Press mounting (on Bench)

[rfwobbly]

► Generally the best stability for any bench design is to mount the press over one of the legs. If the press feels better or more convenient mounted in the center, then add a 5th leg under it.

► +1 on bolting the table to the wall.

► You'll want your scale up off the table top. 1) So that it doesn't get a book dropped on it. 2) So that the vibrations in the bench top don't disturb it. 3) So that you don't have to move it aside when you are finished weighing. A 1x4 works really well.

 

[webbee]

If you mount a sheet of masonite with screws only, to the top of whatever you put over of the MDF, you have a replaceable benchtop surface.
If your using two sheets of 3/4" ply, glue sandwitching the MFD between the 2 ply sheets would probably make it stronger.

Lots of good advice in this thread. Nice loading bench photos, too.

 

[brickeyee]

MDF is NOT the solidest material for a reloading bench top.

A decent layer of plywood (3/4 inch and up) or some 2x lumber on the off side.

MDF WILL flex and crack, unless you use metal strapping to spread the load (even fender washers are not large enough, especially for rifle calibers).

Lag screws are anther BAD idea.

Use through bolts with a flat washer and lock washer, or a nylon self locking but.

 

[1SOW]

I had something similar to what you're proposing and later strengthened it, similar to what "bds" suggested.
I have cabinets under the benchtop and the center fascia board is actually reinforced as an additional leg under the press as "rfwobbly" said.

I added full length 2x4's screwed and glued under the top and under the press mounting bolts. This made a big difference in press rigidity.

I used large flat washers and split-ring lock washers on the mounting bolts, and they have loosened a little every few thousand rounds just as "bds" said.

 

[AK_Maine_iac]

Mine may be over kill. Will post some pic once i get my camera set up to transfer to my computer. Home made with 1/2" steel boiler plate. 2ft by 5ft work surface. Two inch pipe for legs. Would not have made it so heavy, but that is all i had for a bench top at the time.

 

[scythefwd]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=7492556&postcount=2184

That is a clickable thumbnail.

Here is my bench. If you take a look, that is 2x6 or 2x8 across the top with a 1/4" plywood top screwed to it. My press is bolted through the 2xwhatevers, over a leg. I used 5/8ths carriage bolts to mount the thing. It ain't going to move, and I don't see any flex on the top.

 

[Woody3]

Ak Maine:
Sounds like an excellent welding bench.


Keep your head low and your powder dry.