Just an FYI: I have the improved shell plate by Manzgear. I also have the linkages by Josh Badeau for improved access. Both products are super good!
Unfortunately, the Manzgear shell plate runs into the top of the press when using the Badeau linkages. More specifically, it is the cap screws holding the shell plate in place that hit the press. In other words, when using those two after-market products together, it is the Manzgear shell plate hitting the press that stops the ram's upward travel, rather than the stops on the Badeau linkages.
I looked into sourcing screws that have a lower profile, but couldn't find anything. The Manzgear screws already have a low profile head, so it looks like the best option would be to countersink them. Countersinking screw holes in hardened steel is beyond my abilities, though.
Again, both products are really well made, and each one is a substantial improvement over the OEM part it replaces. But, at least for my press, they are incompatible with one another. Meaning, I unfortunately have to choose between using either the Manzgear shell plate or the Badeau linkages, can't use both.
Hi everyone. FYI, here's a status update on the issue: First off, after finally getting home for the first time in a week and installing the Manzgear plate to go along with my already installed Badeau curved side links, I can't really reproduce this problem! Wish I had been able to test it when you posted, which might have saved everyone time and Josh effort, but not possible.
The screws DO hit on mine, but at almost the exact same time as the stops on the Badeau side links. No way there's any visible gap, certainly not as big as this, so not sure what's different. In fact, the rear of the screw head only touches, and you can feel the press roll over a fraction and dead stop just after. I even put some Dykem Blue on the inside of the link stops to confirm they're hitting the press frame; they are, but so are the shell holder screws.
Josh was very responsive in any case, and sent me a pair of cool spacers he made to fix the issue you're describing.
Those spacers work great to stand the press off the plate, but may or may not be necessary. Looks like you need them, but not sure why, unless your older Manzgear plate is thicker for some reason. (?). I attach a picture of the new spacers with set screws. They fit over the side link stops perfectly:
After measuring a couple of times, here are a few numbers:
—> Thickness of OEM shell holder: .248"
Thickness of Manzgear shell holder: .294" on one side, .299 on the other.
(If it's CNC machined they should be the same; call me picky, but that .005" variance really shouldn't be there, but that's on the outsides of the plate, no effect on functionality. Could be a leftover from final polish after he drilled and tapped the 4 sides of the plate for set screws...?)
That's +.046 to +.051, or approximately 3/64" thicker than the OEM part.
—> Approx. (carefully measured) gap from press bottom to plate using Badeau links WITHOUT spacers installed, and using standard shell holder and stopping on the side links: .055" or almost exactly 3.5/64". (Obviously using the new link spacers with the standard shell holder would increase that gap with no purpose for doing so.)
—> Approx. (carefully measured) gap from press bottom to plate using Badeau links WITHOUT spacers installed, and using Manzgear shell holder: no gap, press bottoms on screws and side link stops simultaneously.
—> Approx. (carefully measured) gap from press bottom to plate using Badeau links WITH new spacers installed, and using Manzgear shell holder: .1562", or 5/32".
So, the gap using the Badeau links with spacer with the thicker Manzgear plate, is .1012" greater than basically the OEM setup (although using the curved side links rather than the straight ones, which I didn't measure with). 1/10th of an inch.
Personally I'm either going to use the spacers, OR try the press without the spacers, and take 3/64" off the rear top of the cap screws with a slack belt grinder and reblue the screw heads.
It gets down to whether that 1/10" less travel matters or not, and I can't think of a reason why it should. (?)
For that matter, if I add nothing to the Badeau links and do nothing to the OEM screws holding the Manzgear plate, the press still works fine, but over time the screws will probably wear gouges in the underside of the press if it stops on the screws AND the side link stops simultaneously as it's doing now.
Shinbone, I don't know why you're having such a gap, but would be interested in finding out why. (Could you put a set of calipers on your Manzgear plate and see if it's thicker than .300"? I know Michael has had a few revisions of this plate.) And if you're sure everything is installed correctly and still having a problem with both parts then write to Josh and he'll send you a set of spacers which will fix your compatibility problem.
Far North Hunter, be sure to let us know if you have an issue with your setup like Shinbone did once you get all the parts. Just curious as to what variables are in play!
Thanks much.