Bench for New Reloader

So, following up on my previous thread where I just ordered an RCBS Rebel kit, wanted to see what opinions are on a work bench for my setup. I already have a cleaning bench and a general work bench, but each of those either has bench mounted tools that would be in the way or wouldn't support a press well. SO, I need a new bench to add to the bunch.

Wanted to see about recommendations for a pretty cheap option for a pre-fab bench. I'm not great with woodworking, so I feel like I'd save time and pain buying something prefab. I'm aiming to stay around or under $150 and don't need anything huge or otherwise special. I've found a few candidates but if anyone has other suggestions I'm all ears!

This one from Harbor Freight keeps popping up and looks decent:

https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-.../60-in-4-drawer-hardwood-workbench-63395.html

This happened to pop up in my searches, seems like an interesting option but wasn't sure if that gauge of steel is thick enough or if the rounded front would cause issues:

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/18...l-work-table-with-undershelf/522ETSG2460.html

There's also this one from Home Depot:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-4-ft-Solid-Wood-Top-Workbench-in-Black-20T002-1B/315538857

 

This is similar to the Home Depot one above, but I'm pretty sure the metal and tabletop are thicker. I use a 6' version of this as my reloading bench. Been very happy with it.
https://www.samsclub.com/p/workbench-height-adjustable/prod21252021?xid=plp_product_16

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Fully-Assembled-29-Natural-Wood-Bar-Stool/37523875?athbdg=L1200

 

Show him the picher!

 

Do you have a mount OP, or are you looking to directly bolt to the bench?

 

I need to take new pictures. I've updated the APP setup since this was taken. It has a removable red hopper and bracket now to replace the pill bottle.
Many, many thousands of rifle and handgun loads have been produced on these rigs over the years. I still also use a Lee Hand Press and every once in a while if I'm doing less than five of an old load, I'll use a whack-a-mole (Lee Loader).

 

Go to a steel supply and get a 12×12 1/4 inch plate and mount your press to it. Then clamp the plate to whatever surface you want and remove it when your done.

 

Like SKgreen said, all of those should be anchored into the wall or floor.

My island has 16 concrete screws anchoring it into the floor.

The bench has 6 large lag bolts going through the back 2x6 into concrete block.

The suggestion to put wood under the metal table is a great one and would be the cheapest probably.

I have seen some metal tool boxes with butcher block tops that look like they are sturdy enough. I think the price was a little more than your budget. I like the idea of all the storage in them. And some have locking casters/wheels so they are mobile. The downside is you can’t get your legs under the bench because of the drawers. And I like to sit while I load, with one leg under the bench top.

 

The world is my reloading room.

 

Husky work tables are solid and handle hundreds of pounds easily. Wheels and adjustable height is so nice!



https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-4...orkbench-Table-in-Black-HOLT46XDB12/301809931

 

If you have a habitat for humanity restore nearby they have heavy office desks sometimes, you never know what they’re going to have. Even a kitchen counter setup would probably work.

 

That's actually on my list of things to do this week. We have one the next town over, my wife is looking for a new buffet for the dining room so I have a good excuse to go aside from finding a bench, haha. I actually coordinate community service for the county I work for, and there are several ReStores in the area so I'm very familiar with them. We also have a place that does estate sales in another town, so might check there too.

 

After checking closely, the bench from HF is weak at the joints and will require serious reinforcement to make it stiff.

And while stainless table has stiff frame (I have several), thin metal top is flexible and will require stiff reinforcement. And lightweight bench will need to be anchored.

I have looked at Home Depot benches and prefer ones that are boxed top AND BOTTOM for stiffness.

The one I would recommend for portable solution is this for $199 with adjustable height top so you can comfortably seat - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-6...orkbench-Table-in-Black-HOLT62XDB12/301810799

Or this bench for $337 - https://www.homedepot.com/b/Storage-Organization-Garage-Storage-Workbenches/N-5yc1vZc898

But at that price, you can consider going with solid wood top tool chest like this for $348 to store supplies and equipment in the drawers - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-4...-Wood-Top-in-Gloss-Red-H42MWC10R-TL/312570922

With these benches, especially castered ones, you mount the press at the ends for better leverage and more usable bench top space.

I PIF my primary 2'x3' portable bench to a retiring friend and thinking about mounting Dillon 550C and Lee ABLP on my 2'x3' Husky tool chest on one end with removable plate - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3...ool-Cabinet-in-Gloss-Red-H36CH6TR6R/313066776

 

I'm really starting to lean towards this one. I'd rather not spend the extra money, but it does seem like it would be a pretty good fit for what I want.

 

No appeal for the chunk of steel....

 

This is what I have planned for the near future. If you have a circular saw, it would work.

 

Do you live close to the county seat. Lots of counties have sales on items that they don't need anymore. Look online at your county seat called, COUNTY SURPLUS SALE and see whey they might have. You have to bid on them but they go really cheap and most of them are practically new or slightly used. You can buy desks, tables, just check it out. I am lucky I only live less than 15 miles away and I bid on stuff all the time. Latest purchase was a 2 drawer metal rolling cabinet for keeping my reloading powder and primers in, got it for a buck. Good Luck, any surplus store will do. Just be inventive.