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Posted: 5/8/2012 6:07:24 AM EDT
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I just got a free RCBS single stage press that I'm going to use until I can afford a L-N-L. Its in good shape, but the shaft looks like it has some minor rust patina on it and the press will move fine, just not as smooth as I think it should.
Will a rub down with some WD-40 and some polishing with a dremel work or is there a specific alternative I should be looking at? |
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mine was pretty bad (was my dad's, kept in the barn on their property for the past 12 or so years.....) WD-40 to get it to move again (wouldn't when I got it - wd40 and a rubber mallet solved that issue) cleaned that off and now just have some light oil on it - it's been smoothing out as I've worked it
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Quoted: No dremel. Too much ability to remove material with high speed and a heavy hand. This. Steel wool and whatever oil you use on your guns. In my case, Breakfree. Then wipe it down with a thin layer of oil on it. Then operate the press, it will get better with use. BTW, nice score.  |
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I would want to remove rust and dirt. 4-0 steel wool is good suggestion. Oil as cleaning agent won't remove grit. Sure it will get the worst of it with fabric like terry cloth. Brake cleaner works great for taking oil and grit off. When done, then coat with gun oil.
Action should move slick when done. |
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Solvent to clean off the ancient lube, ultra fine steel wool used BY HAND to remove rust, followed by solvent to remove the debris, then a real polishing agent like Flitz. Inspect the bore of the press frame too - it may need a bit of attention as well.
Which model is the press? RCBS will likely help you out with replacement parts you might need to get the press back into action. |
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Quoted:
Am curious, can you remove the ram from the frame to work on it? Was that part of the equation that I missed? The finer 0000 grade of wool would provide the smoothest finish, but take the most time. Smooth is more gooder. I would suggest removing the ram, link arms and pins and cleaning it all up. Then lube with a light coat of 30W motor oil. Non detergent grade. So yes, the ram can be removed. |
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If the rust is very heavy, more than a flash, I would start with a scotchbrite pad and 3 in 1 or whatever light oil you have handy, including WD 40.
Don't fool with a Dremel, that will take far longer than simply polishing the ram with your hand, and your hand work will produce a better finish. Clean up the rust, then clean off the crud, and lube with a light oil. I keep a can of 3 in 1 and a tube of lithium grease on one of my benches. |
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