Bench suggestions?

[Classified00]

I'm still in the R&D phase of reloading. I need something to use as a reloading bench. Can I buy something prefabricated? What do I need to look for?
Thanks!
:-o

 

[cfullgraf]

Rigid and reasonable heavy is the key. My first reloading bench was a Sears metal work bench with a composite working surface.

Some of the reloading suppliers offer a Kennedy work bench that looks pretty good.

There are others.

Currently, I build a single pedestal metal stand for my presses and work off a table. It affords me the ability to set the press aside when not in use and I can shuffle its position around to make reloading comfortable. But that is where I evolved to in 30 years of reloading.

 

[dawico]

Lee makes a very affordable portable stand with quick change adapters if that helps.

Another option is to mount your presses on 2x8s and C clamp them to something you already have.

Old heavy duty desks work well also, maybe from a garage sale or something.

I built my bench against a wall with 2x6s, and C clamp my presses to it so I also have a bench that I can use for other purposes also.

 

[Cosmoline]

Most of the snap-together benches I've used aren't heavy enough, but you can weight them down with bullets and other heavy things They'll still shiver and shake when you work a press on them. If you check out the fourn, I believe there's a multi-page thread showing various benches.

Old heavy duty desks work well also, maybe from a garage sale or something.

I'm actually going to be building one with parts from an old 1920's administrator's desk. Back in those days they could use a huge chunk of hardwood for the top, which is going to be my new workbench top. You can't buy wood like that anymore.

Ideally I'd like this bench, though:

http://images.wikia.com/deadspace/images/f/fe/Bench.jpg

 

[whipper]

Good suggestions here.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=218720

 

[REL1203]

I highly recommend the way I did it, and use this kit and build your own. You can make it the exact size you want it to be, and strengthen it wherever you feel it should be.
http://www.amazon.com/2x4basics-901...1BRE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300383143&sr=8-1

 

[oneounceload]

If you have a Sam's Club or Costco - they carry a heavy racking system called "Gorilla Rack" - split in half and set side by side, you can get up to 8' with adjustable shelves below for storage. You then take a 4X8 sheet of plywood - 5/8 or better - and saw it half both ways and double it up to make a really strong top surface - all told less than $100 and you can jump up and down on it with no problem. Want something a little wider? Go to Lowe's or HD and buy a stock 8' kitchen counter piece and screw it on the top - not going anywhere.

I have done this in three different homes (I leave it because it is bolted to the wall studs for more rigidity). Metallic on one end, shotshell on the other and gun cleaning maintenance in the middle

 

[Pacsd]

I built mine out of 4 X 4's for the legs, 2 x 6 frame, 3/4 inch plywood top and I "L" bracketed the legs to the floor. I then screwed the back and one side to the corners of the wall. It ain't moving. I then put a anti static/skid piece of material on the top that I scrounged from an old electronic work bench from one of our shops.

 

[Win1892]

I have 2 Sears metal workbenches that are bolted to the wall behind them. Very sturdy. One sports a Dillon 650, the other a RCBS Ammomaster. Even when resizing 50BMG it is solid with minimal vibration.

 

[okeybug]

Depending on how much you can spend, Sam's Club has a very heavy duty bench. I made mine from 4x4s for legs 2x4s for the frame, and plywood for the top. It's served me well for over 30 years. I've put several tops on it to make it look better. They tend to get too many holes drilled in it as you change or upgrade equipment. They're also plans on the internet from the National Reloading Manufacturing Association website. They used to charge you for it but I think they give them to you for free now.

 

[esheato]

This:

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=101756&navAction=

 

[howlnmad]

Have you looked through the sticky on benches? Lots of great ideas, from a folding workmate to some sleek, clean designs.

Whatever you decide, I don't recommend drilling and mounting it to missus' kitchen counter (even if you did make it and have a surprise granite one on order), they get upset and slap the snot outta you.

 

[mdi]

FWIW, Before I settled on a good reloading bench I used a B&D Workmate. I bolted the press to a piece of counter top, about 26" x 32". On the underside of this top, I screwed a piece of 1" x 2". I clamp the 1" x 2" in the Workmate to use as a loading bench. The legs are stiff enough and spread so the unit is stable when reloading 30-30 and all my pistol rounds.

 

[Classified00]

Thanks all.
Now I have someplace to start.

 

[gamestalker]

I bought a fold up camp table. It's really stable and actually quite heavy, especially after I put my sand bag on it. It's good enough that I can consistently shoot 1/2" groups at 100 yds., and much better than shooting off the tail gate was.

 

[gamestalker]

I misunderstood your post. I thought you were refering to a shooting bench rather than a reloading bench. My loading bench is a heavy solid cherry wood table. The top, all by it's self is probably 75 lbs..

 

[45Autoloader]

I had planned on building a bench this winter, but instead I found this one on sale at Sears. Very strong and rigid.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00914644000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

 

[Hondo 60]

I took an old computer desk & reinforced the top with 2x6s
I've been using it for over a year now & it works great.

But be aware that I sit to reload, while many others like to stand.

 

[KimberUltra]

My space is super limited. What's the shortest you would go on a bench. Lengthwise of course. 4 feet would be perfect. 5 feet would be the absolute maximum. It has to follow the ball and chain's guidelines. lol

 

[flashhole]

My bench is 4' x 2', the legs stick out a bit more but the island gives me access to all sides and I am not starved for space.

 

[dickttx]

Your bench is always going to be a function of the space you have. It really doesn't take a lot of space to reload unless you have several presses. Shelving/storage may be harder to come by than bench space if you are limited.

 

[KimberUltra]

http://www.cabelas.com/tools-accessories-stack-reloading-benches-1.shtml

I was looking at this. I think it would be perfect for a small operation

 

[jeepman24211]

I bought this one, it depends on your reloader you may have to re-enforce the top its made from a press wood I think. http://www.lowes.com/pd_2218-55738-...=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=work+bench&page=2

 

[KimberUltra]

Thats nice though. The light is a good idea

 

[dickttx]

Flashole, very good idea. I really like the island.