Reloading Bench Ideas

[kolob10]

I started with a small desk, added a few shelves above and it lasted for several years. Now I have a small room with a bench 8 foot long and three tiers of shelving above and two tiers below. Bench is made our of a preformed kitched counter top supported by 4x4 legs & framework of 2x4's. I shutter to think how many die sets, scales, powder, bullets, & accessories I have invested in over the years. I have four presses - a Dillon 650, Dillon 550, a RCBS Rockchucker, and a Lee hand press. It can get addicting but enjoyable. Good shooting!

 

[flashhole]

This is mine. It is free-standing and the worktop measures 2'x4'. The uprights are fake wood deck posts (Lowes).

 

[jake556]

Here is how I made mine customize whichever size you want heavy, and super sturdy bolted back 2X6 to wall studs I think I spent $50 total.

http://www.shotgunsportsmagazine.com/downloads/bench_plans.pdf

 

[James2]

Here is an idea for an easy to build bench. The skirts are the same plywood as the top. I used 4x4 legs because I had some. You could use 2x4. The press location is reinforced with a piece of 2x6. It is all put together with grabber screws. This particular bench is 8 feet long and 2 feet wide.

 

[Olympus]

Those are some really good ideas.

Another thing I thought about what how sturdy are some of these benches going to be on carpet? My "man room" is in a finished basement and there is regular indoor carpet in the room. I'm curious to know if anyone else has their bench on a carpet floor and if there is any wobble.

 

[flashhole]

On post #27 you will see my bench is on an area rug. The rug acts like a self-leveling adjustment tool and keeps the bench rock solid.

 

[jake556]

Mine is on carpet keeps my feet warm!

 

[JohnMcD348]

When I first started looking I read a few posts here that directed me to this link that I used to build my bench with. I think it cost me about $30-40 in wood and I had extra left over to add to it after the initial build. I used some of the scrap wood to add a locking cabinet under the table to store supplies and such. And, I added a shelf on the back for books and tools and a base for a light. I modified some of the measurements to make the table sit higher, wider and longer but the basic plan is there.
http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/bench/below20xl.html

 

[Lost Sheep]

Has anone suggested this "kit"?

http://www.cabelas.com/gun-smithing...-F5D2-DF11-82EF-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA
or, if the link does not work, paste this into your browser
cabelas.com/gun-smithing-2x4-basics-bench-kit.shtml?type=product&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleBaseUSA&WT.z_mc_id1=739882&rid=40&mr:trackingCode=9C117452-F5D2-DF11-82EF-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA

I found it stumbling around on another forum.

Lost Sheep

 

[CSA 357]

i found some used kitchin cabnets worked like a charm, and very cheap too lots of good storage space underneath i have added more now and have plenty of space for casting, loading, case prep, have over head cabnets with over head lighting

 

[Olympus]

When I first started looking I read a few posts here that directed me to this link that I used to build my bench with. I think it cost me about $30-40 in wood and I had extra left over to add to it after the initial build. I used some of the scrap wood to add a locking cabinet under the table to store supplies and such. And, I added a shelf on the back for books and tools and a base for a light. I modified some of the measurements to make the table sit higher, wider and longer but the basic plan is there.
http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/w...below20xl.html

That looks like a pretty straightforward build. I might give that one a shot.

Lost Sheep - stumbled across that very thing today when I was looking at the Cabela's website too. But $90 before buying the wood and pegboard is a little high. I was thinking about $50 to $75 max. But if it weren't that expensive, I think I'd probably end up getting that kit.

 

[whipper]

Got camera working, here are two picks

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=6951406&postcount=1663

 

[theZ0MBIE]

I looked on craigslist and found a bench that had a 48" laminate kitchen top and 4x4 post for $30. It was braced pretty cheaply with 1x6's and cheap screws. I replaced all boards with 2x6's, lag screws, and a sheet of MDF under the counter top. I now have a solid, heavy bench that cost near nothing.

Will post pictures soon.

 

[Olympus]

Just finished my reloading bench. I used the link that was posted about the hammerzone.com and modified the plans a little bit. I made it 6 foot long which is pretty much all I had room for. I made it 24 inches deep and decided to use the standard bar height of 42 inches tall. It's all 2x4s and I used 3/4" MDF for the top and for the shelf in between the legs. I also ordered a piece of laminate countertop to use for the very top. I had to order it so it's not completely finished, but 99% done. I'm pretty happy with it. As soon as the laminate comes in, I'll be ready to mount the press and get to work!

Thanks for all the suggestions and ideas!

 

[foolsgold80z]

I used the Harbor Freight workbench in my office closet.

 

[Olympus]

I just noticed that on my Loadmaster, the two mounting holes in the rear put the ram of the press almost against the front edge of bench. Is this normal?

 

[Spartan299]

This is what I did, but that's cause I had the resources ta do so.

My old bench was made outta 2x4 and 4x4 lumber with a solid plank top. Heavy as hell and has lasted for 20 years and still goin' strong. Also a great place ta hold up in the event of an earthquake.

2x4 and plywood will serve ya just fine until ya decide you can do something more to your likin'. If ya bolt the legs to the support structure, you can disassemble it much easier if you gotta. Also makes it easier ta git through a door.

 

[10 Spot Terminator]

My vote goes to the walkaround island bench Flashole showed pics of. I am currently getting matierials together to make a 4ft x 4ft top in that style not only for loading but for cleaning and servicing my weapons , in particular my long guns. How much more versatile can you get ? All this time I have had an island kitchen to get on with my cooking habit and never once thought about using the same concept for my shooting needs. Great idea !!! I wont have to have all my accessories spread out down 2 walls of my small shop ....

 

[1SOW]

If you do a search for "work benches" you should find a gazillion versions both homemade or available at stores.. Pick the one closest to your needs and build it yourself to save money. Go to the woodworking links and some plans are free. Others have pictures that leave little to guesswork. Use good screws and bolts to assemble it. This will make it last and allow easy modifications/additions if needed.

Your kitchen countertop is 32" high, your kitchen/dining room table is 30" high. One you sit and the other you can sit on a barstool/taller stool or stand. Take your pick.

 

[flashhole]

"I just noticed that on my Loadmaster, the two mounting holes in the rear put the ram of the press almost against the front edge of bench. Is this normal?"

Yes, it is that way for most presses whose ram extends below the work surface. Hold it in place and exercise the ram before bolting it down to ensure it does not hit anything that would obstruct its movement.

 

[jeepmor]

Quote:
...something sturdy, but as inexpensive as possible.
2x4 lumber, a sheet of plywood, and deck screws.
Nothing will be cheaper. Nothing will be more sturdy.

Use glue and fasten it to the wall studs with 3" screws too. Quite solid.

A couple dbl wide kitchen cabinet uppers with adjustable shelves will serve you well.

 

[STW]

2x4 Basics workbench can be purchased from Lowes or Cabelas. It provides legs and you provide 2x4s and top/shelves. You can go as big or small as you want. I made it easy on myself by choosing 4 feet llng and two feet wide. (3 8-foot 2x4 cut in half for the length and 2 more cut in quarters for the width). A few cuts on a 4'x8' piece of particle board took care of bottom and middle shelves and the top. I spent less than $100 total.
My loaded ammo fits on the bottom shelf and my components take up the middle shelf.

 

[Clark]

I got a printer table that was made of steel and 1.25" particle board.
It was free and very stiff.

I just started adding scrap pieces of wood, with some rusty lag bolts I found for free.

I started adding presses and more scrap lumber.
It is now 3.5" thick on top, 5" thick on the ends.

I have no money invested, but some time.

 

[chasw44]

I designed my own bench, customized to my ergonomics and the space I had to work with. I started with the principle that is should be very sturdy. That has payed off over and over again. The stresses you put on the bench when sizing or reforming brass, for example, are substantial and will bend the top to some degree.

Less bending is better. Accordingly, I used 6X6 cedar beams for the vertical pieces and 2X6 pine planks for the top, reinforced underneath with 2X4s. Everything is held together with carriage bolts, not nails. The height of the working surface was set so my forearms can rest comfortably on the work surface when standing. The whole thing is anchored against the wall in a corner of my basement.

The top is approx 5 feet wide by 2 feet deep. I have a large vise permanently bolted to the outer corner, with a LocknLoad powder measure stand next to that and an RCBS Rockchucker next to that. At the opposite end, I have a Lyman case trimmer permanently mounted. In between these fixtures, I have perhaps 2-1/2 feet of open space with some holes drilled for other devices which are used less frequently, e.g., cast bullet sizers and a Lee Loadall (shotshells).

I suppose you could buy a ready made bench kit, or buy someone else's design, but it seems more appropriate, if you have rudimentary carpentry skills and tools, to make your own, custom fit for you and the dimensions of your basement/garage/back porch. - CW

 

[jeepmor]

Use screws instead of nails too. Sheetrock or deck screws work great.