Using a dresser as a reloading bench

[SquirrelNuts]

I have an old dresser in my office that I am considering using as a reloading bench. It is almost eight feet long with plenty of storage space inside it for my reloading gear. I would also make use of the length for cleaning rifles. I am using an RCBS Rock Chucker, and I am purchasing the accessory base plate from Midway to make it easy to mount. My concern is this - am I going to regret mounting it to a dresser because I won't be able to get my knees under the work surface like I would on a table? Would I be better off with a setup that I can sit at where my knees are under the work surface so I am closer to the press?

Additional note: don't worry about me messing up a perfectly good dresser. It used to belong to my ex-wife, and she hated my guns, so I figured it would make for a great bench.

 

[broham]

My bench is open under the top so I can put my legs under it if I want but rarely do. The thing about a dresser is that once the press is mounted you won't be able to open the drawer that the press hangs in front of. You might be able to mount it on a Dillon strong mount so the whole press would mount on the top. You could always build one for pretty cheap custom tailored to you liking.

 

[SquirrelNuts]

I would lose one small drawer from doing this.

Will the Dillon strong mount accept other brand presses?

 

[lgbloader]

I saw a Redding T7 on a Dillon strong mount today at the Stockade in Westminster CA.
I think I have even seen a Co-ax on a DSM as well.

LGB

 

[Sunray]

"...I would lose one small drawer from doing this..." At least. It's not your knees, it's the swing of the ram/handle. And maybe the height. Solid wood top? Particle board/OSB breaks easily. I doubt it'd be a big deal to modify as needed though.
I find standing while loading is easier. Used a stool, briefly, but found standing was easier.

 

[paperpuncher49]

When I first started reloading in the early 70s, I was strapped for space in a small space. I used an old dresser for a bench. I mounted a 2 X 6 along the front edge and permanently mounted the press on the right hand side. On the left hand side, I installed T-nuts, and then mounted each accessory (powder measure stand, case trimmer, etc. to a small board drilled to line up with T-nuts. In that way, I could mount the accessory I needed at the moment with a couple of bolts and a bolt driver I purchased at Sears. The drawers served as storage bins, and I made a small double shelf and mounted it on the top of the dresser for storage of dies and bullets. I am still using that set-up all these years later. It works and does not take up a lot of space, and I can still open the top drawer if I raise the ram/lower the handle on the press. And I don't like sitting when I am using a press. I have added a small folding table with another 2 X 6 with 3 sets of T-nuts which can be clamped to the table top if I feel a need to sit while charge cases, teach others how to reload, etc. However, I seldomly use the table. I think you will be fine using a dresser, and will find all the drawers provide lots of storage space.

 

[pmeisel]

My bench has no knee room. I usually stand and occasionally use a tall stool. 20 years, no regrets.

 

[edSky]

I'm the opposite. Mine has room but I prefer to stand. I feel more comfortable with the range of motion when I'm standing using my Rock Chucker.

"Creative Mounting" is something to consider when using non-traditional workspaces. Consider getting a 2x4 or something thicker, drilling bolt holes and counter-sinking them for the heads. Then insert the bolts (and a washer) from the bottom and then place the nuts (with washers and lock-washers) on the top. Getting proper length bolts. so they don't protrude too far helps.

Then you can use C-clamps to clamp your 2x4 to the top of the bureau. You might want a smaller strip on the inside to cushion the crushing force of the clamps.

I jut did something similar but different to make a raised and removable case trimmer. I cut a piece of 1x to support my case trimmer. Drilled 3/16" holes through the wood and through the desktop where I want the trimmer. I counter-sank the support block to hide nuts used to lock the mounting bolts to the trimmer. This allows me to place the block on the desktop, slide the trimmer with "permanent" bolts through both the block and the desktop, and fasten with wing nuts. When I need the space for other work it's just a matter of undoing the three wing nuts.

No matter what you do, you can't go wrong. Reloading is about manufacturing and solving some simple problems in workspace/factory design. Most of all, be safe and have fun!

 

[THe Dove]

I use a rock chucker on an old dresser. As earlier posted, I can't open the top drawer when the press is mounted. See attached photo.



The Dove

 

[dagger dog]

Squirrel,

Glue and screw a 3/4" peice of plywood on top of your dresser, leave 4" hang over one end. use a
4X4 block the width of the dresser under the 4" plywood over hang, drill through the 4"over hang 3/4" plywood and the 4X4, to mount your press.

With the press mounted to the end of the dresser this way, you can really put some pressure on the press handle and still not lift the other end of the dresser. You don't have to bolt it to the wall, I put some of those mover slides on the legs of the chest that way you can move it by pushing it across the floor. Also you can pull up a chair to the end and use the press sitting down.

This pic shows what I did with a small chest of drawers, it doesn't extend 4" but if I did it again I woud use a 4X4.

 

[Six]

I'm using an old piece of furniture that's served as bench, vanity, kitchen island and now reloading bench.

I've got enough clearance to open the drawer underneath, and when depriming it comes in extremely handy to leave the drawer open to catch the ones that get away.

 

[Speedo66]

I bolted my press to a good sized piece of 2x12 and just clamp it with a huge C-clamp to where ever I want to work.

Works for work bench, kitchen table, whatever.

Very portable and sets up (and removes) in seconds.

 

[Jacka L Ope]

Hehe. When I first started loading in '86, I didn't have a bench either. Drilled four holes into the dining room table, mounted my trusty Dillon RL550 and reloading sessions were good to go. Dismounted and with table cloth in place, you'd never know.