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Where Can I get one of those R.F.D. O-frame presses??

RDF does not make them anymore. Try Bruno's Shooter Supply, they make them. Mind-you they are not cheap.

http://www.brunoshooters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=BSS
 
For the $425 it will cost you for the Bruno press, I would go with a Harrell's press for $160 or even one from Sinclair for $290 and save a ton of dough. The Combo Press from Harrell's is really nice, does both threaded dies and arbor press type, and is still cheaper at $275.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=33635/Product/Sinclair_7_8_14_Benchrest_Press
http://harrellsprec.com/index.php?crn=205&rn=383&action=show_detail

The $425 Bruno's press: http://www.brunoshooters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=BSS&Product_Code=BCOFSP

If it were me, I would give Harrell's a call.
 
does anyone by chance have blueprints or plans or whatever for something like this?

I could do it effortlessly, I just dont have the skill to engineer the ram hinge area
 
If you take the measurements from the linkage on a press you do own, just use the same leverage ratios and scale all the parts to get the ram throw you need in the press body you make.

So if you the press you measure has a ram throw of 10" and you need 8" for the body you make, you would use the parts at 80% scale. Obviously it won't be that big, I just used those numbers as the math was easy.

Or, you could do what I plan to do. Scavenge the ram and linkage from an existing press and make your own body and handle. You could still make copies of the linkage from billet aluminum or whatever, but it will give you stuff to go from.

The Lee Reloader press is somewhat small, which is what you want for most BR rounds, and it's cheap as heck to boot. (And I have one I don't really use or need ;D) Just go off those dimensions, scavenge the ram and copy whatever else you want to upgrade.

Hope this helps

Kenny
 
Ed, this is a picture of the Bruno press next to my Rockchucker.

Bruno%27s%20Press.JPG
 
German, thank you. I was referring to another poster, who seems to know pretty much everything, about everything, regardless of actual experience.
 
So if you look at the two side by side, how much actual difference is there between leverage ratios? Yes, some of the linkage is mounted at different points, but what should really matter is the length of the levers from each fulcrum point as well as the side pieces that go to the fulcrum point on the handle.

And if you look at the two, they are actually a good bit similar with the Bruno appearing to be scaled down a bit from the Rockchucker. Even if there are slight differences, could you not make something similar, which is what I indicated was possible to begin with, and have it still be a very effective and high quality press?

Seriously DocEd, could you not figure out how to machine something similar to the Bruno or Dodd by replicating the linkage of the Rockchucker in billet aluminum and scaling it to match a press body which you also machine from billet aluminum in a similar fashion to the Dodd or Bruno? I seriously doubt that "you" couldn't, as you are obviously superior to myself in every aspect and I had no issues with the process.

DocEd, you seem intelligent, but did you not take any kind of geometry class or anything else in highschool? This should be a rather easy project for anyone who can take measurements, do math, add a little geometry in the mix to make sure things will work and draw a set of plans. I am sure the OP could do it as well.

I only used the Lee press reference as I am using one to scavenge parts, mainly the ram, for a press of my own. No, it is not a copy of the Dodd, nor did I indicate I was making a copy of the Dodd. Though I am moving where the linkage mounts, and yes it does operate as I mocked it up a few days ago and it had plenty of mechanical advantage, as it had no issue full length sizing .308 cases. It is also built to very tight tolerances with no slop in any linkages, bronze bushings at all pivot points and should load excellent ammo once I finish it.

And as for my suggestion of the Harrell's press, it's a heck of a lot cheaper than $425 and will still load very good ammo. And yes I saw both at a match I attended over the summer. Both seemed to load good ammo, as both shooters did very well. Though there were others using Lee hand presses and doing just as well, so go figure.

Anyway, a full on copy of the Bruno press may result in some type of copyright infringement if they have in fact copyrighted the exact design and you try to manufacture the press for resale. I am not sure if those are the intentions of the OP, but it did seem that way. If the plan was to do an exact 100% copy for resale, that would be an area I would look into.

I do have the urge to order a Bruno press just to measure the linkage and then see how the leverage ratios compare to those of other presses to see if they are really all that different.

Kenny
 
I'm not sure what I'll do just yet...

I have some ideas for modification to the bruno press. For now I'd just like to make one or maybe even a few for myself... maybe in the future look into selling a modified version through my site. The press itself is no problem its a very simple assembly of very simple parts.

I'll first try to copy my Rockchucker... see where that takes me. Maybe as I copy it make a hybrid of the appearance of the Bruno with the size of the rockchucker.
 
Really DocEd, you're not referring to me? Than who else? The OP? RonsRoom1 who stated they are now made by Bruno's? Come on, it's obvious.

Kenny

Just an FYI, I could care less who you are. Oh yeah, I build rifles too. But since I'm actually still pretty young, I just got started. It may take a bit to get really good at it, but I will. Still, not doing too bad at 29 with my own lathe and mill. ;)
 
butchlambert said:
Kenny,
Sounds like you are the man to make them. Bruno copied Bob Dodd's press. Why not copy Bruno's?
Butch


Hmm I didnt know bruno copied it... I assumed they just took over with his permission for whatever reason.

IN such a case I wouldn't be stealing bruno's press since its not theirs to begin with, unless they did in fact do it with permission and have it patented or otherwise protected.

But For now I just want one/some for myself. Undoubtedly though if I did decide to "copy" the bruno press I can assure you it wouldn't cost $425.
 
Butch,
Trying to do any type of production of a piece like that on a scale that would really make me money with manual machines is an exercise in futility. I am only making one press for myself for now, and then when I see what I can improve over my initial design, I will make another which I hope will be of optimal design for what I need. And hopefully, it will also be the last that I make.

So unless I somehow find the sum of money required to purchase a CNC machine, and then learn code as well, Tomekeuro is the man for the job. ;)
 
butchlambert said:
Ask Bob Dodd if he gave permission.
Butch


I emailed him a few days ago but have not had any reply... The first email link he had on his site was a dead link, so i tried another, and it worked but he hasn't responded.
 
Kenny474 said:
Butch,
Trying to do any type of production of a piece like that on a scale that would really make me money with manual machines is an exercise in futility. I am only making one press for myself for now, and then when I see what I can improve over my initial design, I will make another which I hope will be of optimal design for what I need. And hopefully, it will also be the last that I make.

So unless I somehow find the sum of money required to purchase a CNC machine, and then learn code as well, Tomekeuro is the man for the job. ;)

Ha yea they're expensive. I'm lucky because my dad owns a cnc machine shop, and I've been working there my entire life with a break for college. We have 10 cnc mills, a cmm, a cnc lathe, and a few manual machines. I do a ton of really complex work and cad/cam programming, but usually the drawing and engineering are already finished and all I have to do is make the part.

I'll see how it all goes for me and post my results here.
 

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