Arbor Press What Make

[Lapua40X]

... Saw an article years ago in Varmint Hunter mag or Precision Shooting where a guy put a return spring on top just like the expensive models; a simple task.

Also, any drill press will also do the job just as well (or better) and I'll bet most folks have a drill press, or a need for one.

Remember, this is not a beauty contest. ;D

Yep, the drill press works just fine too. I hadn't seen the Varmint Hunter Magazine article but I'll have a look at my setup and see if I can work something like that out.
Tnx for the tip ..............

 

[Phil]

Harrell`s, BUT I`m currently saving for the Century 21 .......... 8)

 

[smoooth]

For anyone interested, I just looked back and Varmint Hunter Magazine issue 34, April 2000, has the arbor press article on page 231.

.......and to think my wife makes fun of me for keeping all these old hunting and shooting magazines around...........

 

[gunnermhr]

I'm using the 21st century as well and have no complaints.

Jim, why do like the 21st century more? I seems to me the to force the indicator would be hard to beat. That being said, i'm not familiar with the 21st century

 

[amlevin]

Before you spend big bucks on one of those cute little arbor presses from one of the manufacturers previously listed in this thread, consider this.
The press simply compresses the seating die to push the stem down enough to seat the bullet. In a pinch, a heavy rock will that fairly well.
Rather than spend a lot of money on an arbor press that is packaged for a beauty contest, I simply bought this one.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-ton-arbor-press-3551.html
Cheap, does a great job, saved me a bunch of cash. Win/win in anybody's book.

But you miss the whole point. When you take your press to the range it's all about "Looks". Your fellow shooters have to be "impressed" by the tools you use or it's no fun.

Of course it's no fun when you have "boutique" equipment and get out-shot by an old-timer using a Lee Load-All (aka "whack-a-mole" die set) :'(

 

[amlevin]

I'm with you Lapua40X, the cheap but MUCH heavier duty arbor press comes in quite handy for many other needs as well. I bolted mine to a 1" steel plate, does not get moved too often. Saw an article years ago in Varmint Hunter mag or Precision Shooting where a guy put a return spring on top just like the expensive models; a simple task.

Also, any drill press will also do the job just as well (or better) and I'll bet most folks have a drill press, or a need for one.

Remember, this is not a beauty contest. ;D

If you're only using your press at home, just make adapters for your Rock Chucker, etc. An old shell holder, an old die body, some Volkswagen valve shims (from OHC engine), and J-B weld, All you need is two flat surfaces.

Rough the surfaces with a grinder. Insert shell holder in ram. Cut unthreaded portion of die off and dress threads so it can be screwed in from bottom of die holder. Apply J-B weld to roughed surface of shims and place smooth face to smooth face. Insert between die and shell holder, raise ram, hang weight on handle or use bungee cord to keep ram up firmly while J-B weld cures.

You can now use your venerable Rock Chucker for your Wilson Dies. Remove "adapters" and your same press can be used some heavy duty forming or sizing.

 

[expiper]

we all realize that you can seat a bullet with your work boot ,,,but the lil' compact light and EZ to transport arbor presses are so convenient to use once you actually use (especially at the range if you are a "B"enchrest shooter ) one you will never use a 2x4 with a intake valve from a big block chevy ,,,,Roger