Gunsmithing modify aT-7 press?

K

Kgun

Private
Minuteman
Oct 20, 2007
15
0
#1
Hi, guys I posted this in the gunsmithing forum because it is more of a machining question. I just got a Redding T-7 turret press. Now here is the problem. I have a rockchucker with a Hornady lock n load conversion kit in it. For those of you not familar with Lock n load, it is a adapter sleeve threaded for 1 1/4" - 12 for the press, and a 7/8" -14 adapter sleeve for the dies. The two halves lock to gether with lugs like a bolt on a rifle. The Single stage presses usually have a 1 1/4 to 7/8 sleeve. My rockchucker has the sleeve, but not the T-7.

You're thinking the T-7 is a turret press with 7 stations, right? I have 6 different calibers to load for. So that is 20+ dies (some have both comp neck and s full dies). I also have redding comparators that need a 7/8 hole. I would like to inter change some of my dies with the rockchucker and t-7 for dies I do not use often. Also T-7 spare heads cost $80 compared to $3 for a lock n load adapter. To interchange dies Quickly between presses and with out disturbing the settings would vastly increase the versitility of my reloading set up.

So I need ad vice on how to turn 7/8-14 into 1 1/4-12. I thought of using a tap but there is no way I could keep it straight. Cost for a huge tap?. I also have no idea how to drill a hole that big with out a drill and reamer which are $$. Don't know anyone with a cnc mill. I do have a friend with a mill/drill.

Any suggestions and tips are appreciated. Including bad spelling.

Oh, I only want 1 hole enlarged, not all 7.

Mahalo
Kgun
 
#2
Re: modify aT-7 press?

That's a great idea, but I think you would be better served by buying a turrent press designed to work with the Hornady adapter. The amount of time and effort required to do what you have in mind and still retain a functioning press seems like a lot. Each hole would need to be square and centered, etc. So there are 7 holes with the chance for error, and it will cost $80 each time.
This doesn't include the costs for tools like reamers, etc.

So my conclusion is that it would probably be cheaper to buy a new press, and sell the T-7 to help offset the cost
 
#3
Re: modify aT-7 press?

If you are not equipped to do the conversion yourself, then you would be better off buying another press as mentioned to replace what you have or work in addition with.

You might want to look at the Dillon 550 that has changeable tool heads already.
 
#4
Re: modify aT-7 press?

I realize you've got a fine new press and you don't want to switch, but if in the future you do, look at the Co-Ax. Just acquired one, and I LOVE that slip in / slip out die feature!

Back to reality: Check Enco or MSC for tap availability and cost, and if you can get one, yank the head off your press and take to your local small machine shop along with a case of beer and some peanuts. I'll bet they'll treat you right!

Cheers... Jim
 
#5
Re: modify aT-7 press?

I've been waiting for 2 months on a 10 pack of LnL bushings.

It think it will be pretty expensive to have your T-7 head modified, it may also compromise its strength.
I'm not completly sure that your setting would stay the same when going from one press to the other as you are dependant on the ram to stop at the same spot in relationship to the die(s).

A cheap tap will run you $40 a good one $80+ (the "+" goes in excess of $120).
Thread milling would be my choice, rotating a single flute tool and manipulating it in a helical path with a CNC mill. I'm guessing an hour or so to set it up properly, and a little more to program it and an hour to machine it give or take, At $60+ a shop hour. Someone who quotes jobs may be able to give you a more accurate figure than I have.
I would love for someone to bring me a case of beer and a bag of peanuts at work, although at my current place of employment it would get me escorted out permanatly. And in most other shops I've worked in the owner would not be real impressed either. Beer and peanuts may work in your buddies job shop for simple things, but they don't pay for tooling, lights or wages. Maybe if your buddy reloads he'll do it.

What if it doesn't work like you want when its done, reguardless of how straight and true its machined.
Machining 6 holes true to the existing axis to within a tolerence that would be imperceptable when you put your dies in takes alittle more than just throwing it on with a couple C-clamps and turning the spindle on.

I wonder if it's just a coincidence that it seems to cost just as much or more to chance ruining something as it does to just buy another one.

IMO you would be better off with extra heads, or better served by a Dillon or a Hornady turret press. The Co-ax press has a strong following amoung it's users, I've never tried one myself.

 
#8
Re: modify aT-7 press?

Just wondering if Redding might sell you a head already done.
If they get enough call for that as an option they might start selling them.

Might be worth a phone call to see.
 
#10
Re: modify aT-7 press?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Halfnutz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been waiting for 2 months on a 10 pack of LnL bushings.

It think it will be pretty expensive to have your T-7 head modified, it may also compromise its strength.
I'm not completly sure that your setting would stay the same when going from one press to the other as you are dependant on the ram to stop at the same spot in relationship to the die(s).

.................................
</div></div>

I think you are correct: The two presses will likely require different die adjustments.
I run a Hornady LNL AP and a T-7 as well.
Lately the T-7 has become my Body die press and Instant Indicator press.
I prep dirty cases on the T-7, including body sizing and primer pocket swaging, then drop my brass in the tumbler, then load them in the AP.
 
#11
Re: modify aT-7 press?

As said already, a Co-Ax might better serve your needs, and cost less than modifying the T7, at some point all of us will realize that all these presses do the exact samething, but arguing about is just fun.
 
#12
Re: modify aT-7 press?

I heard the Co-Ax is only for Scientologists!
laugh.gif


He is right, they all accomplish the same thing.
 
#13
Re: modify aT-7 press?

I use a T-7 with multiple turrets and also have a Redding Ultramag with the Hornady LNL adapter installed. Two presses is handy. All of my oddball dies, decap bullet puller, willis magnum resizer etc go into the LNL/ultramag combo. Beats the crap out of having to switch turrets to perform one simple operation. The ultramag is great for resizing magnum brass as well. Only disadvantage on the ultramag is that the compound linkage requires alot of arm movement to fully travel the press. I guess the price one has to pay for power and OAL press throat clearance.
 
#14
Re: modify aT-7 press?

Iluvcatfish,
I was thinking about doing the samething with the ultramag once I retire the rockchucker. I really would like to have a second L&L station for more versitility.

Also figured on The L&L die should not be used on both presses interchangably. One or the other only.

the idea is to seat on one and then instant indicate on the other.

Great minds think alike.

Kgun
 
#15
Re: modify aT-7 press?

Thank you to all for advice.
I got someone to try to machine it for me. Hope it turns out ok. If not I loose 1 hole. I'm willing to risk it.


Kgun
 
#16
Re: modify aT-7 press?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kgun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you to all for advice.
I got someone to try to machine it for me. Hope it turns out ok. If not I loose 1 hole. I'm willing to risk it.


Kgun</div></div>

Let us know how this turns out, I am very interested. Some pictures would be sweet as well... would love to know how it is done

Dave
 
#17
Re: modify aT-7 press?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kgun</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you to all for advice.
I got someone to try to machine it for me. Hope it turns out ok. If not I loose 1 hole. I'm willing to risk it.


Kgun </div></div>
It may be too late, but have you considered havin ga new one made?
This would mean your old one is still good.
Making a new one would be almost as easy as modifying an existing one.
It's a basic disc, with a hole and 7 detent relief's, until you start cutting die holes......which you will be doing anyway.
 
#19
Re: modify aT-7 press?

Rafael, I'd rather just re-thread 1 hole instead of threading 7. I do wish I had the skill/equip/money to make the extra head though. I'll risk the freebee. Not quite free , I'll buy him lunch, almost free.
Kgun
 
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