Bench advise needed

[Shrinkmd]

I was searching the net for something nice, and I stumbled upon this website:http://www.benchdepot.com/NWS/index32f6.html?id=kstd

What do people think of this? Looks like it would be quite sturdy. Although I would probably get the largest size which would fit into my garage area where I can put it, what size would be the minimum you would want to mount a nice turret press, have your scale, brass trimmer, powder measure, etc all nicely mounted on the bench, laid out in some sort of neat, logical fashion? I like the idea of being able to mount some nice lights directly overhead. And what height (you can customize no problem) They say 30" tall is your standard desk height. Do most people reload sitting or standing. Would I want it a bit taller?

Would you be ok with the formica? The solid wood is quite a bit more expensive, and I would rather save the $ for the reloading setup. Would there be problems drilling through to mount my hardware?

I was also dreaming of putting a rifle vise like the Tipton best gun vise on the bench as well, to have my all-in-one rifle/ammo service center.

Thoughts?

 

[lgsracer]

I use the Kobalt 4-Drawer from Lowes only a $159.00. Works well.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=175208-56096-WB4604&lpage=none

 

[Bboomer]

Hey Schrink

About the kit you'll have to make that decision. Myself I think I would just go buy some 4x4's and 2x6's, a sheet of 3/4" flooring for starters. Yeah you can cover it with what ever material you like. I forget what its called but I have some sorta flormica or shower wall type paneling for my bench top. Its glossy white and cleans up good after spills and such. But you don't need a large table, just what ever you think you will need or what ever area that you have to work with.

Now storage bins and drawers work out great. You just can't get enough storage for the reload knick knacks.

About the bench height, I like to stand while loading, I do have a tall adjustable stool that I can sit too, when I get the notion. By my bench top height is 3' 5" from the floor to the top work surface. I'm 6" 1" tall so thats comfortable for me to stand and not have to bend while loading etc..

What you got in mind?

 

[Shrinkmd]

Hey, that Lowe's bench looks nice, and way cheaper than that other stuff I found. What do you have mounted to it?

I've been dreaming about getting the Redding Turret press, so I can churn out a reasonable quantity of pistol or .223 ammo, yet still have something solid enough for working up some more precise rifle loads. I was also dreaming about that RCBS electronic powder measure/scale combo, but that might be overkill.

I used to dream of a Dillon press, but after doing some loading with a friend on some other progressive equipment, I think I will stick to the turret.

 

[lgsracer]

Lee turret, Lee classic cast and a RCBS rockchucker

 

[target1911]

SHRINK....

I dont know if you have on in your area but.....go to Costco (its like Sams Whs). They have a very nice work bench that has a butcher block type top on it with a steel frame. I think it only costs about $100 and measures around 3'x6'. One of my customers has one and you could set diesel engin on top of this thing. Other than that, just build it yourself. That way you can make it to fit YOU...hight, width, shelving, and storage.
Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[bl4ckd0g]

I was checkng out benchdepot.com a few days ago. I'm looking for a similar bench, but I need a 24"x24" or narrower setup to use in my fifth-wheel trailer.

 

[Shrinkmd]

Ok, I measured my space in the garage. I think I could get away with 30 x 48 or maybe 36 x 48 max (I could probably do 36 x 60 but my better half probably would object)

On a 30 x 48, how much stuff could I fit? I would like to be able to have my scale, powder measure, a single stage or turret press, a tipton best gun vise, and maybe a progressive machine (later) What else do people mount on their bench? The brass trimmer? Maybe a military brass de-crimper (someone said that the prvi partisan m193 is crimped, so I would need one of those)

I have an old lyman manual, so I will double check what other equipment I will want/need.

Also, could people post some pictures of their set-ups. I want to try and arrange things as logically as possible. I am right handed, if that helps.

 

[hotwheelz]

Do you not want to build your own? There are some good plans out there for the nrma bench I built it and love I changed some of the dimension to fit me better but its a great bench I have the plans in adobe I can send you. It cost around $150 for all the materials and finish for mine. But other then that the bench you are looking at seems fine but a little $$$. Here is a pic of my bench its a mess but it will give you an idea of what it will hold and I only made mine is 72" x 34" and the cabinet is 12" deep.

 

[snuffy]

Take a look at this long thread right here on THR. Set aside some time, there's a lot of different configurations on there.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=218720

 

[Noxx]

You just can't get enough storage for the reload knick knacks.

QFT

 

[cwilson]

I am also in need of a reloading bench. Could you please email any plans that you have to me at cewpeATpennswoods.net

 

[Clark]

The subject bench looks like an electronics technician or assembler bench.
On Seattle's East side there are hundreds of electronic companies and many sell or give away old used benches.

I got a Forster Co-ax press, and my benches do not need to be so sturdy any more.
With an RCBS Rockchucker press, I used to screw the bench to the wall to get stability.

 

[snuffy]

Whenever I needed a bench, I just started throwing lumber together to make a box with legs. Then I selected a top material, bolted my preses to that. It could/would fit into whatever space I had. Plans? Don't need no damn plans, start out to make a box, put legs and a top on it, viola, a bench is born!

A quick simple bench can be made from a kitchen counter top. Go to Lowes, Menards, or any home depot, they should have some vastly reduced prices for scratched or damaged counter tops. They will be covered with Formica or some other plastic material that's easily drilled or cut to size. Also clean up is a snap.



This one is built into the corner of a small bedroom. It's two pieces of 5/8 hardwood plywood glued and screwed together. The back is lag bolted to the wall. I was told a bench for a dillon should be solid! Well this one doesn't even wiggle!



After a couple coats of polyurethane, it even looks good!?

 

[aakoksal]

In case you want to build your own...

I was working on designing one, with some dovetail slots that will allow me to swap presses and other tools easily...

Pictures are attached. In anybody wants details, I'm more than happy to share...

It is based on NRMA bench design...

 

[Hutch]

I find it a bit easier to mount a shelf to the wall above the bench for the powder scale. Electronic scales tend to dislike the vibration of operating the press and/or powder measure, and balance beams are much easier and more accurate to read if they are nearer to eye level.

 

[hotwheelz]

I was at sams club today and saw this bench look sturdy and I think it would work well steel legs and maple top just doesnt have any shelves ans $209 seems a littlle much.


http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=329601

 

[fmnnc]

Free Downloadable Workbench Plan in PDF. Very Nice

I am also in need of a reloading bench. Could you please email any plans that you have

Here is just one of the many plans availale at http://www.plansnow.com/workbenchplans.html

This one can be downloaded for free. Others at a very low cost. If you decide you want one of the others, make sure you register with them first. That way you can get a code for 20% off your order.

 

[mallc]

Small Space Reloading Setup

I have a fairly limited amount of space so I mount tools to pieces of scrap counter top or plywood stands. I clamp the units to my bench when I need them and store them on narrow shelves when not needed.

I've done the same thing over the years with router tables, bench grinders, Unimat and what have you. The photo shows a particleboard stand made from an old desk top. I have other tools set up on the same size top piece as the press shown so I can work all operations at a comfortable height.

Scott