Busted my ancient Lee turret press handle

[superc]

Today we have snow. A perfect opportunity to do some reloading. So I was belling a .44 Special case when it stuck in the die. So I lifted a little harder. SNAP!

For 30 years it worked quite well. It seems the parts for this old a model are no longer available. Sigh. :(

[GARD72977]

I hate loosing an old piece of equipment

[farmerjim]

It shouldn't be too hard to make one from steel.

[Conditor22]

Can you bolt a piece of steel with a hole in it in the outside half of the channel?

I assume you called Lee @ phone (262) 673-3075

If they don't have a part that will work, will they give you 50% off a new press in trade for your broken press?
It never hurts to ask.

Cut those teeth into a piece of steel would be cost-prohibitive

[farmerjim]

"Cutt those teeth into a piece of steel would be cost-prohibitive"

Use a hacksaw or cutting disk in a 4 1/2 in grinder, followed by a triangular file.
It does not have to be perfect.

[KMac]

Parts are available for it. The parts from one of the newer models work on it.
There was a post about it not too long ago. Let me find it and I will update this with the link.
Here is the link to the parts:
https://leeprecision.com/roller-handle-upgrade-kit.html

[kmw1954]

Bummer. Yes Lee discontinued all the red base and linkage parts for the old Value press and Pro1000. Would think it takes some kind of force to snap an I beam handle. Titan Reloading does offer this. https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-precision-reloading-equipment/lee-presses/lee-turret-press/lee-roller-handle-upgrade-kit or you could just upgrade to one of these for just $84.00 https://www.titanreloading.com/lee-precision-reloading-equipment/lee-presses/lee-turret-press/lee-4-hole-turret-press-w-auto-index

[robg]

Could it be welded its ally isn't it

[XDROB]

You could try Inline Fabrication.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[country gent]

It can be fixed. If a new one isn't available. A piece of 1/8" flat cold rolled steel the width of the boss. Glue the handle back together as best you can. Bend form the flat stock into a snug fitting u Go about 6" past the break and glue this in place clamping it to form. Drill and tap 2 holes around boss and 3 each side of break, counter sink and use flat head screws with red locktite. The alloy Lee uses is gummy and will want to load taps but it can be done. Don't over tighten the screws or this material will strip out easily. Rough all surfaces up for best bond of epoxy to parts. When clamping clamp snug but don't push all the epoxy out of joint. A few fine metal chips or sand added will provide a uniform bond thickness and let epoxy remain in joint. These chips can be made in lathe or mill by taking fine cuts of .005-.010 depth. Filings will work also. clean chips by soaking in alcohol. Soak and agitate for several mins and pour thru a paper towel filter to catch chips then let solvent evaporate away. These chips when added to the epovy set a bond thickness that is maintained by the chips.

[airone46]

in my country it is said: "old things die in the madman's house". :smile::smile:
Have you considered the idea of taking a new one?
in any case take a piece of flat iron, make a hole at one end, and the new lever is done!
everything can break in that press, but not the new lever!

[marek313]

I'd say after 30 years you cant really complain. Wish everything would last that long. I did complete breaks on my truck last march and last night I noticed one side locking up again. Not even one year it lasted. I'm sure you can fix that handle but your the only one that needs to decide if its worth all the work and material. Some have all kinds of materials around some dont, same with tools. I'm sure there are presses that last 40 and 50 years but getting 30 out of Lee is pretty **** good if you ask me considering the purchase price.

[Markopolo]

Same handle teeth as my classic turret press...

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

It's common for that Old style Lee handle to break. Lee doesn't make those anymore, which is a shame, because I really like the old style compared to the "upgrade Kit" mentioned above.

But the good news is, you can find old used Turret presses and/or Pro1000 presses (salvage quality) at gunshows and other places for pretty cheap, to use for spare parts.

[lead-1]

Post a WTB in the sale ads here and someone may have one to get rid of, shoot I think there was two of them posted in the pay it forward thread a short while back. One had a ball type knob and the other had the wooden handle missing. Might not hurt to watch ebay either.