Compact, Portable, yet Sturdy Press Platform

[Mikee Loxxer]

I am looking for a good platform to mount my press to. Currently I am using a Lee Challenger but will probably upgrade to a Lee Classic Cast or RCBS Rockchucker in the future. As I am a renter I am looking for something to mount the press to which is compact and portable yet sturdy. Currently I am using a two drawer steel file cabinet with a half inch thick board bolted to the top of it. The press is bolted to the top of it with the bolts running through both the board and the top of the file cabinet. This is not my set up but one that I am borrowing from a friend and I don’t think it is sturdy enough for serious reloading.

In the past I had seen a post where someone had a single stage press bolted to a Black and Decker Workmate. This looked like a good set up. Are there any disadvantages to this? Does anyone have any other suggestions for a portable and compact platform for the serious reloader to mount a press to.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Go with the Lee Classic Cast press. It's American made (The new Rock Chuckers are made in China) and it's a newer design than the Rock Chucker. It has through the ram primer disposal with a long tube you can route to a coffee can or trash can to catch primers, so you press doesn't get trashed with primer residue. You can also adjust the press handle to suit you from an ergonomic and leverage standpoint. The Lee is a top notch modern design single stage.

I've used a Black and Decker Workmate for a reloading bench in the past. Get the stronger version, mount your press to a 2 X 6 pine board and clamp this to the Workmate. Works great and breaks down to put in a closet when you're done. Simple economical solution. The only disadvantage is having to break it down and fold it up when you're done.

Another good solution for an apartment is a steel cart from Sam's Club. You can build up the top with a couple sheets of particle board and a sheet of 3/4" oak plywood. When you're done, just wheel it into a closet like I used to do.

Regards,

Dave

 

[nitesite]

I started out with a real sturdy rolling computer station. It cost me $20 at a used office supply store. It is overbuilt and strong as heck, as most commercial grade office furniture is.

At 2-1/2' per side it has ten linear feet of workspace. I made it work for four different tasks, one for each side: Metallic reloading, case prep/trimming, shotgun reloading, and reading. Since it's on heavy-duty casters I just spin it to the side I want to work at and it takes up very little room.



When not in use it just pushes up against a wall.

 

[db_tanker]

+1 for the B&D Workmate...


Plus you can use it for other things.


I had my case trimmer and press all mounted on 2x4/2x6 boards, plus with the Lyman powder measure (has a built in screw clamp for mounting) you should be all set....check the pawn shops as thats where I got mine at.


D

 

[RustyFN]

You can buy this for $60 at MidwayUSA. I haven't used one but it looks compact.
Rusty

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

I've used a workmate, and it works well while you're using it. The problem is, you need to put heavy stuff in the bottom shelf to keep it from tipping, then you have to take that stuff out and store it somewhere else when you're not reloading.

I ended up buying a Rockler steel router table leg set, which is a kit from their heavy duty work stand system. I also bought their heavy duty swivel, total locking casters for it. Added a plywood top and two shelves. I keep a supply of bullets and brass, along with most of my tools on the lower shelves. When the casters are locked, they don't swivel or roll, and it is solid as a rock. When I'm not using it, it rolls away with everything on it, ready for the next use.

Andy

 

[CSA 357]

I picked up two used kitchen cabnets bolted them to the wall of my shop, very sturdy, very cheap! plus i have storage space , if you would like pm me and ill send you some pictures, csa

 

[saltydog452]

I used a 12X12 plywood square, mounted the press to it with carriage bolts and wing nuts, placed a carpet sample square under the plywood, and used 'C Clamps' to affix it to the kitchen table.

It disassembled quickly, left no marks on the topside, and stored easily on the top shelf of my closet when not in use.

My only problem was if I left it in place after the reloading was done.

My bride was quick to let me know that if I wanted to keep my domestic tranquility intact, that I'd better get it off her table and put the dang thing away when finished.

salty.

 

[TooTaxed]

My Work Mate has served me many years, in several apartments and motels. It is fine for all pistol and .223 Win reloading operations and all rifle reloading operations except for full length resizing of large rifle cases, for which it is a bit light. You can generally temporarily access a heavier bench for that one step in the process...

 

[koja48]

I watched for a Sears work bench to go on sale, found a model that was out of stock, and bought the floor model dirt cheap.

 

[scrat]

i have a avery similar home built stand that rusty showed a pic of. Works very good. easy to get out of the way. i know a guy that had a tv tray. the new oak style ones. he used 3 bolts to bolt it to the table. then would open it up and had his portable table and would start to reload.