Originally Posted By: midwestpredator im going to be setting up a new reloading room (in my freshly self-finished basement
) and I had planned on using steel triangle brackets mounted to the wall and a stainless steel top for the bench.
I myself have never had a problem with static but after redeading the other thread about static buildup Im wondering if I could end up with problems or if id be better off with a wood or other top??
thanks in advance!!
Something about a metal bench makes me question, no particular reason. I personally am typing from a desk that is nothing but a butcher block top 30'' deep x 5' wide x 1.5'' thick and is on 3 triangle shelf brackets rated for 1500 lbs, lagged to the studs using those super expensive ledger board deck screws that are rated to 300lbs+ each. Well, I can push the lead edge down with one hand and notice the deflection. Strong is one thing, rigid is another. You want Rigid more than Strength in a reloading bench. Every time that press makes a stroke, a strong bench can wiggle when a rigid bench won't.
That said, I don't know your design, your brackets, or anything else, so you may very well have the above issue sorted.
My route was this: Went to Grizzly.com and ordered a maple butcher block "counter" top that was 10' long, 30'' wide and 1.5'' thick (sounds a lot like my desk I know...). Then I used 4"x4" posts as legs, and pocket screwed 2"x4"s underneath the top for framework and a shelf under that for both storage and bracing. Its heavy, which is one way to eliminate the wiggle effect. I am also finishing my reloading room right now, but here are some pictures. I've been very happy with this setup, and depending where you get your Stainless, this may be in the same ballpark pricewise. My bench was never even lagged to the wall, however it will be once the new room is done. (I tend to overdo things a bit, this bench is fine without, but its one of my things.)
The Bench:
The new digs in process: