Newbee question...

[MJL31]

I'm new to the board and to reloading and have a really greenhorn question for you guys. My reloading station is set up in my garage where there is lots of dirt and dust from other tools, cars, atv, KIDS, etc. It is also pretty humid. My steel tools rust if I don't keep them oiled. What do I need to do to protect my press and such from the grime and moisture?

Thanks.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

A cover and heat source

 

[DanSavage]

And oil,,lol.

 

[timeout]

Possibly need to also add a dehumidifier.

 

[dedogs]

Build a re-loading room off the side of your house--and LOCK THE DOOR!

 

[waldo1979]

A cover and heat source

I reload in my basement where I also do wood working. If you have an RCBS press I recommend a third party cover off eBay like this one:
http://m.ebay.com/itm/RCBS-ROCK-CHUCKER-DUST-COVER-/272096441927

I use a cover on my press but the biggest problem is rust. Just this weekend I was cleaning off some rust that formed on my .223 dies just after 2 months of not being used. To inhibit rust I coat dies surfaces that don't contact the bullet with boeshield T-9:
http://boeshield.com/

If you live somewhere with very high humidity (Houston, Florida etc.) you may need to store your dies in a cabinet with a golden rod or demuidifer:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/GOLDEN-ROD-DEHUMIDIFIER-ROD/1769596.uts

To treat rust that has already formed I like evaporust from Harbor Frieght.

The main body of your press should be powder coated and able to withstand rusting. Dillon calls for a light Motor oil on the ram press and a grease on the articulating joints (they sell a maintainece kit). I also use Brian Enos slide glide occasionally just because it's what I be laying around.

 

[Lapua40X]

I use TreeWax with a coating of good quality oil over the top.
But here's some ideas that might also interest you.
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/w...steries-blogs/rust-prevention-for-woodworkers
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/w...steries-blogs/rust-prevention-for-woodworkers

 

['Freak]

Move the cars outside making room enough for the wife and kids to not get in each other’s way whilst you are reloading ammo setup inside the house. ;-)