Reloading Bench Build Question

[tjlis2004]

Hey all,

I'm looking to make a new reloading bench and thought about putting an 8' long 1.5" thick butcher block top across two of these, one at each end. The butcher block top would be replacing the top that comes with the cabinets. They are equivalent to the Montezuma cabinets just renamed for Menards. I was wondering if you think they'd be able to hold up to the presses being on them or if anyone else is using them? I've attached a picture and a link to the cabinets. The cabinets are the type that fold out and then are secured into place by the bottom and the top. One of the specs that is missing from the website that was on the box at the store was they are rated to hold 400 lbs.

Masterforce® 30-1/2"W x 34-3/4"H x 24"D Base Garage Storage Cabinet at Menards®

 

[Varminterror]

If these are truly Montezuma box quality, then although I have not experienced these cabinets directly, I will point to the fact I have mounted presses and had several years of service live from much, much lesser cabinets, with much lower capacity ratings.

 

[kerreckt]

I believe your plan would work. You can always attach vertical legs next to the cabinets to support the countertop, if you have any doubts.

 

[tjlis2004]

If these are truly Montezuma box quality, then although I have not experienced these cabinets directly, I will point to the fact I have mounted presses and had several years of service live from much, much lesser cabinets, with much lower capacity ratings.

I can't speak for quality as it's probably made in the same Chinese factory, but the image form Farm and Fleet looks like it except for the color.

 

[barnfrog]

The only problem I can think of is that you're only going to have about 2.5' of bench space to put the presses between the cabinets. That's if you mount them directly to the bench. If you use the Inline Fabrication mounts or something similar so the presses don't hang down in front of the cabinet doors, it should be a dandy set up.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

My bench cost about 5 bucks. Built it from construction scrap wood. The 5 bucks was the wood screws. That might be something to look into.

 

[tjlis2004]

The only problem I can think of is that you're only going to have about 2.5' of bench space to put the presses between the cabinets. That's if you mount them directly to the bench. If you use the Inline Fabrication mounts or something similar so the presses don't hang down in front of the cabinet doors, it should be a dandy set up.

Good catch, I should have mentioned that in my original post. I will be using Inline Fabrication mounts to mount all of my presses.

 

[tjlis2004]

My bench cost about 5 bucks. Built it from construction scrap wood. The 5 bucks was the wood screws. That might be something to look into.

I want storage space for larger items so cabinets are the way to go for me. If I don't go this route I'll go a store bought workbench with some cabinets under that. It needs to look "nice" as it will be in the house. The reason I fell on these cabinets is they are large with plenty of space, sit at counter top height with the the butcher block on top, and are made of steel. With how they are constructed and their weight rating made me wonder if it'd work for my idea.

 

[LiveLife]

new reloading bench ... 8' long 1.5" thick butcher block top ... equivalent to the Montezuma cabinets just renamed for Menards.

I was wondering if you think they'd be able to hold up to the presses being on them

I am familiar with those cabinets as there is Menards in Redding where my sister lived and BIL was looking at them for his shop.

The only problem I can think of is that you're only going to have about 2.5' of bench space to put the presses between the cabinets.

Very good point. You need bench top space after mounting the press.

Instead I would rather you consider Husky tool chest from Home Depot that already has wooden top to mount your presses to and is more substantial tool chest for $350 - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-4...-Solid-Wood-Top-in-Red-H42MWC10R-TL/312570922

I want storage space

That tool chest has more storage space than what an average reloader will need.

It needs to look "nice" as it will be in the house.

I have this tool chest in my reloading room and it looks "nice" with all the tools and stuff nicely stored inside drawers - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-4...hest-and-Cabinet-Combo-HOTC4116B13S/312145943

I am actually looking at this 52" adjustable bench for $219 to mount Dillon 550C as I do not need drawer space and want both stand up/sit down reloading option - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-52-in-Adjustable-Height-Work-Table-HOLT52XDB12/301809830

Key is to mount the press at the end with ram lever pointing out to maximize weight leverage. I have used 2'x3' castered bench made out of 2x4s for years and readily sized thick walled military LC .308 brass without issues, even with bench empty on hard floor surfaces.

 

[DM~]

You could build one like I did one of mine,

Building My New Reloading Bench | The High Road

DM

 

[kalielkslayer]

Your butcher block counter top is probably 25.5” wide.

The dimensions of those cabinets are wider.

Doesn’t mean it’s a deal breaker, just realize that.

I built that bench outta 3/4” CCW (2 sheets) and 5/8” OBS under that. It’s right at 2” thick, and sturdy. But the bench is lag screwed into the cinder block wall.

I also bought a 96”x25.5”x1.5” butcher block for my “island.”

I’m just doing a 19”x 72” platform for it. 4x4s, 2x6s, I’ll have a 6” overhang on one side as well as 12” on each end. The platform will be screwed into the concrete floor using L brackets.

I’ll lay 1/2” plywood on top of the bottom 2x6s. I’ll use 5/8”. OSB on the top and screw it into the frame. Then 1 3/4” screws from the bottom into the butcher block. I’ll put adhesive between the butcher block and OSB. Even C clamp the edges with cardboard between the C clamps and butcher block.

I’ll side it with 1/2” plywood. Even put a 1/2 shelf in between the top and bottom for storage.

Personally, I would lay a layer of something under the butcher block, screwed down. Then adhesive on that. Then screw the butcher block from the bottom.

 

[dcloco]

I would go with the 2x4 butcher block and add a solid oak door on top of that (look in the reject bin).

 

[lightman]

I think those cabinets and a butcher block top would make a sturdy bench.

 

[dh1633pm]

I like sturdy and your idea looks sturdy enough. I like to make sure I have a place to stretch out my legs. I used a standard laminated countertop which I reinforced with plywood underneath. I considered a butcher block. Seems like a good choice to me.

 

[kidneyboy]

As long as you can get it sturdy* and level that looks like a good idea. I would mount the butcher block directly to the tops that come on the cabinets as it makes a better working height and a less complicated install of the new top.

* sturdy, to me, means non-moving, stable, you can't shake it or move it around, you should be able to use your scale on the same surface as your press.

 

[AJC1]

If your buying the butcher block I would take that money to the scrap yard and buy steel plate. You wont have any flex and its guaranteed to last forever.

 

[Cemetery21]

If possible, bolt the backs of the cabinets to studs and put at least a 2" ledger board (also bolted to studs) under the back of the unsupported portion of the top. I also like overhang on three sides of the top - I like to c-clamp items to the top (trimmer, powder measure, etc.).

 

[kmw1954]

If this is more than sturdy enough to reload on I think your idea will more than suffice The top is only 1.5" or two layers of 3/4" plywood laminated together. Also this is just 48"X24" and has been dedicated to just reloading. The cabinet tops add another 2'X2' work area.

 

[Varminterror]

Why in the world do guys think x4” butcher block tops are necessary for reloading benches? What are guys pounding together or apart on their reloading benches? I must be doing something wrong for all of these years and literally millions of rounds, because there’s nothing I have ever done on a reloading bench which I felt warranted such a heavy top… I only need sufficient thickness to bed my mounting method (inline fab plates or T tracks), and then underlay structural members to tie the presses to the frame, rather than putting stress on the top. I’m a relatively big guy, but I don’t see any purpose in building benches so heavy, unless a guy just wants to throw money after the aesthetic.

 

[WestKentucky]

I just can’t trust butcher block to hold the stresses of a press. I want a 1 piece top or at least a substantial frame that the press attaches to. My new bench is doubled 3/4 ply glued and screwed on top of a small and very rigid 2x4 frame with vertical legs. The press mounts with bolts through the 2x4 frame.

 

[EricBu]

Well, you don't really need anything as thick and heavy as butcher block. Any 1 inch to 1.5 inch press or particle board will do fine...I put 2 coats of epoxy on them and they seem to last forever. I've had several progressives mounted on these for years and years, churning out thousands of rounds a month. 2nd, I don't think you'll have a lot of wiggle room between those cabinets for the press location, you'd probably want to use a mount, like a dillon strong mount or inline fabrication mount for whatever type of press you use. And finally, regardless of the table top itself you want to use (butcher block or whatever).....I think those cabinets will be a little too shakey and "rattely" for any serious work, like using a single stage to form form brass, especially when you pull up on the ram. Instead (I'm assuming part of your plan is working around space issues) use those rolling cabinets as extra counter space (always a premium), and either build, or buy a smaller bench and mount it to the floor and wall. This from a guy who loaded the entire time he was in the military on a rolling school desk that hid in the closet. If you have to, you have to, but loading on anything with casters or built like those, the flex and movement get old after a while. Really, the test is......will it stay solid when you are on the up stroke when seating a primer, or when you're necking down brass.

 

[RKRCPA]

I used butcher block when I built my new reloading room. It is more than sturdy enough and I like how it looks.





I'm still in the process of getting everything installed, I want to be sure before I mount things permanently. And after tax season is behind me I'll worry about finishing the trim work but for now it is functional.

 

[JCSC]

I picked up a large oak dresser and mounted a 3/4” piece of marine starboard / PTFE where the press goes.
Not issues with sturdy and I have 9 drawers to hole brass, leads, etc.

 

[Rule3]

Hey all,

I'm looking to make a new reloading bench and thought about putting an 8' long 1.5" thick butcher block top across two of these, one at each end. The butcher block top would be replacing the top that comes with the cabinets. ]

I would think they would be more than enough. My only thing is I would not replace the tops they come with (part of the structural support) Just put your top on top of the existing ones.

 

[Blue68f100]

Have you determined the height you need for your application. I'm assuming you will be setting down while loading. Having the press at the correct ergo height will make it more comfortable on long runs. The butcher block top are nice but like said an over kill, not necessarily needed. What is important is the that the top/bench must be solid if your going to run a AP. This some times require it to be anchored to the wall and/or floor. The cabinets have adj feet which are nice to get every thing level, so anchoring may not be needed.