Dream reloading bench

[kevtherev]

I have been awarded 7 feet of virgin space in the basement for a reloading bench I will build from scratch. Stable base, lots of light, lots of storage and 110v outlets. What else should I do? What about height? Cabinets or open underneath? Sit or stand? Thanks. (First post)

kevtherev

 

[Khaot1c]

I went 'open' underneath with a 'shelf' that runs the width of the bench.

 

[gonoles_1980]

You will want to sit...

considering you'll spend several hours there.

 

[WestKentucky]

Sit for sure, but build at a height you can stand if you want. Tall barstools with a backrest are nice.

 

[oneounceload]

Make the top with a strong overhang so you can sit with your knees comfortably underneath. I used the Gorilla Racks as a base - they are 19" deep - and a stock kitchen counter top with marine plywood underneath, glued and screwed. That top was screwed to the base and also through the backsplash to wall studs. At 250, I could stand on the edge with no flex.

If you have more than one machine, realize that space will soon fill up with all kinds of stuff so allow for that

 

[Magoo]

Here's a thread with 135 pages that should give you some ideas: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=218720&page=135

 

[grubbylabs]

Yup that's a good thread.

I built mine out of 2x6 and put a thin ply top in it. If I were to do it again, I might put a 2x12 for the leading edge so it hangs over just a little. Right now I use a piece of steel bolted to the counter top that over hangs for mounting the press's.

 

[oneounceload]

If you use a press riser stand from Inline Fabrication there is no press edge flex as the press sits on top of the bench - really handy

 

[Ccctennis]

Bench

Here is mine. Just need one more to go beside it!

 

[GW Staar]

Here's the plans of a "torsion beam" design that requires inexpensive materials and less of them, and still makes a stout immovable bench. It's 8' but I'm betting you can't easily convert it to 7'. Plans are in the thread linked below:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/319362_.html



Mine, pictured below, was built similarly....added the drawers and extra leg to support them, later. Even more stout that way.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Mine is 12ft long. I put a long shelf under half for stacking ammo cans. The other half I have rolling tool chests under for storage.

 

[CraigC]

Mine is almost complete. All oak, no exposed nail or screw heads. It will be stained either cherry to match the floor or a dark walnut. Room for four or five presses along each long side, a gunsmithing station at one end, case trimmer, cannelure tool, electronic scale at the other and all my components underneath.

 

[subman47]

CraigC very nice work

 

[CraigC]

Wish I could claim it but it's not my work.

 

[quaid]

I used a router to round the edges, stained it a desirable color, and applied a couple coats of polyurethane. The little touches made it pleasing to see and comfortable to lean on.

 

[kevtherev]

Thanks for the tips guys. I am going with standing/barstool height on your suggestions. I installed a second 4' flo lighting fixture and wired in a receptical. Bench is next and should have my press in about 10 days.

kevtherev

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Craig that thing is so pretty its a almost a shame that you're going to drill holes in it. Or are you?

 

[horsemen61]

nice bench craig

 

[PointOfAim]

well, if I had a bit of extra time, I always thought this would be a nice bench...

https://www.shotgunsportsmagazine.com/downloads/bench_plans.pdf

 

[LiveLife]

I am slowly finalizing my plans for retirement house reloading room and key focuses are having everything within easy reachable distance/levels to minimize bending/stooping, safety and creature comfort for sit down reloading.

If you plan on running the tumbler or processing dirty range brass in the corner of the basement, how about a good ventilation/air exchange set up to reduce lead exposure? I am planning a separate brass processing room with full-on ventilation hood with particulate filter/trap for disposal so I don't vent lead dust out to back/side yard (I currently do all range brass processing outdoors but still showing lead level not where I would prefer). I now also use a 3M respirator rated for lead when there's concern for exposure.

Be safe.

 

[blarby]

Also, are you going to be able to secure the bench to the floor ?

If not, you'll need to make it HEAVY.

Still being in the renting stage of life, I don't have the ability to adhere my workspaces to the floor- but a 200# bench and 2 sandbags make even FL sizing the biggies possible


BTW, BDS : I can help you set up a HEPA hood if you'd like

3M makes those cartridge grade filters up to 24x24 inches now !!!

 

[PJSprog]

I built mine with the Workbench Legs kit from 2x4 Basics. It's surprisingly sturdy for plastic legs. It's not pretty, but it works exactly as I need it to work. I also left a cutout at the front of the two shelves to allow leg access when sitting.

http://www.2x4basics.com/WorkBench-Legs.asp
You can get these just about anywhere. I got mine through Sportsman's Guide.

 

[bob4]

I over did peg board above my bench.:banghead: I will leave some but, personally I think more shelving than peg board is a better choice above. Think storage.

 

[jmorris]

Built my last one with 3/4" box tube into a 5" truss, with cross braces and steel top. All of the bench outlets are controlled with one switch on the front and the air compressor with the other.

 

[bob4]

Alls I can say is O MY ! jmorris. Call me if you need a new home for 1 of those Blue things.