Restore Lachmiller Lube Sizer after fire

[glassparman]

Last year I had just picked up a used Lachmiller Lube sizer from a garage sale. Never really got to try it much before I had the shop fire. The sizer was bolted to the workbench at the time.

Finally got around to tearing it down to see how it survived. It turned out fairly good. About all I see is that the color of the paint turned a sort of green from the original blue. It also needs a new grip in the handle. All in all, I think it is still usable. Just waiting for my .358 sizer and top punch to come in the mail.

After tear down:


After rebuild:

 

[Petrol & Powder]

It's been heat treated!

Should be good for another half century.

 

[glassparman]

Anybody have an idea where I can get a rubber handle that fits? Or I could thread it for a pool ball knob.

 

[Petrol & Powder]

Wrap it with paracord.

 

[RicinYakima]

Ace Hardware.

 

[Spindrift]

Nice work!

 

[Rally]

Maybe one of those hard foam handles off a leaf rake glued on with Gorilla glue would work. The glue would expand to fill any voids and seems like it would make a fairly comfortable grip.

 

[Bret4207]

Is it foam-like or more of a bicycle handle? Ebay, Amazon, Ace hardware as mentioned above. All depends on just what you want.

 

[Ben]

That is one of the best restorations that I've ever seen ! !

Ben

 

[glassparman]

Thanks Ben, it was mostly soot and the handle got the worst of it.

The handle is more of a bicycle style. I think I'll look around the hardware stores. Gotta measure it first. If not, I'll drill a pool ball to fit. I have a bunch that were set aside for shift knobs.

Mike

 

[quicksylver]

SWEET

 

[Snakeoil]

First, the body is made from cast iron. That's what they use to make wood stoves.

Second, damn fine job on the resto. I would argue that no one would ever know it had been on the BBQ.

Lastly, use that original grip. That sucker has character up the wazoo!! And it will open the door for you to blow your own horn on the resto work.

But if you really must have a new grip, what is the diameter of the bar it goes on? I might have a few ideas for you. One, and this one is not size limited, is dip it in the plastic they use for dipping handles on tools, like pliers. I'm sure if you buy a can of the stuff, you'll find other uses for it. You just might find yourself looking for things to dip. Probably should keep you away from the grandkids.

 

[glassparman]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! It did turn out good after what it went through.

My MEC 600 Jr was on the floor so only suffered soot and some light surface rust.

 

[358156 hp]

Thanks Ben, it was mostly soot and the handle got the worst of it.

The handle is more of a bicycle style. I think I'll look around the hardware stores. Gotta measure it first. If not, I'll drill a pool ball to fit. I have a bunch that were set aside for shift knobs.

Mike

Very nice work indeed. Try a bicycle parts store for your grip. Holy smoke! (No pun intended)
https://bicyclewarehouse.com/collections/bike-handlebar-grips?page=1

 

[glassparman]

The handle is about .630 in diameter.

 

[glassparman]

Well now, I just remembered I had an old Lyman Spartan single stage in the bottom of a cabinet.

Wonders of wonders, same handle size. That red sucker slipper right off of there!

 

[glassparman]

Anybody know if there is an adjustment guide?

Maybe someone has a scan?

Maybe the same as the RCBS?

 

[Petrol & Powder]

I assume you are talking about the round guide that caps the reservoir?

If it uses hollow lube sticks with a 1" diameter, (which it appears to) I would guess the cap from a Lyman or RCBS would work.

Here's a link to RCBS instructions and a diagram.
Page 7 part #21 - reservoir cap

https://www.rcbs.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-HuntShootAccessoriesSharedLibrary/default/dw4bf94440/productPdfFiles/rcbsPdf/Lube-A-Matic_Bullet_Sizer_Lubricator_Instructions.pdf

 

[glassparman]

Mostly adjust depth and such. I think that PDF you attached will do the job!

Thanks!

 

[Petrol & Powder]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that RCBS just purchased the Lachmiller design straight up!