A mount for a press...

Grizz Axxemann

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So I've finally gotten around to unpacking my reloading gear now that all the important stuff has been done now that Erin and I have moved into our new place. Since I don't have a workbench or the space for a workmate (I know they fold up, but space is still an issue when folded out) but I have ample room on my kitchen table, and my computer desk. I have a section of old shuffleboard (nice and flat, about 3' long, shuffleboard width and thickness.. I'd say about 2" thick) that I plan to clamp down, but I'm not too keen on trying to drill the three holes though it at an edge to mount my press. I had that with my old setup (different lumber, didn't work too well) Ideally I'd like a steel mount that I could bolt down near the edge of the board to give me a few inches of elevation for the press and still have enough clearance to throw the handle. I was on the Lee Precision site, and they don't make one. Anyone know of a mount that would work for a Challenger press? Anyone in the Edmonton area with passable skill to make me one for a fair price?
 
I used to reload in my kitchen, with the press, trimmer and powder thrower bolted to a 2x8.

I'd clamp the whole apparatus down with C clamps, and remove it when done.

I've never used them, but there are some steel "press holder" thingys that you can attach to a bench (or 2x8) and then attach the corresponding one to the press. You pop it in and out. I think RCBS sells them.

I used to leave the 2x8 sticking out a bot ont he counter top, so the press woudl work, and clamp it down from the rear. Hope that makes sense.
 
"...have a section of old shuffleboard..." Solid wood? If it's particle board, it will likely break. Your computer table is likely particle board too.
Go to Princess Auto(11150 - 163rd St. N or 9835 34 Ave. NW. Geez. Edmonton has two of 'em. That just not fair.) and buy a couple of long 'C' clamps. $10 at the very most.
Bolt the press to a 2 x 8 and clamp it to either bench.
 
the shuffleboard is hardwood. GOOD hardwood to boot. the thing is, neither my kitchen table nor my desk are beefy enough to support the press alone. They're also pretty low slung. My plan was to bolt the press to the board (using a base similar to what you can pick up for the Dillon presses) then clamp that to the table. I have the C-clamps already (my last board just didn't work well... wood was too soft) and hardware.
 
Canadian Tire solution

Hi there Grizz Axxemann,

Just to let you know that Canadian Tire has a sturdy tool stand on sale for 17.99 :eek:.

All you need to do afterward is find 1" plywood top (or thicker) and this set-up should be very stable for reloading :dancingbanana:.

Take care,

Ducktape
 
I live in a not so perminant location i use 2 2x4s screwed togethter (2x8 equivilant) with the press lag bolted to it and c clamps holding the whole thing to my work bench i was full lenght sizing 30-06 brass and yes it does flex a bit but not enough to cause concern it does the job for me
 
I have my press mounted to a steel plate inletted into the front of my bench, but the same thing could be done and C clamped to the kitchen table. This solves any flexing issues, and is not so bulky as a 2X10. I welded bolts to the plate at the proper spacing for the press, and then cut a piece of 1/4" plywood to act as a gasket between the two surfaces. The casting of the press isn't perfect, so the two surfaces do not match up very well. You could use any mild steel plate from a quarter inch thick to as thick as you want top lug around, but something 24" X 8" X 1/4" would work well. Drill the holes large enough to accept the bolt heads and weld them in place, or drill smaller holes and weld the bolt shanks into the holes. Drilling right through the plate and double nutting each bolt will prevent the plate from lying flat on the table and causing problems when you mount your press to the steel plate. When the plate is ready for use, a piece of cardboard underneath it will protect the surface of your table.
 
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