Saeco mold problem

[cat1870]

I have a new Seaco mold that the spru cutter will not stay tight to the top of the mold. I have to tighten the screw almost every time I cast a bullet.
This is a PITA. Any suggestions on how to keep the screw tight with this new mold?
Thanks guys.

Gary

[marlinman93]

Easy. Put some blue Loctite on it before you set the tension, and they'll stay put and not loosen up.

[bpcrshooter62]

Is there not a set screw on the side of the mold to tighten to stop the screw from coming loose?

[cat1870]

Is there not a set screw on the side of the mold to tighten to stop the screw from coming loose?

Nope....

[SchuetzenDave]

If there is not set screw on the side to prevent the screw from loosening - take to a machinist to drill a hole and thread it so a set screw can be put in to stop the sprue plate screw from rotating out.

Then you can adjust the tension whereas it is difficult to do if you use locktite on it.

[cat1870]

If there is not set screw on the side to prevent the screw from loosening - take to a machinist to drill a hole and thread it so a set screw can be put in to stop the sprue plate screw from rotating out.

Then you can adjust the tension whereas it is difficult to do if you use locktite on it.

New mold, shouldn't have to do any modifications...

[Ray Newman]

Back In The Last Century I had a mould that exhibited the same behaviour. An old-time bullet caster suggested placing a wave washer between the sprue plate and spruce plate screw, Found one of the appropriate screw diameter in the local hardware store. The wave washer cured the problem.

Wave washer found on the Home Depot site: "Wave Spring Washer: Wave spring washers are curved in two directions, creating a wave-like shape.Application: Used most often as cushions or spacers."
https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of ... 90d91f22f6

[steveu834]

Call the tech support

[SchuetzenDave]

Wave washers work to a certain degree but I have still had them slip.

The good quality mould makers prevent slipping of the sprue screw is to lock it with a set screw.

My .32 Spitzer Paul Jones mould has not had to be reset in thirty years after casting over 60,000 bullets.

[J.B.]

I'm not familiar with Saeco mould blocks but the omission of a set / locking screw on the vertical face to secure the sprue pivot screw seems very odd. Wave washers certainly do help and several manufacturers supply their moulds with these..but they wont replace the set/lock screw..but rather work together to fine tune any sprue tension you are after. Not knowing but is it possible this one 'snuck through' final inspection ? A call to the maker should clear that up. Possibly a replacement or send back for them to remedy. Saeco blocks get mentioned a lot..so I'd imagine someone can chime in to advise if they normally have the set screw ?
.. J.B.

[patchbox]

I have several Saeco moulds and they all have the drilled and tapped hole that intersects with the threaded pivot screw hole. The first section of the hole is relieved or slightly larger diameter and the last, say, maybe 3/8” of the hole where it intersects is the smaller threaded portion. I believe it’s threaded 10-32. Mine has a brass ball ahead of the set screw that impinges on the pivot screw so as not damage the threads. Unless Saeco changed their design I suspect the mould skipped part of their manufacturing process and quality control missed it.

[Randy Bohannon]

I’ve used “wave washers” on a couple of my moulds that have done that with complete satisfaction.

[ian45662]

Another thing you could do. Take the screw out. Crimp the end of the screw a little with the cutting portion of some pliers. Booger the threads up just a little. That will give some resistance when you tighten it back up.

[gunlaker]

Well I learned something from this thread . I have dozens of molds from lots of makers, Seaco, Buffalo Arms, Paul Jones, and others. I had never noticed a set screw. Just went downstairs and found that they all seem to have them

Chris.

[Lumpy Grits]

OP, is this a newer made mould?
Both of my older ones have the set screw.
Call the maker, and let us know what they say.....