Spring1898
Member
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2010
- Messages
- 35
I wanted to see how cheap I could build a lightweight portable or storable, cheap reloading bench with off the shelf components and no fabrication or carpentry.
Harbor Freight Folding Clamping Workbench $18 with 20% Coupon
4" Clamp $4
$5 for spring Clamps
Free Scrap wood from Hardware store
~ $27
Support on the R-Side helps to keep the surface from flexing as much. It is cut from one of the shims separating pallets of plywood at the hardware store.
There is a piece of hardboard underneath for the bottom of the C clamp. The clamp was placed next to the front board to keep the pressure the closest. If you have a piece of 2x4 it would work also, but you might need a wider clamp (5").
Scrap masonite board for a work surface held on with some spring clamps. Those are heavier than what would be needed but I already had them on hand.
More scrap masonite under the press and the bottom of the top plate so as not to mar or crush the top.
Nothing is permanently modified.
Collapses (mostly) for space saving.
Additional Notes:
You could replace the whole top with 3/4" ply or hard wood, and it would be sturdier and heavier. But I wanted to preserve the original function of the adjustable top and the light weight.
Will not hold up to heavy use (obviously). Not going to be reloading 50BMG on this one.
The top does flex even with the support so case lube and taking it easy is a must.
The Lyman Brassmith press holes already lined up with the holes in the top, minus the one at the back which is secured by another C Clamp. Wing nuts provided all the force needed to secure the press, so no tools required to mount the press. Would probably prefer some sort of aluminum press for weight like an RCBS partner, but this is what I had.
