Lee Classic 4-hole Turret Press Disassembly

[Jech]

After putting about 5 thousand rounds through my LCT, the ram is grinding a bit in spite of regular oiling. Instead of just slathering more oil on there, I'd like to remove the entire ram assembly for a more proper cleaning. I think a good wipe down and hosing of brake cleaner would do it a world of good but for the life of me I can't find any instructions on Lee's website or via Google.

Anyone else had to pull the whole shebang apart and still have documentation lying around or maybe a link that might get me started?

Thanks ~ Jech

 

[flashhole]

I've experienced the grit like you mention but had good success using some WD-40 and wiping the ram clean at each end of its stroke. I do that a few times and follow it up with some gun oil on the ram. Not what you wanted to hear but it definately worked for me.

 

[frankge]

brake parts cleaner

 

[greyling22]

I don't know exactly how the classic compares to the regular turret press, I've pulled the whole regular press apart a couple times. you just pull the visible bolts. 2 on the press, 1 or 2 on the linkage. it's not hard. make sure you have some newspaper handy to lay stuff on. it's messy.

 

[1SOW]

Mine's had a lot more than that through it, and I just occassionally use "BreakFree Powder Blast" followed by brake cleaner (all with a lot of wiping down) and then a little Mobil 1 to lube it. It still runs smooth.

Edited to add: I have a VERY old Lyman (inherited and passed down) that I use for depriming and the same cleaning method leaves it smoother than the LEE was when new.

 

[Jech]

I tried stripping the press down basically by removing every nut and bolt I could but the ram was never removable, there's definitely a trick to it or something I'm completely missing. I'm surprised no one has ever completely disassembled their LCT O_O

 

[Hookman]

Here is another option: Lee has a exchange policy where you can send in your old press and get a new one for half the price. I just returned a very old 3 hole Turret press and got a new 4 hole turret press sent to me for $57.50..Just a thought.

 

[Jech]

Heh, no I just want to do a thorough cleaning of the ram, not get a new one. Rather than just drown out the grit with more oil, I want to take care of it properly.

Nobody here has any solid info on the LCT so far, I guess I'll cross my fingers for Lee to answer my e-mail on Monday...

 

[flashhole]

It would not surprise me that you have to disassemble the top part of the ram to get it out.