Ok, what is the trick?

[JWFilips]

Well, RCBS sent me a new die bushing for my well worn Rock Chucker II Press. If you guys are familiar with it, it is the bushing that threads into the cast frame top and then the dies screw into that. It is a 1.5" hex head with a 1/8" thick head. Well try as I may I can't get the bugger out of the press to install the new one.
I have it drenched in Kroil as I write this. Guess I will give it a try in the morning. I don't want to crack the cast metal frame. I was going to apply some heat but the only place I could do that safely would be the bushing itself & that wouldn't help if it expanded first. I don't want to burn off the paint on the press body.
Any of you machinist guys have any tricks ?
Jim

 

[Brad]

What is worn on the existing bushing? Are the threads a bit buggered up? Get a 7/8 -14 tap and clean them up. Works quite well.

Those things are likely installed by a guy with arms like Popeye. Add in decades of use and some corrosion and you have a tough time removing them.

Advice? Try ATF and acetone mixed 50-50 as a penetrating oil. I think it was Bill who posted some results of a good test and that was the hands down winner for penetrating and helping loosen frozen stuff.

 

[462]

Too, the bushing's flats are quite short and don't offer much for a wrench to grab onto.

 

[JWFilips]

Brad,
The reason for the replacement is the die threads are so worn ( yes I'm old and maybe changed out dies a million times...not to mention some odd fitting hardened trim dies!) The original once backing off a die wobbles 1/8" in the threads...very unnerving! that is why I ordered a new one!

 

[JWFilips]

Too, the bushing's flats are quite short and don't offer much for a wrench to grab onto.

Yes you are correct in that!

 

[S Mac]

If you know any plumbers maybe they have an EZOut that would fit. Would be a point of no return at that point.

 

[RBHarter]

Never underestimate the 24" pipe wrench.

 

[Ben]

Jim,

My neighbor has a 1/2 ", Dewalt electric impact wrench that has removed things that I didn't think could be removed. Would be nice if you could borrow one from a friend for 30 minutes. I'm betting this puppy will remove it ! !

Ben

 

[KHornet]

Tend to agree with Ben's impact wrench if after all else fails. Would first try Brads recommendation with the tap.

 

[Longone]

Get a 7/8 bolt and run it into the threads from the top so it bottoms on the bushing, put a wrench on it and smack it with a hammer. The shock should loosen it. May have to do it a couple of times and put some extra muscle into it but that should break it free.

 

[Bret4207]

What Longone said. And if you're gonna use the impact and socket, be advised most sockets have a tapered mouth. It may be necessary to chuck the socket in a lathe and cut the mouth square to get an adequate fit on that skinny insert.

 

[smokeywolf]

Forgive my lack of knowledge here. Never owned or used this type of press. But, is this a Lyman "Crusher" or a RCBS "Chucker"? Also, doesn't the bushing screw in from the top? Unless the threaded O.D. of the bushing is a left hand thread, wouldn't screwing a bolt into the top and "smacking it", tighten the bushing?

 

[Rick]

Smokey, a common mechanics trick is a sharp rap to break it loose, it can then be removed. Works quite often.

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[smokeywolf]

Smokey, a common mechanics trick is a sharp rap to break it loose, it can then be removed. Works quite often.

Have used that method more times than I can count, but didn't want to throw that out there, as he's worried about cracking the casting and I have no familiarity with these presses.

 

[quicksylver]

Maybe stupid question and suggestion:

Any chance of a reversed thread ?
How about Helicoil repair, don't know if they make one that big.

Extreme approach, metal blade in a jig saw and slice it.

 

[JWFilips]

Smokey Yes that should read Rock Chucker 2 I'm having a heck of a time with this new "auto spell correct" running on my browser.
I know I'm not the best speller but since this has been running I have a hard time believing I got that bad in so short a time

 

[quicksylver]

Makes for interesting reading though.

 

[Longone]

 

[Brad]

Run a 7/8-14 bolt in, grade 8 preferred, and tack weld it to the bushing. Gives a better head to get a hold on. Soak it well with penetrant, give a few whacks to loosten it, and see if it will budge.

How hard can you whack a cast iron press before it cracks? I don't know and sure don't want to find out?

 

[Longone]

Take a small hammer and TAP around the top flange area of the nut, if you don't have a 7/8 nut try an old die and lock ring.