Reloading bench question

[Wedge]

I have a large executive style desk that is made out of particle board. The type of desk that you put together yourself with a screwdriver and it weighs over 100 lbs. I plan to use it as my reloading bench since it is very solid. My question regards mounting the press, a Lee Challenger. Should I buy some plywood to reinforce the area where I will be mounting the press or should the particle board top be strong enough?

Thanks!

editted to add: I will post pictures of the setup after Christmas!

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Yes, definitely reinforce the area where you are mounting the press. In fact, if possible, reinforce both surfaces (above and below.) Thick plywood would be good, a piece of 1/4" steel (both sides) would be better.

You have two problems, leverage and compression. Putting a plywood or steel reinforcement on top of the desk will spread the forces exerted by leverage when you are using the press. Putting reinforcement on the bottom will also minimize compression (it will act like a big washer.)

 

[Wedge]

Thanks Vern,

I don't know if I can do steel but I will reinforce the press area with plywood top and bottom. How much would steel cost?

Thanks again!

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Look in your Yellow Pages for "Welding" or "Machine Shop" or "metals." You'll probably find some one who can supply you with a couple of steel plates -- and perhaps even drill them for you.

 

[Wedge]

Thanks, I will ask around.

 

[Black Snowman]

Also if you can find a scrap yard or spend a preimum for it at someplace like home depot you can get angle iron. You can run it from the front to the back of the desk on the bottom to spread the torque out. A 2x4 would do the job too but will flex more.

 

[dmftoy1]

I'm not sure where you're located but here in Illinois a 1/4 plate that's 1 foot square is about $16 at Farm and Fleet. I'd bet you could get one alot cheaper at a salvage yard or distributor.

If you're near central Illinois bring it over and I'll cut it with my plasma cutter for you!

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[Wedge]

I am in NY, but that sounds pretty reasonably priced. I am going to call around today.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

In addition to reinforcing the top, use a 2x4 or 2x6 as a leg to reinforce for the downward force. Attach it well to the top reinforcement so it will survive upward force as well. By itself, particle board won't survive full-length sizing more than a few hundred cases.

Regards.

 

[Wedge]

I think I may be going with plywood reinforcement. I called around and steel is a little more expensive than I wanted to go...I will check with some of the guys that do machining and see if they have any scrap pieces around...

Thanks for the tip on adding an extra leg. I will do that.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

A desk, properly reinforced, is a great reloading bench. My bench is an old GI-surplus dresser, picked up at Property Disposal when they were renovating quarters at Fort Benning. The combination of a fairly large work surface and lots of drawers can't be beat.