Metal mounting plate for press?

[Shrinkmd]

I was reading this article and it got me thinking:

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2005/threadfast/index.asp

I love the surplusrifle articles because they inspire me to learn new techniques and get new equipment. I don't think I am ready to buy a drill press just yet, however.

Any thoughts on how big a metal plate would be good to mount a Hornady LNL AP, a powder stand, and a single stage press? I want to make up one plate to hold them all. I can make wood 2x8 for case trimmer or other non-critical items, but I love the idea of a nice metal plate with the threaded studs holding the presses super tight, clamped to my bench.

Any thoughts on how thick a steel plate and what dimensions for my proposed setup? I found this website with metal plates, to give an idea what is available on the net:

http://www.metalsdepot.com/products/stainless2.phtml?page=sheet&LimAcc=%20&aident=

So what do people think? Should I just glue a couple of 3/4 plywood sheets together, or would getting a real steel plate be ideal? Does this really matter? At the moment, my hand drilled and countersunk 2x8 and bolts wiggles more than I care for.

Also, is there anyone who has ready access to these materials already who would be willing to fashion one for profit? What kind of local business would I contact, vs finding someone on THR who could use the business?

Thanks!

 

[R.W.Dale]

Yes just like in bridges, buildings ships, cars and aircraft metal is far superior to wood

I made this which is QD and a great deal more robust than the press mounted directly. It's extremely sturdy and stable so much so you could pick up the entire desk fully loaded by the press

Also, is there anyone who has ready access to these materials already who would be willing to fashion one for profit?

Pm me and we'll talk

 

[Dean Williams]

Nice set-up, Krochus. Looks very handy.

How did you get all those spent primers to go into the primer catcher on that Rock?

 

[Idano]

I used a 15 in. x 24 in x 3/8 in plate with a 3/4 in square tube welded on the front for a lip in this picture:

The reason I used a plate was not for support, the bench top is laminated 2x4s, but to eliminate the amount of holes I had to drill. I welded 3/8 in, thread all to the plate to mount the press and 1/4 in for the powder measure stand. There whole plate is mount to the bench with three 1/2 in. carriage bolts.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Nice set-up, Krochus. Looks very handy.

How did you get all those spent primers to go into the primer catcher on that Rock?

cut a soda straw piece off as long as the priming slot (I used Sonic) with a 45 on bottom and place it inside the relief for the priming tool just far enough to stay put but still allow primers to go down the ram behind it but block them from escaping out the front

I use the lee ram prime tool so I just leave it in place