Anyone using a roll-away tool chest for a reloading bench?

[IMtheNRA]

I've been looking at the wheeled tool chests to use as a reloading bench that can be easily moved away when not in use, but I'm concerned about stability. It seems that even with the wheels locked, the setup will be unsteady when resizing rifle brass. I can't stand the thought of the press wobbling around while in use. What do you think?

 

[TexasSkyhawk]

I think your concerns are very valid. The rifle rounds are really gonna move you around if you don't have a heavy, stable platform for the press.

After having tried several different "portable" combinations, I settled on a Craftsman five-drawer workbench for my reloading bench.



I just dedicated a portion of whatever house we were living in at the time to the reloading bench.

Jeff

 

[AirplaneDoc]

Not only would stability be a problem, but I think most roll way toolboxes have pretty thin metal on the top surface. I have a major name brand box from a truck and I can push the metal in with my thumb. I don't think it would be suitable for mounting a press. With a 1' lever on a press, you can impart a great amount of tension on the bolts that mount your press.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I use a roller chest and top box for storing my small equipment and parts, but never as a reloading bench...I really don't like picking my stuff off the floor after it tips over...

 

[jeepmor]

On the mondo 4 or 5 foot wide portable tool boxes I have for my automotive tools it, might work. But you'd need to put in the heavy wood top and run it from the side to alleviate the tipping issue. Of course, it would still need to be full of tools to stay put on big rifle rounds. I built a wooden bench and used an old solid core door I replaced this year.

Building the bench was cheaper and more stable than the tool box option you pursue. I did not want to dedicate my automotive tool box to reloading.

 

[renaissance]

rolling file cabinets

I do just fine with "good quality" industrial style two drawer file cabinets
Mounted with a 2X10 piece of lumber "bolted" on.
The cabinets are mounted on rollers.
f You are worried about them rolling around
Just put a 4x4 under them to lift the wheels off the floor.
I have four of them.
They stack up in a real small footprint when not in use
I move them around for convenience when in use.
My entire collection of reloading equipment is contained therein.

 

[Rembrandt]

Using a roll away for a reloading bench works fine....."if" it's not a cheapo box. One problem is the need for a top that is thick enough to prevent flexing and has enough overhang for some loaders. Other issue is the reloader may block the usage of drawers or doors from opening. Most boxes do not have brakes on the casters that would hold them solid, brakes can be added, best to use friction type that push straight down to the floor. Here are some that Sam's Club offers....about $160-$300.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

I built a small reloading bench from a Rockler heavy duty steel router table leg set, and locking casters. All four casters are very heavy duty, and lock not only the rolling, but the pivoting, for absolute stability. Added a top and a couple of shelves below, and when it is loaded up with brass, lead, and other tools, etc., it is very solid, with no tendency to tip at all with a Forster co-ax press on top.

Getting heavy duty, all-lock casters is critical though.

Andy

 

[zeke]

Have a small handmade heavy rolling table. A Rockchucker and powder measure are bolted to it. The only time the wheels get locked are when reforming cases (like 375 Win to 30-30, or small base 308 from HK). It has 4x4 verticlas and 2x6 and 2x4 horizontals. Heavy wood top, with formica layer on top surface. Small enough to wheel through doorways.