Messages

301

Star Reloaders / Re: convert progressive .38 to .32?

« on: September 23, 2011, 12:46:28 pm »

Greetings,

I load 32 S&W Long on a Universal.

Star did make a 32 Progressive at one time. The #12 Steel Floor Base would have been specially cut to accommodate the 32 versus the 38.

If I had a Progressive in my shop, I would carefully study the option of machining the slots to accept the #79U Shell Base Locating Straps.

The #31 Powder Measure Spout would have to be changed out as well.

Cheers,

Dave Wilson

302

Star Reloaders / Re: Powder Hopper Thread Size

« on: September 18, 2011, 09:23:27 pm »

Greetings,

I found a tap on eBay for $4.50. I will report back once it arrives. Hopefully it is the correct one.

Cheers,

Dave

303

Star Reloaders / Powder Hopper Thread Size

« on: September 18, 2011, 12:01:52 pm »

Greetings,

A friend wrote to me and asked the thread size of items #32 (Powder Magazine) and #70 (Powder Slide Housing Cover). Since I have never machined any of  these parts I went to the shop to measure them. At first, it appeared to be a 9/16-27 thread. Bastard size, of course, to stay with Star tradition. Closer examination of a Powder magazine revealed that the thread is actually tapered, not straight. Aha, I thought. A pipe thread. Consulting my Machinery's Handbook I found no such thread in the National Pipe Thread section. Further reading lead me to a section on Dryseal Pipe Threads. Two days later of searching the Internet, I found what I think is the answer. It is a Dryseal Taper Pipe Thread, Fine, F-PTF. The actual size appears to be a 1/4-27.

Source: SAE J476a Revised Jun61

http://wenku.baidu.com/view/ee8be83143323968011c927b.html

I have no idea what language the link is written. However, the PDF for J476 is in English. You will find the specifications near the very end of the document.

My next adventure is to locate a tap of this size. So far my Internet search has been null. I will resort to contacting the various tap manufactures for a source. I dread finding out what such a specialized tap will cost.

The quest continues....

Cheers,

Dave Wilson

304

Star Reloaders / Re: SET SCREW FOR #38 Shell Plate Dowel Pin

« on: September 16, 2011, 10:51:10 am »

Greetings,

The one in my machine measures....

1/4-20 x 3/8

Cheers,

Dave

305

Star Reloaders / Re: NEW PARTS SOURCE FOR STAR MACHINE WORKS

« on: September 14, 2011, 06:16:43 pm »

Greetings,

Excellent news. Hopefully the workmanship will equal the original Star parts from San Diego.

Cheers,

Dave

306

Star Reloaders / Re: Bullet Change

« on: September 14, 2011, 12:13:31 pm »

Greetings,

I, myself, use powder bars that take bushings. I never was a big fan of the adjustable charge bars for the work I do. They do, however, work quite well for others.

Cheers,

Dave

307

Star Reloaders / Re: Bullet Change

« on: September 13, 2011, 12:39:14 pm »

Greetings Mr. Frog,

I can machine a new #20 Seating Plug to match the bullet if you send me a bullet sample. If you have the #0 powder housing and bar (1/4" thick) It may be a challenge to locate another bar in the powder weight you desire. Might be best to buy one of Rich Daniels adjustable bars.

Send me a Personal Email and I will reply with a parts quote for the seating stem.

Cheers,

Dave

308

Star Reloaders / Re: Star crank shaft assembly

« on: September 13, 2011, 12:34:39 pm »

Greetings,

Try applying a few drops of light machine oil in the lube hole of the casting and work the handle up and down to allow the oil to penetrate. It should free up in a short time. Much easier than taking it apart.

Cheers,

Dave

309

Star Lubricator & Resizers / Re: Size die install

« on: September 10, 2011, 12:39:53 pm »

Greetings,

If you do not have the die puller assembly, buy one. Vise-Grips and Channel-Loc pliers are not allowed in the reloading area.

The dies are an interference fit in the greaser housing. I use the leverage of the press to push the die into position. If you have the die puller, screw in the knurled 1/2-27 adapter and use it to push the die home.

If no die puller is available, Star used to suggest using a piece of hardwood and a hammer to "gently" drive the die out of the greaser housing.

There is a guy in eBay that sells the die pullers. A tool worth having.

Cheers,

Dave

310

Star Reloaders / Re: #45 Primer Punch Rocker Arm

« on: September 06, 2011, 09:19:26 am »

Aaaarrrrgggghhhh.....

Figures. When I finally write something down it get it backwards. That piece of paper has been in my parts box for twenty years. Obvious that I never read it as I have taken apart my machines several times for cleaning.

On the other hand, I suppose I could say I was half correct....

Thanks to Bruce for the "Rocket Science" lesson.

Cheers,

Dave

311

Star Reloaders / Re: Hulme M2 top plate

« on: September 02, 2011, 11:02:43 am »

Greetings,

Any possibility that one top plate has clearance for the 45 Auto Rim and/or the 45 Colt?

Cheers,

Dave

312

Star History / Re: Lifetyme Dies - History - Found Something

« on: August 31, 2011, 01:16:55 pm »

Greetings Lindy,

Good advice. I found a record of the Trademark...


Typed Drawing
Word Mark    LIFETYME
Goods and Services    (CANCELLED) IC 013. US 009. G & S: Dies for Reloading Firearm Shells. FIRST USE: 19460900. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 19461000
Mark Drawing Code    (1) TYPED DRAWING
Serial Number    72102123
Filing Date    August 5, 1960
Current Filing Basis    1A
Original Filing Basis    1A
Registration Number    0722477
Registration Date    October 10, 1961
Owner    (REGISTRANT) KNEPP, PAUL C. DBA CARBIDE DIE & MFG. CO. UNKNOWN 15615 E. ARROW HIGHWAY Azusa CALIFORNIA

(LAST LISTED OWNER) Carbide Die & Manufacturing Co., Inc. CORPORATION CALIFORNIA Irwindale CALIFORNIA
Assignment Recorded    ASSIGNMENT RECORDED
Type of Mark    TRADEMARK
Register    PRINCIPAL
Affidavit Text    SECT 15. SECT 8 (6-YR).
Renewal    1ST RENEWAL 19830524
Live/Dead Indicator    DEAD
Cancellation Date    July 20, 2002


There is a record of a Paul Knepp in Arcadia. Might be the owner but the contact info is hidden.

Another Paul Knepp in Irwindale is shown as deceased.

Cheers,

Dave

313

Star History / Lifetyme Dies - History

« on: August 30, 2011, 07:37:09 pm »

Greetings,

Just did an unsuccessful "Google" search for Lifetyme dies.

Does anyone know the history of them?

Such as, was the company named Lifetyme; or, was it a brand?

Perhaps someone has an original brochure or price sheet they could scan and post?

Cheers,

Dave

314

Star Reloaders / Re: #45 Primer Punch Rocker Arm

« on: August 30, 2011, 12:35:06 pm »

Greetings,

Attached is a tracing of both the Star and Phelps rockers I have encountered.

Cheers,

Dave

315

Star Reloaders / Re: Hard down stroke?

« on: August 29, 2011, 11:47:51 am »

Greetings,

Perfection is the only sizing die that I have seen blued. The Lifetyme sizing die was flash chrome plated. The remainder of the dies are their natural color after being heat treated.

Cheers,

Dave