Making a Lee sizer for Jim. I decided to show how I do it.
I started with a 1" piece of 12L14. I faced the end, drilled for a center, then turned to .870. I have learned that while 7/8-14 threads are ideally .875 in diameter that getting cute and tryingto be "exact" leads to dies that don't thread into presses! A little slop makes for easier install into the press and if no lock ring is used it lets the die float a bit.
Here is the rough turned part ready for threading. I have already cut the relief at the ends of the threads and the top is turned to .820 so a Lee red tub fits properly should one be used.
Threads cut and cleaned up. I use a lock ring to check fit.
Dies is threaded into a piece of 6061 I drilled and tapped for this purpose. The dies is locked in with a lock ring snugged up with a wrench. This allows me to turn the top after cutting the part off the stock. There is a little runout but not enough to bother me as this isn't a critical part.
Top is cleaned up and a little bevel is filed on outer corner.
The top of the doe after back boring and cutting a countersink. I backbone 2.75" with a bit at lease .020 over desired bulelt diameter. This allows the sized bullets to easily move upwards. I found that having too long a sizing section makes it very difficult to push bullets thru. This is an area I learend from the school of hard knocks.
Bottom for the die. The pilot hole was drilled after threading but before parting off. I use a drill well under desired bullet size but large enough to handle chip load well. Drilling a 3" deep hole with a small bit is an exercise in frustration. When possible I use one of my small selection of parabolic flute bits. Buckshot recommended one bits and he was right, they move chips way better than standard flute bits.
So far I have roughly an hour invested. I buy most of my stock from speedy metal online. I can get 36" of 1" 12L14 for 13.64 plus shipping. I generally buy 3-5 chunks of stock at once to spread out shipping. Figure there is a max of $1.50 material involved.
I will try to finish the die tomorrow. I will also make a matching push rod and a push rod for the die for Walter.
For now I watch the Vikings and get ready for work.
I started with a 1" piece of 12L14. I faced the end, drilled for a center, then turned to .870. I have learned that while 7/8-14 threads are ideally .875 in diameter that getting cute and tryingto be "exact" leads to dies that don't thread into presses! A little slop makes for easier install into the press and if no lock ring is used it lets the die float a bit.
Here is the rough turned part ready for threading. I have already cut the relief at the ends of the threads and the top is turned to .820 so a Lee red tub fits properly should one be used.
Threads cut and cleaned up. I use a lock ring to check fit.
Dies is threaded into a piece of 6061 I drilled and tapped for this purpose. The dies is locked in with a lock ring snugged up with a wrench. This allows me to turn the top after cutting the part off the stock. There is a little runout but not enough to bother me as this isn't a critical part.
Top is cleaned up and a little bevel is filed on outer corner.
The top of the doe after back boring and cutting a countersink. I backbone 2.75" with a bit at lease .020 over desired bulelt diameter. This allows the sized bullets to easily move upwards. I found that having too long a sizing section makes it very difficult to push bullets thru. This is an area I learend from the school of hard knocks.
Bottom for the die. The pilot hole was drilled after threading but before parting off. I use a drill well under desired bullet size but large enough to handle chip load well. Drilling a 3" deep hole with a small bit is an exercise in frustration. When possible I use one of my small selection of parabolic flute bits. Buckshot recommended one bits and he was right, they move chips way better than standard flute bits.
So far I have roughly an hour invested. I buy most of my stock from speedy metal online. I can get 36" of 1" 12L14 for 13.64 plus shipping. I generally buy 3-5 chunks of stock at once to spread out shipping. Figure there is a max of $1.50 material involved.
I will try to finish the die tomorrow. I will also make a matching push rod and a push rod for the die for Walter.
For now I watch the Vikings and get ready for work.
