I just bought a Lee 50th Anniversary Reloading Kit. I have a sturdy folding table that I use for cleaning guns, but I don't really want to drill into the top of it. Would I be able to secure the press to a 3/4" piece of plywood and clamp the plywood to the table or is there too much torque for this?
Reloading Bench
- Thread starter MattE93
- Start date
Munkey1973
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Regina, SK
Probably doable if the table has a wide enough stance and put some counter weight on the opposite side of the edge you'll have the press on.
If you using a typical folding plastic table, then after a while you'll probably/eventually get a annoyed by the shaking and rattling.
Before I built my own custom corner workbench (and anchored it to the concrete basement wall), I used to use a sh#tty, old, wooden desk that I found on Varage Sale for about $60... weighed about 120 pounds and did the job decently before I built my proper reloading room.
If you using a typical folding plastic table, then after a while you'll probably/eventually get a annoyed by the shaking and rattling.
Before I built my own custom corner workbench (and anchored it to the concrete basement wall), I used to use a sh#tty, old, wooden desk that I found on Varage Sale for about $60... weighed about 120 pounds and did the job decently before I built my proper reloading room.
Portable reloading box
https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/portable-reloading-box.224050/page-2
- Location
- Kitscoty Alberta
Well that a very well built , excellent set up for some one who needs a portable set up.
nowarningshot
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Mine uses 5/16 t track. Built in the corner, about 5' on one side 7' the other x 2' deep, with two 4' t tracks.
Munkey1973
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Regina, SK
errr . yeah. Sorry, I don't want to come off as negative, but I think that would be an exercise in frustration. You could get away with using a bench that is only 3 feet for reloading, but a 40 pound table -and I'm assuming its not anchored to the floor -would be just way too light. Resizing cases would shake the hell out of everything.
Like I recommended before, get the heaviest, widest desk (wooden or metal) you could find used for as cheap as possible (assuming you have the room).
Alternatively if space is an issue but you have a spare bedroom or home office, you could screw 2X4s to the perimeter of a closet. Screwing through the drywall an into the studs (of course).. you could put space additional 2x4s across the closet for extra rigidity but should be solid enough without them. Then simply screw 3/4 inch MDF to the top of the 2x4s …. I don't have pictures, but I did this in my old 2 bedroom condo. Worked brilliantly and was not expensive to build! I had a big Hornady Lock n' Load Progressive Press and it was secure enough.
It was something kinda like this
https://www.ar15.com/forums/armory/...Now-with-100-more-Pictures-/42-262015/&page=4
C-clamps are totally strong enough, but I doubt there's a portable table that's heavy and sturdy enough not to move like crazy during reloading. By definition, if it's portable it's too light for reloading. Even worse if it's mounted on wheels.
My reloading bench is only 18'' wide, but it's L-shaped, so there's no play unless the whole thing bends. My presses are all on 2x8 that are 18'' long, and I can use C-clamps to install or move them around at will.
My reloading bench is only 18'' wide, but it's L-shaped, so there's no play unless the whole thing bends. My presses are all on 2x8 that are 18'' long, and I can use C-clamps to install or move them around at will.
What you're planning to reload might make a difference as well. Comparing 38 Special vs 300 Remington Ultra Mag, there is a tremendous difference in the force required to resize a case, and similarly, a substantial difference in how hard you have to crank on it.
BTW, my main reloading bench must be somewhere around 200+ pounds (bench plus stuff).
BTW, my main reloading bench must be somewhere around 200+ pounds (bench plus stuff).
Plywood is not very rigid. I use 2x8 cut to the right length, a lot more rigid and cheaper.
I have done roughly what you propose. I used a piece of 2x6, used T nuts and cut my bolts to fit perfect without marring the table. I simply clamp the 2x6 as required and it also makes for easy storage. There is a leg beneath the press to ensure it doesn't wobble.
Last edited:
686 Shooter
Regular
Portable reloading box
https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/portable-reloading-box.224050/page-2
Genius! That's be awesome for folks with limited space.
TheNatural21
CGN Regular
- Location
- Fort Nelson, BC
I did exactly what you're describing when I started reloading. It lasted 100 rounds. the plywood isn't the problem. The light weight fold out table is just not sturdy enough and would slide around and shake, things would fall over, and I would not have a good time. I built a heavy table from dimensional lumber that is very solid and wasn't that expensive. 4x4 posts for legs, 2x6's stuck together like a butcher block for the table top, legs braced with a 2x4 frame. I was going to bolt it to the wall or floor but I found the weight alone was enough to keep it steady. It makes reloading a lot more enjoyable.
A few years ago I totally rebuilt my reloading bench. Spent 3 weeks to finish.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hdtq3BtTz3wSujC37
Hopefully you can used something for ideas.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hdtq3BtTz3wSujC37
Hopefully you can used something for ideas.
