Need some help with Rcbs press.

[Cleveland48]

So I finally got me an Rcbs rock chucker 2 press. It's been used but still in pretty good shape. My questions are that there is some slight surface rust on the I guess it's called the ram? No putting or anything it's just been stored in a shed for several years. Anyway when you pull the handle down it slightly catches a little. It feels like my old Lee press does actually a little smoother than the Lee still. Is there a good way to clean that? Maybe an sos pad and some oil or solvent? The other question is what size bolts do most of you use to bolt the press to your table? It didn't come with any bolts , but my table won't be in for a week or so. I'm just trying to get everything ready to set up and bolt down. Thanks for any help.

 

[Cleveland48]

Here are the spots I'm talking about.

 

[Nemo288]

I would start with some very fine steel wool and a little light oil.
If it all doesn't come off, maybe graduate to a chemical rust remover.
You may always have a little pitting but if the action is smooth you will be good to go.
Once done, keep a coating of the same oil or RIG grease on all the moving parts.
I wipe mine all over every time I am done with it with a grease rag that has been accumulating most every kind of lubricant over the years.
Same one I wipe my guns down with.
RIG grease has some sulphates in it that prevent rust.
There are a lot of other good products out there too.

As far as bolts go, I just used whatever I could find.
In my case the desk is almost expendable so I just screwed large wood screws into pilot holes right into the desk using whatever washers I could find in the junk drawer.
Whatever will hold it solid will work.
I also cross braced the desk with some metal strapping where you can't see it.
This press is more than 30 years old but has seen mostly continuous service during that time.

 

[Cleveland48]

Thanks for the help Nemo I appreciate it !

 

[Cleveland48]

Got it scrubbed down now and lightly oiled running smooth again ! Thanks for the help.

 

[THEWELSHM]

Call rcbs they will have you send it back and fix for free no questions. Great press I have one next to my LNL, same kind of waranty

Thewelshm