Working on a RCBS JR2

[cheese1566]

Refurbing an old (1968 actually!) RCBS JR2.

The handle (round stock from the toggle to the bike handle grip) was painted when I got it <complete with an aftermarket billiard 8-ball on the end for a handgrip!>What was the original finish of the handle? I was thinking of bluing it...

The main body cast has just been sandblasted and recoated with green RustOLeum Hammered finish. I plan on doiung the toggle in the same green paint. The ram and linkage will be polished back up to snuff.

[Rock]

Pictures or it never happened!

[Lead Fred]

My Jr's handle was polished steel. Its rusted and pitted now.

It still has my 1966 Stingray grip on it

[HeavyMetal]

The operating handle on every JR I ever had was polished steel.

I found they rusted quickly so I blued one and polished another and then sprayed a coat of clear semi gloss enamel on each of them to keep them from rusting!

[462]

I have two that were rusted when purchased. Sanded and polished them to a bright finish but they keep rusting. Hadn't thought of bluing...:idea:

Rams, toggle links and pins have been polished, toggles are contrasting black, bodies are green.

[Ozark Howler]

The handles on the JR's and RS's were originally bare polished steel, the toggles are also bare cast steel without any coating. I rebuilt two recently and used a fine grit media on the toggles....they look like they did when the factory.

[cheese1566]

Here it is after sandblasting, repainting, and 8-ball removal- plus the addition of the primer system I got here from friendly members. I went with bluing the handle and painting the toggle. All paint was with RustOleum hammered finish. Handle stays up in place with the help of a small and very strong magnet placed on top of the toggle where it meets the linkage.

Now to build a portable range box for it! [smilie=p:
21714 21715

[462]

Very nice.

Before and after of my recently purchased JR2.

Drat, can't get the pictures to load.

[462]

Second attempt

[cheese1566]

What I would like to know is why the second threaded hole in the bottom of the toggle?
The handle will screw into it, but would be sticking straight down when the ram is at the lowest-and straight back when the ram is at the top...

[462]

Can't get the after picture to load.

[cheese1566]

Keep tryin'!:Fire:

[462]

On my fifth attempt...

Don't know what the other threaded hole is for. Must be there for a reason, though.

[fstreed]

What I would like to know is why the second threaded hole in the bottom of the toggle?
The handle will screw into it, but would be sticking straight down when the ram is at the lowest-and straight back when the ram is at the top...

I don't remember all the details but the RCBS JRs could be set up so you lifted up on the handle in order to raise the ram, opposite of the way most presses are set up. I still have an old JR around somewhere, haven't used it in years. I bought it new around 1969 0r 1970 and used it to load a lot of ammo until I got a Rockchucker.

[HeavyMetal]

Yes the other threaded hole is to allow you to "reverse" the direction of the ram travel if one wish's to.

I ran mine so I could lift the ram when I lifted the handle. It worked better like that from the seated position.

[cheese1566]

Get that old one out of retirement! I am looking for another project!;)

I see that it is feasible to lift on the handle that way. The toggle would be rotated 180 degrees so the linkage would be in the front rather than the rear.

[462]

After a dozen attempts, the after picture still won't download. The manage attachments section indicates that the picture downloaded, but it doesn't attach to the reply. Am I not doing something correctly or is it a forum problem?

[ph4570]

I have a complete JR stored in a box. I got it new as a Christmas gift about 50 years ago. I recall unwrapping it on that Christmas day but have trouble recalling yesterday's events -- odd how that works.

[Wayne Smith]

Your 'before' picture is very close to the way mine looks now! Rusted handle and beat up, but still loads good ammo.

[462]

Still can't get the after picture to load...

[WILCO]

Still can't get the after picture to load...

Try resizing it down to "600".

[462]

Finally...before and after pictures of my JR2.

[gifford]

Nicely done, mine is one year newer, a 1969. Handle has nice patina. They pretty well are indestrucible.

[462]

Thank you, Gifford.

This is a '68 model. It has a '75 JR3 benchmate.

By the way, does anyone know of any difference between the 2 and 3?

[cheese1566]

Nice job!
I like the polishing of the outside of the primer catcher.

[462]

Cheese,
Wet/dry paper and Mother's. A few weeks ago, an ebay buyer paid $41 for one. If I knew mine would sell for that, I'd list it in a heartbeat.

Actually, the newer plastic catcher is more practical because the deep section is completely enclosed, whereas the aluminum version is open in the front...remove the catcher and the primers will be all over the floor. The plastic catcher is installed on the JR3, and it's used for depriming.

[cheese1566]

Aren't the plastic ones held on better?

I had to resort to a small bungee cord to hold the alum in place. Then use the shopvac to empty the spent primers.

Maybe a quick email to RCBS Monday will solve it.

[462]

Yes, the plastic catchers have a piece that bridges across the top of the press and holds the two halves together, and there is one on the JR3. I used a handy spring, on the JR2.

The plastic catcher was another gift from RCBS. Nice people.

[PineTreeGreen]

I have and use an RCBS JR that I bought in 1962. The press,priming unit,shell holder and a set of .30-06 dies for the pricey sum of $29.95.

[Capn Jack]

:holysheep You mean I've been using an antique all of these years and didn't know it?:groner: I wondered why my brother kept laughing when he first saw it set up.:rolleyes: That's OK, He also laughed at my Pacific Powder Thrower That you drill out the pocket in the tumbler when you want to change the load. I have another 12" of bronze propellor shaft to make new tumblers out of, then I'm out of business.[smilie=s:

Jack:lovebooli

[Pressman]

JR2's bring good money on eBay, along with JR3's and the RS model. The extra thrweaded hole in the pivot block was provided for those older folks, at the time, who still preffered upstroke operation.
Ken

[Capn Jack]

"was provided for those older folks," I resemble that remark :wink:

I need to find me another "Ball Point Pen Cartridge Spring" for my primer cup. It has just about had it.

Jack :coffeecom
http://s909.photobucket.com/albums/ac296/200400600/?action=view&current=Press-1.jpg

[sundog]

I bought my first press in early 70s, used. Yep, RCBS Jr with both primer arms, metal catcher, and IIRC, a steel 44 Spl/Mag die set. It was my only metallic cartridge press until sometime after 2000 when I lucked into, not one, but two practically unused Rock Chuckers from two different garage sales (found by Mrs Sundog) both of which came with lots of other stuff.

What happened to Junior? Well, Junior is now my going to the range press.