Need reloading bench suggestions

[James2]

FWIW, here is my bench. 4x4 legs, 5/8 inch ply for the top and skirts. I did reinforce things where the press went as you can see in the one picture. This seems sturdy enough for me and by the time I get some tools and lead sitting on the bench it doesn't go anywhere even sizing large rifle casings.

The bench top is 2 x 8 feet. I have two presses plus the Lyman sizer mounted on it. Just to give you an idea of something you can easily build. I just used some materials I had sitting around.

 

[M.Weier]

2 peices of 3/4" plywood, sanded, stained and sealed. 1/4" thick L brackets from Lowes anchored to the studs will not move

 

[Steel185]

I agree with REL's post (#25) it is the easiest. I almost did that on mine, I really wanted a tall setup and I could only find the one size of that kit.

 

[joecil]

Now perhaps it is the fact that my loaders are Lee and I do mostly pistol rounds, but still don't understand why the worry about the top thickness. I have a store bought metal framed bench made by Stack-On the same bench as shown here http://www.stack-on.com/categories/workbenches--2/products/208. It sure isn't bolted to the wall however it also sits on the slab floor covered with carpet and but no chance of turning over unless someone deliberately turns it over. On top of that sits the Lee Steel Plate mounts bolted to that with 4 - 1/4 bolts with washers on both sides and the back ones going through the 18 ga top frame to the base. You have to take my word for this there is no flex in the top at all as it isn't the usual particle board but much more concentrated. The presses have either wood or metal plates that fit into the Lee clamping system and stabilize the presses rather nicely. Now I'm limited to inside an apartment for a work area only and it does the job I need.

 

[REL1203]

I agree with REL's post (#25) it is the easiest. I almost did that on mine, I really wanted a tall setup and I could only find the one size of that kit.

Thats my only complaint is the height is basically fixed. One trick is to us 2 sheets of thick thick wood for the top layer, can add another Inch that way, but overall I am very happy with the kit, in fact I might build another smaller one once I rearrange my office, with the way I have it set up now, with my duct work, i cant run the Hornady Case Feeder, so I am going to flip flop the room and order the case feeder soon (and ditching the Turret and ordering a Big Boss or LNL Classic).

 

[GT1]

Another 2x4 basics bench I see, nice one, REL1203. I have the shelf kit too, just not a need for it up to this point.

I was a little worried about the 36" height also, but it turned out just right for me and my press set-ups. It would be easy to set a piece or two of 2x6 or 2x4 under each end if one needed a couple inches.
It is a good kit and as I mentioned in my first post, no real carpenter skills needed to make a good looking bench.

 

[ranger335v]

"I bought a "Goriilla Rack" from Sam's - that and a sheet of plywood doubled up gives me a work bench 8' long and 24" deep "

IMHO, that's about the perfect size for a basic one or two press loading bench and Sam's Gorrilla bench is a fine foundation for those lacking carpenter skills and tools.

 

[ol' scratch]

I use a Black and Decker Workmate foldable "bench" with a piece of 3/4 ply on the top. I now have a portable. I too size 30-06 and .308 (actually 7.62 x 51 which takes more pressure) and it works just fine. I even mount my progressive Hornady Lock n Load on it. When I am done reloading, I pull the press off and put it in an old Milsurp box I have, fold the bench up and hang it on the wall.