Press maintenance

[TTE]

Extended my reloading bench and moving my press. Thought I would service my Bonanza Co-Ax.

However, ..... I couldn't figure out how to get it apart.
Assistance would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[kenhwind]

Look for a parts diagram or an exploded drawing. I needed to service one of my Dillon 550 presses and if I had looked at their parts diagram it was self explanatory.

 

[chkunz]

I have been reloading since the 1960s and have never done press maintenance.
What am I missing?

 

[MUP]

I use OneShot lube on the ram of my single stage presses That's the only use I have for it.

 

[CaptJim]

I know I'm lazy but I have only taken a press apart if it needed repair or upgrading. To keep them in good shape I periodically apply a penetrant such as Kroil or PB Nut Blaster or, if really dirty, Brake Clean, especially to shaft bosses etc to flush out particles.. once cleaned up I oil, grease as necessary. Surface rust on the ram(s) can be addressed with fine steel wool and penetrating oil.
Just my opinion, has worked for many moons.
CJ

 

[JMayo]

Oil it and move on ...

 

[SSL]

Thin oil on ram and light grease on pivot points...that's it.

 

[TTE]

Look for a parts diagram or an exploded drawing. I needed to service one of my Dillon 550 presses and if I had looked at their parts diagram it was self explanatory.

Bonanza is the forerunner of the Forster Co Ax. The PDF on Forster's site does not load (I tried multiple times).
I wanted to lube the pivots, but can't figure out ho.w to get at them

 

[TTE]

Thin oil on ram and light grease on pivot points...that's it.

Please help me out ...... how do you get to (remove) the pivots to grease them ? The only way I can see to lube them is to leave the press on it's side and put some penetrating oil on the 'pins' and let it set for a few days and hope it seeps into the pivots (on each side).

 

[K22]

My press is over 50 years old, an RCBS Jr. I wipe it down occasionally with WD 40 to remove dirt and grime. I apply a small amount of grease to the linkages every few years.

For me, the more important maintenance issue is keeping the shell holder clean, especially in the groove area so the case is not misaligned. I use a small stiff nylon brush and brush out the groove after each reloading session.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Hobo oil on all moving parts, works for me.

 

[TTE]

My press is over 50 years old, an RCBS Jr. I wipe it down occasionally with WD 40 to remove dirt and grime. I apply a small amount of grease to the linkages every few years.

For me, the more important maintenance issue is keeping the shell holder clean, especially in the groove area so the case is not misaligned. I use a small stiff nylon brush and brush out the groove after each reloading session.

I'm happy for all you guys that have Dillons's and RCBS's that you oil occasionally. I don't have that kind of press.

In the 3rd photo you can see the top and bottom pivots clearly. That is what I would like to remove and grease/oil.

I've had the press for a long time and I figured since I am moving it to a different location on my bench, I would grease the pivots.

However, I cannot figure out how to get the pivots out (or at least figure out how to lube/oil em' without waiting for penetrating oil to "maybe" seep into the pivots)

I appreciate all the advise, however, this is not an RCBS or another style of press, it's a Bonanza, like a Forster.

If you have some experience/advise on how to remove the pivots, that is what I am asking for.

Thanks

 

[TTE]

Oil it and move on ...

Can you please explain where to oil it after reviewing the photos ? Thanks

 

[CaptJim]

I'm happy for all you guys that have Dillons's and RCBS's that you oil occasionally. I don't have that kind of press.

In the 3rd photo you can see the top and bottom pivots clearly. That is what I would like to remove and grease/oil.

I've had the press for a long time and I figured since I am moving it to a different location on my bench, I would grease the pivots.

However, I cannot figure out how to get the pivots out (or at least figure out how to lube/oil em' without waiting for penetrating oil to "maybe" seep into the pivots)

I appreciate all the advise, however, this is not an RCBS or another style of press, it's a Bonanza, like a Forster.

If you have some experience/advise on how to remove the pivots, that is what I am asking for.

Thanks

Remove the "C" clip or lock ring retainers and the pins should come out. However If you apply Kroil and work the pivot, the oil will penetrate in seconds.

 

[JMayo]

Oil it and move on

Can you please explain where to oil it after reviewing the photos ? Thanks

All joints, grease film on ram.

Oh my goodness ..

 

[SecondsCount]

I just put a drop of synthetic oil on the joints, wipe off the excess, and move on.

 

[TTE]

Oil it and move on

All joints, grease film on ram.

Oh my goodness ..

oh my goodness ............I asked how to remove the pivots., not what to put on them

 

[piie]

Those joints were probably press fit in factory and not meant to be removed/serviced. Clean outside of press, and spray joints/contact areas with your lubricant of choice while cycling the press to get it to penetrate.

 

[muleystalker]

If you look at there first and second photo there is a small hole in the bottom at 90* to the shaft, it looks like a role pin or another type of pin, or an oil hole. Check those and see if it's a pin holding in the shaft, if so remove and press out the shaft.
But like others have said I would put some Kroil in the shafts and it will creep in, clean it up and call it good

 

[bobaloo22]

It looks like you have to pull the C clip off and then the arms should be free to pop off.