Any sugestions on a good reloading bench?
- Thread starter Scalloper
- Start date
Originally Posted By: DarkkerREALLY depends on what you want.
I have used everything from a "tool" bench from Harbor Freight, to a section of kitchen cabinets from a remodel.
A buddy just built one from 4X4's and particle board.
Thats why I was asking I am not quite sure so I thought I would ask some of you that have many years experance using them. I am very lucky to have a neghbor (Jay) thats 80 yo that has been very active in reloading longer then I have been alive
so I have had someone to coach me along,but now I am lacking a good bench. He (Jay) gave me a book today "The shooters Workbench" by John Mosher. Its got some great examples of some very rugged benches as well as other gunsmithing/reloading related accessories.
I think I am leaning toward somthing I can take apart in some peices so I could move it when I get a small shop built. I guess one of my concerns is how big can I get away with just to get me started? My temp set up for the last three years has been temperaly bolting the press and powder charger to my small bench in my tool shed but it requires me to move it every so often.
I have used everything from a "tool" bench from Harbor Freight, to a section of kitchen cabinets from a remodel.
A buddy just built one from 4X4's and particle board.
Thats why I was asking I am not quite sure so I thought I would ask some of you that have many years experance using them. I am very lucky to have a neghbor (Jay) thats 80 yo that has been very active in reloading longer then I have been alive
I think I am leaning toward somthing I can take apart in some peices so I could move it when I get a small shop built. I guess one of my concerns is how big can I get away with just to get me started? My temp set up for the last three years has been temperaly bolting the press and powder charger to my small bench in my tool shed but it requires me to move it every so often.
chefpierre
New member
An old kitchen table.
PABob
New member
Originally Posted By: chefpierreAn old kitchen table.
That's what I started with then, over the years, built a bench out of 4x4 legs, 2x4's for the frame and 2x12 planks for the top. I like the depth of it because I built some shelves to go on it and i still have pleanty of room on top.
If you wanted to be able to move it, you can bolt it all together. I did that with a work bench and when I moved, I unbolted the top from the frame to move it. It went back together easy too.
That's what I started with then, over the years, built a bench out of 4x4 legs, 2x4's for the frame and 2x12 planks for the top. I like the depth of it because I built some shelves to go on it and i still have pleanty of room on top.
If you wanted to be able to move it, you can bolt it all together. I did that with a work bench and when I moved, I unbolted the top from the frame to move it. It went back together easy too.
Originally Posted By: 5spdI have built all mine using 4x4s for legs, 2x4s for framing and 24" deep by 6-8 feet long for my stuff. Top is 2 sheets of plywood so its 1.5" thick, about 8" from the bottom I have a shelf...very sturdy.
Pretty much describes my two benches. Too much stuff!
Pretty much describes my two benches. Too much stuff!
What about one of these?
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/692631/...gboard-backwall
I was going to buy it but the $80 for shipping
killed the deal
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/692631/...gboard-backwall
I was going to buy it but the $80 for shipping
The Virginian
New member
Roll your own! Money can't buy the pride of doing it yourself.
http://www.predatormastersforums.com/for...950#Post1632950
http://www.predatormastersforums.com/for...950#Post1632950
Dogslayer24
New member
Originally Posted By: The VirginianRoll your own! Money can't buy the pride of doing it yourself.
http://www.predatormastersforums.com/for...950#Post1632950
That's a nice bench.
I built this one except I used oak plywood and fastened a back on it using another piece of oak plywood where I made shelves and mounted flourescent lighting. It's alot more sturdier than my old piece of junk bench.
http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/bench/below20xl.html
http://www.predatormastersforums.com/for...950#Post1632950
That's a nice bench.
I built this one except I used oak plywood and fastened a back on it using another piece of oak plywood where I made shelves and mounted flourescent lighting. It's alot more sturdier than my old piece of junk bench.
http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/bench/below20xl.html
RTLOF18918B
New member
Originally Posted By: 5spdI have built all mine using 4x4s for legs, 2x4s for framing and 24" deep by 6-8 feet long for my stuff. Top is 2 sheets of plywood so its 1.5" thick, about 8" from the bottom I have a shelf...very sturdy.
+1. Mine is almost identical. Very sturdy. I also built a cleaning bench, only a little smaller. Less than 100$ tied up in both when I was done. That was three years ago. May be a little more now.
Draw it out on a piece of paper for exactly what you want before you build it. Mine turned out perfect. I put 2 shelve in my bench. 1 at the bottom and 1 half way up, and left the other side wide open for the taller stuff like shotgun presses and whatnot.
Tony
+1. Mine is almost identical. Very sturdy. I also built a cleaning bench, only a little smaller. Less than 100$ tied up in both when I was done. That was three years ago. May be a little more now.
Draw it out on a piece of paper for exactly what you want before you build it. Mine turned out perfect. I put 2 shelve in my bench. 1 at the bottom and 1 half way up, and left the other side wide open for the taller stuff like shotgun presses and whatnot.
Tony
Originally Posted By: The VirginianRoll your own! Money can't buy the pride of doing it yourself.
http://www.predatormastersforums.com/for...950#Post1632950
This seems to be a very nice bench. I took some measurments at my cottage where I plan on putting the bench and its going to be tight. I would like to shorten it by 1'.
http://www.predatormastersforums.com/for...950#Post1632950
This seems to be a very nice bench. I took some measurments at my cottage where I plan on putting the bench and its going to be tight. I would like to shorten it by 1'.
What do you experts think about this to start out?
http://www.harborfreight.com/60-inch-sol...A&hftref=cj
http://www.harborfreight.com/60-inch-sol...A&hftref=cj
Dixiedog1
Active member
For my Hornady progressive I used a Lowe's stainless work bench...I keep ammo cans stored on the bottom shelf so it's extremely heavy and can't move. I also put a 2" thick top underneath the 3/4" top that comes with it so it has no flex. It's an awesome reloading bench now.
Originally Posted By: TURBO6046For my Hornady progressive I used a Lowe's stainless work bench...I keep ammo cans stored on the bottom shelf so it's extremely heavy and can't move. I also put a 2" thick top underneath the 3/4" top that comes with it so it has no flex. It's an awesome reloading bench now.
Thanks I will check them out.
Thanks I will check them out.
dan brothers
New member
Man O Man.... there is a ton of ideas in those links
The Virginian
New member
Originally 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
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