to paint it tomorrow. I'm tempted to leave it this way.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4421/35792690094_573484e0b5_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4392/36458640282_506de2417d_b.jpg

[Fishman]

That looks pretty sweet. I need to try that myself.

[1988-4551]

Looks like it will be as good as new. Any idea how you will proceed with the ram/score on the frame?

[dragon813gt]

Pack it w/ grease and see how it works. After same blasting the casting looked fine. It wasn't until I ran a wire brush through the hole that I saw the score marks. The marks are long but not that deep. As long as I keep things clean I should be fine. If not I will contact RCBS and see about getting a new ram.

I will try to remember to take pics of the ram tomorrow. I'd take pics of the casting but I'm not removing the tape until it's painted.

[fred2892]

Primer is dry to the touch. Won't have time to paint it tomorrow. I'm tempted to leave it this way
Hey come on, half the fun in reviving the old stuff is spending time matching paint colour. Why leave it looking like an old 450 when you can acknowledge the great service you've just recieved from RCBS.


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[dragon813gt]

I already have the paint. It's just a matter of applying it.

[Half Dog]

Kinda wish I had spare time.

[Strtspdlx]

Kinda wish I had spare time.

To add to that, kind of wish I had spare money. I've been searching for a lube sizer for awhile. People always seem to think they're worth $300 or more used.
The refurbish looks good! A question to the op. Is there any specific reasoning for you picking a rcbs over the Lyman? I've been in the market for awhile and can't decide which to get. If I had the money is buy a star. But right now that's not the cards I'm being dealt.

[dragon813gt]

The Lyman is a weaker design. And you are not going to have an extensive list of parts shipped to you free of charge. If the $300 ones are a Star they are worth the money. I have one of them as well.

You can picked up used LAMs in decent shape on eBay for around $100. If you're lucky they come w/ a heater at that cost. This one was $65 and I bought it here. It's the cheapest one I bought but that's reflected in the price.

You don't need much free time to rebuild one. From start to finish, taking out paint drying time, it's about four hours. Sand blasting was easier and cleaner but I've chemically stripped them in the past. They look good at the end which is the whole point.

These are the other two.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4404/36231042200_f9c7c879ff_b.jpg

[1988-4551]

I was raised on lee precision but those look awful sharp.

[Mytmousemalibu]

I picked up my LAM II off ebay about a year ago for, if I recall correctly, about $130. It was sold as like new, seller ran 200-300 boolits through it he said, which it was like brand new. It came full of red carnauba with a heater plate, .358 die & SWC top punch, a mini crock-pot full of red carnauba, ladle, original box & documents. I think I did just fine on that deal! I replaced & saved the carnauba and filled it with Ben's Red. Awesome little machine for what I payed. I wanted a Star and still do but for the small amount of traditionally lubed boolits I do the RCBS is fine. I like it over the Lyman for strength and I have heard the Lyman can have some alignment issues so I decided the RCBS was the way to go. Keep your eyes out for them, they pop up for a good price with some regularity.

[dragon813gt]

Finally got around to finishing it. Been unseasonably warm here the past few days, over 70, so I figured it would be a good as time as any to paint it. Not the greatest job but I care about how it lubes more then how it looks.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4332/36489788301_559479f05b_b.jpg

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https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4410/36489788491_574bd88bb7_b.jpg

Loaded it up w/ some Carnauba Blue. Won't have time this weekend to see if it leaks. My other two leak to varying degrees around the base plug. This one got a new one and it went in nice and tight. A little leakage doesn't bother me. I'm just not a fan of a LAM2s.

[fred2892]

Nice job, colour match looks spot on.

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[dbosman]

Looks great. Thanks for mentioning that RCBS sends parts out for shipping. I've been missing a cap "forever".

[Catshooter]

RCBS won't send you parts for shipping costs. They won't let you pay for anything, shipping included.

This is subject to change, of course.


Cat

[dragon813gt]

RCBS won't send you parts for shipping costs. They won't let you pay for anything, shipping included.

This is subject to change, of course.


Cat

They have charged me in the past. I've found their service to be inconsistent. This time I didn't pay and received the parts quickly. The last one I rebuilt I was billed and waited three weeks for the parts.

[Catshooter]

Really? I've been getting parts from them since the early nineties and they've never let me pay a dime. I've even told them when I've bought used presses and needed parts: didn't care. Still couldn't pay.

I have seen though that since they made a change to their phone/log-in system their delivery has lengthened quite a bit. But it still free, so how can I whine?

I'm a fan.


Cat

[dragon813gt]

Yes, really. I've found their warranty service to be inconsistent. I did get the parts I needed, eventually.

[Taterhead]

THIS is a cool thread. Man I wish I had more spare time. I could get into a project like this. Alas, I don't even shoot as much as I like. Thanks for the epic thread! Enjoyed it.

[dragon813gt]

I bought another one a few weeks back. I can't not buy one when they pop up at a good price. It's in pretty rough shape and will need some new parts like the last one.

Pretty easy to tell which one needs some work.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4411/35792691124_96c48a99fd_h.jpg

O-rings were completely torn which explains why there was lube above the plunger. I was able to push out most of what appears to be TAC1.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4409/36231046990_63a56921f6_h.jpg

Missing some washers and one of the bolts is wrong. Bullet ejector screw and lock nut have had tools out on them so the knurling is gone. And the bullet ejector rod seems to be slightly bent. I could barely get it out of the screw. All the parts are currently soaking in #2 oil where they will stay for a few weeks.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4396/36489788631_439ab9e846_h.jpg

The casting, reservoir cap, lube plunger and threaded rod all lie in the bottom of the pot. Just waiting for it to cool so I can pull them out after boiling to remove lube.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4331/36231047100_f82d962da3_h.jpg

I plan on sand blasting the casting along w/ most of the parts. Hoping I can make it look like its brand new.

[RMII]

I love the RCBS customer service and warranty. My rebuild was not as extensive, but I was thoroughly satisfied with the service. Customer service is the reason I continue to purchase RCBS.

[David2011]

These are the other two.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa39/dragon813gt/TimeToMakeAmmo/BC5B5A3B-9299-493D-A699-001D7D1297C9.jpg (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/dragon813gt/media/TimeToMakeAmmo/BC5B5A3B-9299-493D-A699-001D7D1297C9.jpg.html)

Dragon,

Would you mind sharing with us the source of your paints? Are they hardware/big box store brands and colors?

Thx,
David

[dragon813gt]

I will post it when I get to that stage. It's gonna be a few weeks due to my work schedule.

I pulled the pieces out of the pot this morning. The little remaining lube on the metal parts was quickly removed w/ carb cleaner. I put them in the can to soak w/ the others. The casting has a light coat of lube all over it. Much less than w/ the past ones. Have to call a buddy to see when I can use his sandblasting cabinet.

[mtgrs737]

RCBS customer service is top notch! I emailed them to see if I could purchase a new style handle for my Rock Chucker press as the old bicycle handle was causing a blister on my aging hand. After a couple of questions about what the frame casting letters were they shipped me a new ball ended handle to replace my 43 year old handle completely free even though I told them I would gladly pay for it. RCBS equipment may be a tad higher than some other brands but when you factor in the product quality and top notch customer service it is worth it.

[casac47]

What size O-rings do you use ?

[dragon813gt]

What size O-rings do you use ?

The ones that RCBS sends me. They're free so no point messing around trying to find the right size.

[Jack Stanley]

Do the crimped on nuts that RCBS uses need special attention either removing or installing ?

Thanks , Jack

[dragon813gt]

Crimped on? They come right off. Never had any issues removing them.

[dragon813gt]

Fixed all the dead pics after ditching Photobucket and migrating to Flickr.

Had a chance to sand blast the press a few weeks back.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4396/35793435504_77be2625d8_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4394/36582181966_9a83f826bf_b.jpg

It's primed and painted but I forgot to take pics. I left it hanging outside for two days. Caused it to rust in a few places. If I can't clean it up I will sand blast it again and start all over. I still need to contact RCBS for new parts. The only one that is salvageable is the handle yoke. The rest are either broken, worn or rusted heavily.

[Mytmousemalibu]

What's the difference between the LAM and the LAM II. You mentioned not liking them as much.

[dragon813gt]

LAM2s have a solid bottom and the pressure adjustment assembly is different. I'm not a fan of the handle for adjusting it. There are pros and cons to both styles. W/ the 2s you don't have to worry about leaking out the bottom. This is the biggest issue w/ the 1s. Lube can leak out of the base plug.

[Maven]

Also. the innards of the LAM II are different, which means the rod, piston, and O rings are different from the LAM I.

[Mytmousemalibu]

Ah ok, not a huge difference. I'm pretty happy with mine, I like the idea of the solid bottom but the adjuster does leave a little bit to be desired. I would have preferred a ratchet but ot does the job. I got a good deal on it too. Perhaps I'll add a Star to the bench someday but if i don't the LAM II will do just fine.

[dragon813gt]

Perhaps I'll add a Star to the bench someday but if i don't the LAM II will do just fine.

Stars are great but they cost more money all around. I have one w/ a bullet feeder and air cylinder. If I'm sizing less than 100 bullets I don't bother getting it out. This is w/ having separate punches set up for each bullet set up already. A lot less strain on my elbows because it's half the handle pulls. But there is just something about using the LAMs that I like.

[dragon813gt]

Had time to clean it up while the baby was sleeping today. It's just him and me this weekend.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4355/36711982101_12780cd558_o.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4332/36042237203_07550d1d12_o.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4407/36851023485_3d66cc3cc2_o.jpg

The casting has some score marks in it. I don't understand why people don't keep their tools free of debris. The ram fits tightly w/ no play. But it's on the list of parts that I'm going to replace. Hopefully I can get one. If not I need to polish up the one I have. It was really rusted so I sand blasted it to clean it up.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4410/36851022105_93344c444a_o.jpg

The paint job leaves a lot to be desired. It laid down w/ a lot of air bubbles in it. They eventually popped but the pain never laid flat. I'm going to use the press so it's of no concern. But the OCD in me wants to sand blast it and start all over.

[dragon813gt]

RCBS wants money for the parts I need. Not complaining because the parts can be had. But I'm batting well under fifty percent when it comes to them sending me free parts. Makes buying an older one a money losing proposition since it ends up costing more than a new one.

[myg30]

Dragon, Very nice jobs on the lube sizers rebuild. Can you share with us the paint you used ?
I also liked the darker green one with the dark handle.
Thank you for the pictures and info.

Mike

[dragon813gt]

The paint is Rustoleum that I bought at Home Depot. I will check the color when I get home. I forget the color used for the darker one. The can is long gone.

The black handle is a recent replacement from RCBS. That's what you get when asking for one. I'm assuming that's what I will get for the latest rebuild.

Have a matching JR3 as well [emoji2]
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4440/35818462083_7a91d615f4_o.jpg

[largom]

Got my Lube-A-Matic 1 at an auction. No one knew what it was. Auctioneer said it's some kind of press. I paid $11.00 for it!

[dragon813gt]

Parts arrived today. Hopefully I have time to put it together this weekend.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4546/37600685785_95b166bf73_b.jpg

[dragon813gt]

Will have pics up shortly. This is the last one I will rebuild. And the last RCBS product I ever bought. I had the details up but removed them. Suffice to say I've had to many poor outcomes w/ their warranty department. Not trying to be rude but I don't care if you've had spectacular service. My interactions have been horrible on a few occasions and the rebuild of this sizer will be the last time I ever deal w/ them.

Edit:
So here are the pics. It looks a lot like the first one for obvious reasons. In this pic you can see how the handle and reservoir cap are a black color. This is from the Evaporust treatment. Parts are rust free but due to how the Evaporust works the parts have darkened. Makes it easy to differentiate the sizers so I'm not complaining.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4559/24637063538_3fe2c2882a_b.jpg

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https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4553/38509319531_644af2be3a_b.jpg

In this pic you can see a ram that's not very polished. The one I bought from them is to large of a diameter to fit through the casting. So I had to reuse the old one. I spent a short amount of time polishing it. It still needs more work. It's smooth and will work so I may just leave it this way.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4523/38453441456_f9287f7d5e_b.jpg

My biggest concern is leaking through the base plug. The threaded rod is apparently obsolete. They didn't inform me of this before I sent them a check. This is what I'm most angry about. Had they told me I couldn't get every part I wanted I would have kept this one for the casting and the good parts on it. The old rod is pretty beat up. And I've had issues w/ the old rods and new base plugs leaking. These two mate up a lot better than the ones in the past so we will see if it leaks.

Something is misaligned but I'm not sure what just yet. I think the handle yoke might be a little bent. Once I go to use it I will get it straightened out and running right. The ram is really tight when operating it so something needs to be tweaked.