Question on Pitman Arm on LG

[78sharpshooter]

I made a new set of quick detach dies for my 50 LG, and they are taller than the stock dies. Do I have to move the clamp higher on the pitman arm? With the clamp towards the lower part of the pitman arm it seems to kind of double hit or become slightly erratic when run at full speed.

[SoCal Dave]

You want the cross head somewhere in the middle of the pitman.  I know that Sid didn't like it near the bottom.  Also, when the top die is at the lowest point, there should be about 1" between dies and that can be adjusted with the crosshead and pitman.  I have mine at 1-1/4" and that seems to be good for my #50LG.  Good luck  

[ThomasPowers]

Yes it's adjustable for a reason.  You should adjust it for the height of your dies and/or the thickness of your stock being worked.

[jason0012]

In  a 50 your dies should be at least 1" apart or you will choke the hammer when stock is between them. That causes double hits, week hits and erratic behavior. A hammer needs room to swing to function properly.

[peacock]

dies that are to tall really limit your power and control without adding any real advantage. 

[SoCal Dave]

You also need to be aware of the adjustment of the toggle links.  To much tension can cause problems which will effect the power and timing.  Sid's suggestion to me was to adjust the toggle link nut until you can feel the toggle snug and then give it 2 full turns as a starting point.  This was done when the pitman was at 6 o'clock and the dies where about 1" apart.  You will notice that the distant between the dies can be adjust this way.  Good luck.