Reloading bench cover

[mcmurry]

So I've got my reloading bench put together, mostly out of scrap wood. But for the top/work area, I have 2 choices out of what's on hand. Either half inch particle board (not OSB or MDF), and a sheet of what we used to call fiber board, which some people used in bathrooms. Has a somewhat waterproof side, but is only about 1/8 inch thick. I'm trying for a smooth surface. I don't have any plywood, and would be hard pressed to afford it on my limited income.
Thanks
Richard.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Instead of fiberboard use, 1/4 underlayment. It is more durable. You can out a coat of poly on for a slick stain resistant surface.

 

[mdi]

What is your "scrap wood" bench top now? You can just sand and give the top a clear coat of poly or the like. I wanted a neutral color so I just sanded my plywood benchtop and painted it with garage floor, battleship gray paint. Works well, is smooth, can spot small items (screws, primers, etc.) and is easy to clean up.

 

[thomas15]

If that is all you have why not stack both together and screw/glue to make as strong as possible?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO neither. I know you are trying to save money like we all do but IMO you should buy a sheet of 3/4" plywood for the top of the bench and have the solid top you need. You don't need to buy the top grade plywood, just something solid. A well made bench deserves a solid top.

If funds are too tight I understand and the above suggestion to possibly use both is probably a good idea.

 

[someguy2800]

1/2 particle board sounds perfectly sufficient to me. I would seal the top with some polyurethane or paint. Whatever you have on hand. Make sure there is something really solid undernieth for the press to bolt to like a 2x8 running front to back.

 

[Schwing]

I know this sounds crazy, but I finished mine with laminate wood flooring. It looks great and you can replace them if you move your press and mount it somewhere else.

 

[Sunray]

Good one side plywood doesn't require any paint or plastic. Wouldn't trust particle board myself. And a half inch is kind of thin, but you could bolt the 1/8" on top and reinforce underneath with 2 x 4's. Like a barn door. I'd be thinking the 'Full X'.
https://rusticahardware.com/barn-doors/
"...on my limited income..." Try looking in a Habitat For Humanity Restore(or the like) for a solid wood exterior door or other table/work bench top. You might find a steel door. A regular hand drill will work just fine on steel. Have a 1/4" plate on my OSB top(that broke on the very first use of the press. It was a $30Cdn. work bench.)

 

[Jonesy814]

I would glue & screw your particle board a fiber board together for the top otherwise you will get too much flex when running your press. Depending on other bracing and construction you might have too much flex even then. I have 25 years experience as a cabinet maker and that is my expert opinion

 

[someguy2800]

For press mounting just run a 2x8 front to back underneath the top and bolt the press through this 2x8. That way the top is just a work surface and is not handling any load from the press.

 

[homatok]

Get some 2x4. These can be scrap from a building site (length is not important). Might be free for the asking. Trim the edges (on one side) on a table saw to get a nice crisp, square edge. Next, trim the other edges on all of the 2x4 sufficient to make them all the same width. You can then glue the pieces together (either flat or edge up) to get the thickness/width of bench top you want. You can then sand and top off the bench using the "hard board" you described to get a really smooth top. Tack it on and it can be changed when it starts to deteriorate.

 

[mcmurry]

Ok, sorry guys. I currently have a 2x12, 2x10 and a 2x4. Will take quite a bit of sanding as the first 2 are cupped, and they don't quite fit seamlessly, and I don't have a planer. Nearest H-f-H Restore store is a good 2 hours away. Home Depot has 1/2 C/D plywood for about $40, which would push my resources.
Thanks y'all.

 

[Bronx kid]

I do not think that what you have is going to be sturdy enough. What would help with your limited funds is to try and find some wooden pallets. You could use the 2x4's to stengthen the under side of the 2 pieces you have by putting them on edge. You would probably want 2 of those board directly under you press to bolt into.

Hope this helps.

 

[FROGO207]

Putting those on top of a curves or wavy sub top will eventually allow the top to bend and curve as well. The thinner it is the worse it will get sooner. You need to git rid of the cupping or put on something substantial like the 3/4 inch plywood. Is your bench small enough that a half sheet would work? they will sometimes sell half sheets of plywood at those stores or get a sheet of the cheaper 1/2 inch fir or southern yellow pine and glue two strips together the top one being the seamless one and the under it pieced together and screw the whole thing to your sub top. Also you could inquire about a distressed or damaged sheet of plywood or such as they are usually sold for half price and they may have just the sized piece you can use. Don't forget to take your tape measure and dimensions on a piece of paper.

 

[someguy2800]

Guys as long as there is a solid board under the top for the press to bolt too the top is just a place to set stuff on and could be made of literally anything. It could be a sheet of cardboard and make no difference. Just use what you got and save your money for something important.

 

[daboone]

Masonite is inexpensive and provide excellent durable smooth surface.

 

[Cbob]

Used/discarded solid core (exterior) wooden slab doors work too.

 

[Charlie1022]

I got lucky years ago and got a couple heavy crates from work made out of 2x10's that I put a 5/4" thick sheet of high density particle board on top of that my father in law gave me. I glued and screwed the two together and set them on top of a 2x4 base. I anchored the base to the floor and the wall in my basement. I have 4 presses bolted and it just does not move. When I finished of my reloading room in the basement I added the same vinyl floor covering to the top of the benches and I think it turned out really good. Make sure you get it thick and sturdy and secure it so it does not move and you are ready to get reloading. I have a couple of the 4 foot LED lights mount overhead and really recommend them.

 

[Big Wes]

I covered my bench with Formica easy to to clean and easy to install, cut and glue.