What to use for top of a reloading bench

[LeonCarr]

I usually put Thompson's Water Seal in a sprayer and spray the whole bench down, let it dry, and then mount the presses and stuff.

Hasn't rotted yet in 19 years of loading.

Just my.02,
LeonCarr

 

[floydster]

My bench top is 10 feet long 2" thick Zebra wood imported from Tibet, very nice closed grain finish.
Floydster

 

[jjohnson]

Counter Top From Builder's Supply

I got lucky and found a huge formica covered countertop from an outfit that does custom orders. Ponder this a second... every now and then they cut one wrong or somebody backs out of an order. I have an 8' x 3' slab that weighs easily 180 pounds that was made to be a bar counter.

And I got it for 20 bucks. Check people who do custom kitchens, ask 'em about their scrap pile....

 

[TooTaxed]

I used a a 2 x 4 frame with a single sheet of 3/4" plywood as a work surface screwed to the frame, no paint or finish...it has worked fine. Heigth should allow you to sit on a bar stool for mundane tasks. After mounting your tools, a piece of trim with a raised edge will keep components from rolling off the table.

You should measure the distance from the edge for the reloading press mounting bolts, and either butt the press against the lengthwise 2 x 4 or glue a filler piece between to form the same result. You can mount the tool directly through the top into the 2 x 4 if you use lag screws...if you want to use bolts you must consider clearance for the washers and nuts.

 

[benzuncle]

Just wondering what would be best to use for the top of the bench. What kind of wood? Something I can get at Home Depot would be good since i've got gift cards for there.

I "skinned out" my doubled ¾in plywood top with ¼in tempered masonite. It's slick, smooth, lays flat and wipes off easily. When the time comes that it needs to be replaced, I'll do just that; replace it.

 

[fireman 9731]

I used untreated 2x12 pine and then just gave it a few coats of stain and polyurethane. it looks nice and is nice and stout for mounting the press.