I came across one at a flea market about 10 years ago. When did they manufacture these? I know it's not an expensive press by no means. I'm curious as to the age.
Had one similar several years ago but gave it back to the guy that gave it to me so his son could start reloading (don't remember if it was a Lyman, etc.). I liked it but it takes almost two people to lift it!
Ill beef it up. I can't do a flimsy bench. Can't do wobble either. You're right. It's a huge chunk of iron. Shortly after I bought it, I threw it in a truck tool box. It did more damage to the box and other stuff. Then any of that did to it. Even the plastic handle is trucking along.
I replaced the pivot pin with a 1/2 inch bolt. Took the slop out.
I own a pacific C press that I currently use today. I found it on e-rape about 10 years back for $15 bucks and I still use it today. Sturdy bench is the key, as it has been mentioned before.
I bought a used one in 1988, from a guy who said he'd bought it 20 years before, so I'll say 1968-ish. MINE has problems, but it served me well for 25 years of hard use before it developed any hitches in its gitalong.
In the 70s I saw those all over the place, so late 60s to early 70s. As said before a great work up press, and a darn good workhorse for big rounds. We are going to need a bigger bench.