Finally finished new reloading bench

[flashhole]

I've been wanting to build a solid bench for years. I finally did it. Here are a couple of pics. I'm glad I put in the extra effort to paint it. The presses are mounted directly over the legs secured to a 5/16 steel plate that goes across the top and ties the two end legs together. The plate is bolted to both the bench top and the legs. The top and shelves measure 2' by 4' with the legs outboard of the work surface. The legs are the resin/wood fiber composite they use for artificial decks and are about 4.5" square. They weigh a ton. The shelves and top are 3/4" plywood supported with 5/4" by 3" runners. No more flex. This thing is rock solid.

 

[MADDOG]

How does everything work. That sure is a nice looking set up you got there. Compared to yours, mine set up looks like the "Bowery".

 

[cm250]

Nice!!!!!

 

[Walkalong]

Very nice. Rock solid for sure.

 

[flashhole]

MADDOG - not sure what you mean by how does it work. It works great. I especially like the raised height. It's 45" tall. I'm 5'9" and it keeps me from getting a crik in my neck looking down at the work all the time. I always stand when I reload and wanted something friendlier than a conventional height.

 

[WNTFW]

Seem like a very effective setup.

 

[flashhole]

I should add that it doesn't always look so neat. I painted the walls in the basement after I finished the bench. It was quite a large mess for several days but the white walls add a lot of light to the room.

 

[Walkalong]

I should add that it doesn't always look so neat

Neither do our benches/reloading rooms.

 

[Rich219]

Nice looking setup.

 

[MADDOG]

What I meant was, have you used it much? It looks pretty clean, without the usual clutter, extra tools laying around, ect. I standup also and I always get the crick in my neck if I sit down. Keep up the good work.

 

[mongoose33]

Nice rock-solid bench.

Given that you have presses on each corner, I think you should have mounted the bench on a turret-arrangement so rather than move your stool, you could simply rotate the bench around.

Seriously, though, I'm curious about how you work w/ no bench space to the left of the presses. Obviously you've been doing this for a while, so it fits some work pattern you have, I am wondering how you set up for production.

On my bench I have some space both left and right; w/ the single-stage, I can simply pop the shell off the shellholder (I point it left) so it falls into the box, while my left hand is reaching for the next one.

My bench is to some extent temporary; at some point I'll do another, larger one (I have two others that are much larger, but this one suffices). But I'm interested why you chose the array you did.

 

[smilin-buddha]

Great looking bench

 

[Afy]

Nice setup.

What is the contraption between the two presses?
I only have one press...

 

[WNTFW]

"I should add that it doesn't always look so neat."

My set up has been in a constant 'state of flux' since I got started. I added a shelf. Raised a press. I just keep adding & moving things around. It is getting there. I have always been able to load ammo even if I only had about 4 sq. ft.

 

[flashhole]

What is the contraption between the two presses?
I only have one press...

I like the RCBS Bench Mount Primer that takes only one primer at a time. I have two of them set up, one each for large and small primers. A powder measure is mounted opposite the primer tools.

 

[oneounceload]

Where are the shotshell reloaders????????

 

[slamfirev10]

nice job

 

[flashhole]

oneounce - I am not that much of a shotgunner. I love to bird hunt but don't do trap or skeet and my shotgun ammo consumption is minimal.

 

[ranger335v]

Pretty, and I'm sure it's strong.

But, like Mongoose, I want - must have - a foot or so of open bench top on each side of my presses in order to work smoothly. And would have to add a shelf to support my beam scale at eye level, VERY near the powder measure.

 

[Surculus Solitudo]

Great Bench!

I like the way you able to use two sides instead of just one.

 

[rfwobbly]

This thing is rock solid.

When it comes to "solid" and your bench, I'd venture to say that even the rocks are jealous.



Very nice.

 

[Afy]

Never seen one of those primer presses... So what are the other gizmo's?

 

[flashhole]

"I like the way you able to use two sides instead of just one. "

Yes, I really like access to all sides of the bench. A few years back all I had room for was a very small bench, the one in the background, and I used it in the center of the room so I could get at it from all sides. It works really well if you have the floor space to set it up that way. This set up is in my basement and I am the only one who ever ventures down there.

 

[flashhole]

"Never seen one of those primer presses... So what are the other gizmo's? "

Going around the horn from the far side, Redding Ultramag press, Redding 3BR powder meaure on stand, Lee Classic Cast Turret press, Lee Classic Cast press, two RCBS primer presses, and second Redding Ultramag press.

 

[lgbloader]

I should add that it doesn't always look so neat

Walkalong said: Neither do our benches/reloading rooms.

Tell me about it. Okay, The cave is still pretty tidy but the small bench next to my recliner needs some attention.

Flashhole, Your island bench is great. I really like it. and if there is a press I would want that is not bolted to my bench right now is the Redding Ultra. Well... OK, that and the LCT.


LGB