Is this a good bench for reloading?

J

JasonP

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Princess auto has these on sale this week
Is this a good bench?
I don't have any equipment yet but thought I should snag this while it's on sale unless it won't work or equipment will not clamp to it properly but I just don't know about that stuff yet.

Have a peek:

http://www.princessauto.com/workshop/garage/work-stand-support/stands/8374654-workbench
 
if i quick read correctly top(work surface) is 1/2"

not sure what it is made from

1/2 ply wood is to thin in my opinion

if i was building a top i would make it 1-1/2" or thicker no flex
 
I agree that you need a thick top and attached to the floor, depending on what you are loading. my bench is home built 2x4`s with a 3/4" ply wood top. Location dictates what your options are ie. basement of your own home or an apartment. Any way you look at it the sturdier the better.
 
Agree with everybody above about the thicker top. It looks simple enough, just assemble the bench top lower then the direction and the drawer won't work there. Just mount it half way to the bottom shelf or leave it out. The peg board is a good idea. Wish I'd have put a piece on my bench.
Good Luck
Clint
 
just having some fun said:
1/2 ply wood is to thin in my opinion

if i was building a top i would make it 1-1/2" or thicker no flex
Click to expand...

The top on my bench is just under 2" thick, and overhangs the front by 5". No flex at all, and allows me to mount presses etc, in front of the bench framework.

Also with the overhang, you can sit up closer to the bench without your knees hitting anything.
 
The bench itself looks fine to me ... But I would highly suggest (as others have said) replacing the existing work surface (looks like 1/2" MDF) with AT LEAST one layer (two is better) of 3/4 Plywood ... and then secure it to your wall.

There is no such thing as "too much" desk (strengthwise) for reloading ... but there is easily too little.

Your only drawback with that desk is that it is kind of narrow ... you may prefer some sort of "quick mount" for your various tools ... otherwise, something will always be in the way. I've got a 5' bench and it's just barely big enough. No price listed on the site, but if they are cheap enough on your budget, I'd be considering two of them side-by-each.
 
Not if the top is particle board. Breaks easily. My cheap OSB topped bench broke on the very first use. Just as easily fixed though. Either with a square foot of 1/4" mild steel or plywood.
Might not have enough room for full movement of the ram either.
 
I got a Can Tire one, got it on sale too, notice TWO boards, as to support the tank and the press :D Each one is 'post to support 300lbs, I trust that ... NOT.

P1000303.jpg


LOL, there is another tank below.
 
I would not buy that bench to use for reloading. It's all been said, too flimsy, too thin, probably some kind of chipboard, instead of plywood, etc. Also, the drawers just under the top surface will prove to be a pain in the butt, due to the handle of your press, for one thing.
If you are in your own home and can make a table in the basement, you could build a far superior table.
 
Well over the years I've found that it was best to build a sturdy bench for the reloading press, but that doesn't mean you need a bench that can hold an elephant for other firearms tasks like cleaning and scope mounting. The Crappy Tire type benches have pegboard backs for hanging tools and greeblies, and the newer ones have alight fixture built in. Good for actual working and storage, with a smaller built bench for the actual press.
 
If there's a Lowe's hardware store near you, give them a check. The ones here in town have a nice stainless steel job with a thick butcher block style top, an upper bin with lid and some drawers. They're much sturdier than those Cambodian Tire units. $300 if I recall correctly.
 
Something not mentioned, is there are thousands of old office desks out there, some place, which are 25 to 40 years too out dated to be currently used as office furniture. Some of these would be great for your reloading outfit and component storage.
Older the better, is probably the key words here, as solid hard wood was once used and some of them will still be out there.
Check second hand stores, ads in papers, etc, plus put your own ad out in the modern freebie buy and sell media.
 
Here is a pic of my bench, I holds 2 Lee Pro 1000 that are clamped down for easy removal for smithing projects.
GunRoomAug172011001-1.jpg

GunRoomAug172011002.jpg

Heres a sample of my ammo
GunRoomAug172011008.jpg
 
redddogg69 said:
Bought at Costco. Thick butchers block and weighs a ton.
bdb6d461.jpg
Click to expand...

That seems like a great starter for a sturdy table +1

but as was stated by everyone else princess auto and cambodian tire are ok tool benches but very light work benches save yourself alot of headache and build your own it will be what you want and probably cheaper in the long run that is what i did wall benches all along one side of my shop thick tops i think two pieces of 3/4" plyboard and even that kinda feels like it is just good enough!!
good luck with which ever way ya go
cheers, Steve
 
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