Author Topic: Air pressure pump for a Lyman 450 (Read 1220 times)

sundogg1911 · « **on:** November 13, 2003, 04:58:08 AM »

Does anyone know where I could get a pnumatic pump to use with a Lyman 450 instead of using the little wrench? I think this would greatly speed up the size/lube process.
I also use a heating element, and Rooster Red Zambini lube.
I saw a picture of one on the internet a while back but have never seen one for sale.
Do these units work well, or they just more overpriced crap?
:roll:

richp41 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2003, 05:32:39 AM »

Proper lubing is pretty much a matter of feel. Too much pressure and lube will be coming out all over and especially under the bases. Unless there is a physical handicap involved a pneumatic pump would not offer much advantage- if any. The big commercial lube machines have auto lube feeds to keep up with the volumes of bullets sized but individual loaders don't benefit much from this feature.

sundogg1911 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2003, 05:45:31 AM »

I would think that a consistant pressure through a regulated airline would be an advantage

Car Knocker · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2003, 10:58:35 AM »

www.castingstuff.com/welcome_to_our_new_site.htm

Scroll down till you hit ALF (Auto Lube Feeder).

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2003, 11:00:02 AM »

The pressure should be even across the lube. It would be an interesting project to put a small air cylinder on the piston - one could keep a constant air pressure on it - even regulate it and keep note of it with a gauge on it. A hand airpump would be sufficient as well.

sundogg1911 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 14, 2003, 02:12:00 AM »

I have seen the ALF on their website, but I remember seeing a pnumatic pump about a year ago on the internet. It's not a big deal, but I just thought that since my shop has an air compressor It would be good to take advantage of it

kciH · « **Reply #6 on:** November 15, 2003, 07:46:17 PM »

If you want to size faster, and with less hassle, get a Star sizer. It's easily twice as fast as your Lyman and you can get a lube reservoir that works on air pressure that is made for it by the mfg for that machine. It's three times the machine a Lyman/RCBS/SAECO sizer is for only half again the price.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2003, 02:41:29 AM »

I was impressed with the ALF design - low tech is OK.

Since I have an extra RCBS, I'd like to see if it can be modified for straight through sizing - add to it the spring pressure (or air).

If air, one would either have to add a cylinder or build onto the resevour an air chamber. Sealing would be much easier to add a small Bimbo cylinder - wouldn't take much to control it either.

carpediem · « **Reply #8 on:** November 16, 2003, 04:16:02 PM »

I cast, lube and size bullets commercially so have experience using air in my lube sizer. For small batch runs I use a star lube sizer. I automated the lube sizer and added an air cylinder to keep constant pressure on the lube. It works like a charm and I can take the air pressure tube and put it on any other star lube sizer.

If you use air in your lube sizer, it is critical that the lube groove(s) line up with the holes in the sizing die. Also, make sure the lube is warm enough to flow properly or your grooves will not fill out properly. Lastly, you need to play with the pressure on the compressor to get the proper push on the lube. Not enough pressure results in an unfilled lube groove. Too much pressure results in a mess of lube all over the bullet.

If you need info on constructing an air cylinder for your lube sizer, e-mail me at leadbullets@hotmail.com.

Kindest regards,

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #9 on:** November 20, 2003, 07:57:52 AM »

I did some testing of the original units that casting stuff sold and had one of the first production units. They work as good as the unit that comes on the star. Saves lots of time!!