Any sugestions on a good reloading bench?

Originally Posted By: The VirginianOriginally Posted By: ScalloperWhat do you experts think about this to start out?
http://www.harborfreight.com/60-inch-sol...A&hftref=cj

My cousin bought that exact wood working bench. If you go that route, google 20% off coupon for them and you'll be able to save some money.

My thoughts are that my cousin lived in an apartment and this bench fit the bill just fine. But while you are operating your press, the bench will tip a bit because it's rather small and not much girth to it. It will do in a pinch but I wouldn't say it was a long term solution.

Good luck,

Eric
Thanks
 
Originally Posted By: The VirginianOriginally Posted By: ScalloperWhat do you experts think about this to start out?
http://www.harborfreight.com/60-inch-sol...A&hftref=cj

My cousin bought that exact wood working bench. If you go that route, google 20% off coupon for them and you'll be able to save some money.

My thoughts are that my cousin lived in an apartment and this bench fit the bill just fine. But while you are operating your press, the bench will tip a bit because it's rather small and not much girth to it. It will do in a pinch but I wouldn't say it was a long term solution.

Good luck,

Eric
I called Harbor Freight to ask about store locations or deals on the shipping. They use a company in New Deli India for their customer service. I spoke to two different people but could not understand them. I guess I will hire a local carpenter to build me a US made bench.
 
Originally Posted By: ScalloperOriginally Posted By: The VirginianOriginally Posted By: ScalloperWhat do you experts think about this to start out?
http://www.harborfreight.com/60-inch-sol...A&hftref=cj

My cousin bought that exact wood working bench. If you go that route, google 20% off coupon for them and you'll be able to save some money.

My thoughts are that my cousin lived in an apartment and this bench fit the bill just fine. But while you are operating your press, the bench will tip a bit because it's rather small and not much girth to it. It will do in a pinch but I wouldn't say it was a long term solution.

Good luck,

Eric
I called Harbor Freight to ask about store locations or deals on the shipping. They use a company in New Deli India for their customer service. I spoke to two different people but could not understand them. I guess I will hire a local carpenter to build me a US made bench.

Good for you partner. Them CS people from India usually can't tell me anything more than I already know, and the entire time I spent on the phone is usually wasted. Harbor freight's stuff sucks anyway.
 

I went to Home Depot and had them cut a piece of 3/4 finished plywood in half. Bought a cart of 2x4's. Got out my chop saw and nail gun. Framed the ends and center. Made a solid top of of 2x4 then plywood on top of that. Put the shelf in place then more nail gun. I think my cost was $85.
 
Here's a cabinet from a friend of mine that he designed so that his wife would let him have it in his family room. He liked it so much that he is selling the plans for it now in Handloader Magazine. Not only do I like the look, but check out the system for storing the presses.

Lowercabinet.jpg


Uppercabinet.jpg
 
Go cheap. Stop at a Goodwill or any second hand store ,I see tons of used solid oak tables every time I go. Of course then you can't brag to the shooting buddies about spending $250 for a bench....
 
Originally Posted By: 2milehighguyGo cheap. Stop at a Goodwill or any second hand store ,I see tons of used solid oak tables every time I go. Of course then you can't brag to the shooting buddies about spending $250 for a bench....
That would work fine if I could find a oak desk or somthing simmular. I live so far in the sticks we dont have trees,LOL. I think Bangor has a good will,thats 2+ hrs away. Maybe I will give them a call. The wife had a cheep desk made from "beaver puke" partical board,but as you might know it was not worth the bother. I gave my plans to a carpenter buddie of mine but it looks like it got put on the back burner.
 
I wouldn't use nails. I would use long drywall screws with a pilot hole or else your lumber will split on you. On the front side of the bench I would put the 2X4's on the back side of the 4X4's so you can mount your vice and whatnot and not have to worry about clamping or bolting things down. You may have to add a spacer behind the 4X4's to get the correct depth for mounting your press. I drew mine out first on paper with measuremants of press mounting depth and went to town. Mine turned out perfect.

Tony
 
Watch yard sales, surplus places, office equipment surplus places, classifieds and craigslist for old heavy metal desks - a little low to stand at, but a solid basis to start with if you want to save $$. Solid core doors from destruction projects are a good start too. Screwing to the wall and/or floor if you can makes 'em solider....is that a word....did I say that??? Custom building will give you what you want. Lots o' drawers and shelves are the order of the day.
 
Originally Posted By: ScalloperI will be building or buying a new bench for reloading any sugestions or pictures of what some might consider a good or great bench?

An old metal heavy office desk works well with 2 pcs of 3/4" plywood glued and bolted to the top, you sometimes can find them at goodwill for under $30.
the drawers are very handy, and these older ones are very sturdy.....not the best but good and cheap.
 


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