covering presses

[oldreloader]

My reloading bench is in the little utility room on the end of the carport. I've never covered my presses befor but am considering it.Would the covers cause the press to rust from not having airflow or would the be less likely to rust because the are covered?

 

[Deus Machina]

In Florida, probably more likely--they would trap moisture. In Arizona, probably less--less airflow.

If you're worried about it, go to the hardware store and get a rust inhibitor for the toolbox, and leave that beside the press. This used to be an old shop trick--original borax, IIRC.

Either way, keep what needs oiled or greased that way.

 

[loadedround]

My loading room is in my work shop area and I keep my presses covered to keep saw dust, and debris off them. I also have a dehumidifier to keep moisture down. I do not use those expensive covers that the press manufacturers sell, but use those plastic newspaper wrappers that the Sunday papers come in. I am frugal!

 

[Publius1688]

Ask your wife to donate an old pillowcase or two. Keeps dust off, won't trap moisture, and costs nothing.

 

[JimKirk]

I use a cut off blue jean leg to cover my CoAx, The handle sticks straight up from the press, so I slide the pants leg over the press and gather the top around the handle and tie it with a piece of Velcro. I used the same pants leg for 30 + yrs, I've washed it once... put back on after drying.

Jimmy K

 

[flashhole]

Don't want to use plastic, moisture will condense on the surface and contact points on the press will wick it onto the metal. I just use old bath towels and drape them over the top. Never had a problem and it keeps the dust off.

 

[qajaq59]

Flashhole is right. You can cover it with most anything but plastic. I used to use a canvas bag that I just happened to have around. Now I just use a shop towel.

 

[gcfos]

I use pillowcases to cover my presses. I bought the pillowcases at walmart for less than 2 bucks.

 

[oneounceload]

I live in the humid part of FL - inland central part- my presses are in my uninsulated garage, near a window I leave open for ventilation. I cover all of them with plastic kitchen garbage bags to keep them clean - no rust issues in the 7 years I have lived here

 

[Rio Laxas]

I've had problems with mine rusting due to the high humidity of the gulf coast. I followed a suggestion I found in another thread (don't remember which forum) and made a press cover out of cloth and I put a box of dessicant in there with it. I don't know how much the dessicant actually helps since it isn't really in a sealed area and it is probably absorbing a lot of extra humidity, but it seems to slow the rust some. I also try and put a thin lubricant on all of the parts that I can.

 

[Walkalong]

I bought the pillowcases at walmart for less than 2 bucks

Which works out much better than swiping them from the wife.

Keep it oiled, keep it covered with cloth material, and keep an eye on it. Back when I had to load outside, rust prevention was a constant battle here in hot, but humid, Al..

 

[Maj Dad]

I swiped a pair of old flannel pajamas from my wife - cut the legs off, tied the cuff end & slip 'em over the presses (550 & Rockchucker; Herter's U3 has a bag of some sort). I use old pillow cases on the MECs... I also wipe them down every so often - the covers keep most dust off, but low country of SC is no slouch on humidity. A little ___________ (fill in the blank with your preferred rust inhibitor ) applied lightly and wiped off works wonders.

 

[Rokman]

I have a hand towel with a hole in the center covering my Co-Ax press.

 

[evan price]

I just drape a big trash bag over my presses. I use them a lot so they don't build up any moisture, plus I keep the steel well lubricated. I cover them really to keep the kids from messing with them, keep dirt off, and so no snoopy person sees them looking in a window.