Future Reloading Room Build

Devlin

Devlin

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Hey Guys,

Looking for suggestions on building a new re-loading room. We bought a new house recently and the basement is finished my wife has given me the green light to use part of it as a reloading area and I'm on the hunt for ideas or ways to go about it with a good strong countertop and decent storage with cabinets. My plan is to build the bench into the recessed area of the wall in the picture below. The pool table and all the other stuff will be gone.

Measurements are 162 inches long x 28 inches deep x 81 inches high or 13.5' long x 2.3' deep x 6.75 ' high

I'm looking at the worktables and garage style cabinets from Canadian Tire and Lowes, but also considering grabbing some base cabinets and putting a thick butcher block style countertop on top of them. I will have two presses mounted on the countertop and don't want it to move or flex.


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That looks like the perfect spot for that!

My bench is made out of two layers of plywood. Bottom layer is rough 1/2 inch plywood screwed from underneath part way into nice 1/2 oak plywood. Definitely not the cheapest way to go but with the varnish on the hardwood ply it looks pretty classy. I have 2X4 legs to support it. The most important thing is bench height. Make sure it's where you need it to be to work comfortably, that includes the height that your press will sit at. You'll probably want some lights in that bulkhead if you can. Ideally one right over your press so you can see inside the case to make sure it's got powder in it if you use a progressive press. Put two legs for the bench where the press will be located to ensure stability. For garage cabinets that large free standing one that Canadian Tire sell is pretty great. I also have some of the smaller wall mounted ones above my bench that holds my spare press tool heads in other calibers.
 
The only problem i can fore-see with your location is that if you are planning to install a progressive loading press at any time you might be "overhead space" challenged for the case feeder, especially if you are a 'stand-up re-loader" with a higher press height than a sit-downer.
 
Think about using a large tool chest for your reloading bench. All the drawers make for good secure storage, nice when you reloading setup is in an open room.
 
Devlin said:
Hey Guys,

Measurements are 162 inches long x 28 inches deep x 81 inches high or 13.5' long x 2.3' deep x 6.75 ' high

I'm looking at the worktables and garage style cabinets from Canadian Tire and Lowes, but also considering grabbing some base cabinets and putting a thick butcher block style countertop on top of them. I will have two presses mounted on the countertop and don't want it to move or flex.
Click to expand...

IMO, the best bench for reloading is the one you construct yourself.
A doubled up 2X4 frame with a 3/4 (or thicker) top made of MDF and anchored to the wall - this is sturdier, and more cost effective than most prefabricated benches you will find at hardware stores. Plus you can make it to your exact dimensions.
 
If you don't want to build, the CT Mastercraft bench is pretty decent. It's got a solid tabletop and is modular. It goes on sale often...
 

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I just recently built one. It's bolted to the wall and has a laminated top for easy clean up. It's rock solid and built the length/width/ and height that I wanted.
 

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Building it myself doesn't bother me too much, I'm reasonably handy and a bench is fairly simple construction. I'm looking around at other options mainly because it will be in a finished living space and I'd like it to fit in with the rest of the room as much as possible. Previously I was in an unfinished basement so wasn't a big factor.

I may build out the structure myself as a few have described here and then clad it in cabinet doors to five it a more finished appearance, or do something with sliding barn style doors to cover it up when not in use.

Most of the commercial stuff I've looked at is lacking in some way when compared to building your own setup.
 
I framed up a bench ,using 2x6 and attached it to the wall studs. No movement whatsoever.

I have a bench that runs across two walls,approximately 16 ft in lenght , and with a gun safe, it leaves me little left over space.
The room is 9×9.

I'm soon going to buy cupboards from Kent, as they are cheaper than making my own.

I dropped down a section of the bench so I can add a progressive press later on.
Here's a pic....sorry about the mess , as I'm currently trying to get it all organized, while using it.View attachment 467567
 
Munkey1973 said:
IMO, the best bench for reloading is the one you construct yourself.
A doubled up 2X4 frame with a 3/4 (or thicker) top made of MDF and anchored to the wall - this is sturdier, and more cost effective than most prefabricated benches you will find at hardware stores. Plus you can make it to your exact dimensions.
Click to expand...

I agree. You can construct a bench that will completely fill the space.
You could always get a cabinet maker to do the same or build cabinets to suit after you have built your bench.
Mounting to the wall with legs to the floor will keep it solid but I would avoid the horizontal leg braces in front of where your chair will sit (as in post 8) as you will find they will get in the way.
 
I built mine quite similar to deerslayer's. One had 4x4's for legs but the second one I figured out to use 2x6 at right angles with deck screws all along with length. Easier to manipulate and not as likely to twist.

If you want a nice top IKEA has some big inch and a half butcher block pattern countertops pretty reasonable or find discontinued countertop at Home Depot etc. Put down a top of heavy plywood or 2x6 or something first. At least where the press will be mounted. The MDF or sawdust and glue stuff most are made of is good in compression but not so much for the twisting force.

If it's a standing bench the flush cabinet doors on the bottom will work but if it's for sitting make sure to set them back enough to get your legs under the top. Mine is open and the entire bottom shelf is filled with cast bullets, shot, extra lead etc. probably around 1000lb. It doesn't move at all. Didn't feel it needed to be bolted to the wall but would have if it wasn't for that ballast.
 
I am currently using 1x Home depot, 1x Canadian tire and 1x Rona worktable setups.
Love it for the clean look of a finished room.
The canadian tire one I found it for 80$ on kijiji, cut the overhead cabinet section off, and replaced the countertop by a butchers block countertop.
I also added some shelving under the tables for projectiles and brass.
By the way, the 2 tables are screwed in the wall studs for extra stability, the cabinet I kept it movable if ever I should need it.

Took a panoramic picture so may look funny, but at least you get an idea how it looks.

zTHO9Y2h.jpg
 
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I built my own using a plan off google from the National Reloaders (something) but only the bottom. I used maple for a top. I finally splurged on Inland Fab plates and wished I hadn't had waited. I'm happier in the new house where there is a full room for everything to be contained behind a locked door. It's just easier having piece of mind to walk away and close the door.

Clint
 
MartyK2500 said:
I am currently using 1x Home depot, 1x Canadian tire and 1x Rona worktable setups.
Love it for the clean look of a finished room.
The canadian tire one I found it for 80$ on kijiji, cut the overhead cabinet section off, and replaced the countertop by a butchers block countertop.
I also added some shelving under the tables for projectiles and brass.
By the way, the 2 tables are screwed in the wall studs for extra stability, the cabinet I kept it movable if ever I should need it.

Took a panoramic picture so may look funny, but at least you get an idea how it looks.
Click to expand...

Looks good in there - and I see you've got both trimmers up and running now. I've been following that thread.
 
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