Limited Space Reloading Setup

[Skofnung]

Hi Guys.

Very soon, I will be ordering a Rockchucker Supreme reloading kit and I have a few questions about the setup thereof.

For starters , my space is limited. I have a desk/workbench that I think is sturdy enough to suffice for a platform. The problem is, I would be taking up the space I now use for a "desk." So here is what I am thinking:

Mount the press and powder measure on a board or piece of plywood and secure said board to the desk by way of C clamps. This way I can remove the setup if I need to, and I won't need to drill holes in my desk. WILL THIS WORK OUT OK?

I know it's not the best setup, but will it at least get me started?

Second Question: For you right handers out there, where and how far apart do you mount the press and powder thrower? I mean, Where in relation to where you sit and how far apart in relation to each other?

Thanks again

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

I've used the same setup you're describing. It works fine, assuming your existing desk is strong. Resizing generates a lot of torque. The problem is if you do a lot of shooting, or if you reload in phases. Bolting it on and taking it off gets to be irritating.

I wish I could show you what I use now. I built a platform out of 2x12's that is just big enough to hold the press. It is permanently bolted to the wall and very sturdy. My house has many windows and partial walls and no place to put a reloading setup so this skinny but solid bench does the trick.

 

[taliv]

if you're not attached to the rockchucker, get a set of hand dies and an arbor-style press. best possible space saver, portable, and benchrest quality too.

i've got a hornady powder measure mounted about 2 inches from my forster co-ax press. economy of motion and all...

 

[Clark]

I load at the range, so I can tune up loads.
I also load at home, so I can mass produce.
This nomadic life makes me live in boxes.
[I MUST get a bigger vehicle.]

Anyway, mount the big press on the end of a board, so when it is "C" clamped to the bench or a table at the range, then the downward force on the handle tries to lift the other end of the board, which is resisted by a clamp with great leverage.

 

[Lennyjoe]

My setup.

 

[bofe954]

I use a Lee turret, I currently have it bench mounted but some home remodeling is going to necessitate the removal of my bench. Today I bought a collapsible work bench (google black and decker workmate). The one I got was $30 and actually heavier and more stable than the B+D models I saw.

I am going to mount my turret on a heavy piece of plywood and screw a 2X2 to the bottom of the plywood. Then I'll open the clamp on the workmate a little and clamp the 2X2 in. I think it will be pretty stable and very portable. I have seen a few others with similar set ups.

 

[swifter]

Suggest you use 2X6 or 2X8 plank, room enough to countersink bolts/nuts for a flat bottom. I've used this set-up since I read about it in the first ABC's of Reloading, and Thank you, Dean Allen Grennell!!

Tom

 

[roo_ster]

Naw, that'll NEVER work...

OK, well, on second thought, it ought to do fine.

I mounted my Rockchucker on a 2x6 with carriage bolts, washers, lock washers, and nuts. The bolts went up through hte bottom & were tightened until they cut into the wood and no longer touched hte desk surface. Did the same to the powder measure stand, a Lee press I got with the LEE manual, the case trimmer (all in the lower right drawer), my 5" bench vise (2x10 required-see lower right of image) and my bench grinder (mounted later). All can be mounted/unmounted in seconds using four C-clamps: two standard, two extra deep.

It helps to have an old metal desk that weighs several hundred pound to mount all that mess to.

BTW, I paid less than $90 for the desk & a nice old swivel chair.

 

[Skofnung]

Man, does this make me happy!

Hey Lennyjoe, what kind of box is that your press is mounted to?

Thanks guys.

 

[Otherguy Overby]

Man, does this make me happy!



Hey Lennyjoe, what kind of box is that your press is mounted to?

I saw it on another thread and though about asking that same question, cuz it's a nice looking setup.

Hey, wot is it, TELL us about it all...

 

[Okiecruffler]

Since moving into this hovel 2 years ago (man where does the time go) I've been using a folding work bench that I've drilled out holes for each of my presses. It ain't purty, but it works.