advice on a reloading bench...

.... The folding "benches" do work, but it's far better to build a heavy duty bench for yourself. Another temporary alternative is to mount everything on a plank and then "C Clamp" it to a kitchen table (if the wife will allow!) ..David K
 
i used a reinforced microwave stand- got 3 1000, a dillon 550 , and a turret on it, and the whole thing's on wheels- plus i got a nice little cabinet underneath for my supplies and doo-dads- put 2 pieces of 2x6 in the cavity betwen the top and the second shelf to provide support for the dillon verical as braces
 
ruger22 said:
What is an ideal ...height for a dillon 550?
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Depends on how tall you are and if you are planning on sitting down or standing while you reload.

FWIW if your bench is too low you can always "lift" the press up with a strong mount.
 
t-star said:
i used a reinforced microwave stand- got 3 1000, a dillon 550 , and a turret on it, and the whole thing's on wheels- plus i got a nice little cabinet underneath for my supplies and doo-dads- put 2 pieces of 2x6 in the cavity betwen the top and the second shelf to provide support for the dillon verical as braces
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+1 I found a solid oak microwave stand at a garage sale for $25. Works great, solid, has built in shelving, and is moveable on wheels.

A good friend tried the B&D work bench (for about a week) said it had too much flex and then just built a bench.
 
I use a table saw stand with a piece of counter top mounted on it. The stand was on sale at Crappy Tire for 19.99 and the counter top was a piece of scrap I found at work. I tried the Workmate route and it didn't work for me.
 
if you want it to be really stable, stow your bullets( i get mine by the 1k bucket) and powder ( 8 pound keg- yea, i know a keg is 20 , but give me a little licence- it sure ain't a can, and not a keg, so what do you call it?) in the base- this gives stability and weight - just replenish when you get low to keep it-
 
Yes sir! I made on from that basic design to fit my needs. I think mines roughly 4' by 2' deep by 2 1/2' high to allow for the 1/2' decking to match my computer desk. So my press is right beside me all the time haha. Its great I listen to some tunes and reload. I modified the plans but basic joinery if it is as tough as 4 by 4's with the overlapping design. For a heavy press I would go for 3/4" MDF to give it rigidity since my rockchucker isnt a heavy hitter. I reload sitting.
 
I use one of those miter saw metal stand that they sell at Crappy Tire. It comes with a 1/2 inch plywood top, very sturdy platform for a reloading press. All you need to do is grab a box and assemble it. It comes with instruction on how to put it together. They are around $39.00, but they do sell it half the price from time to time. :D :D

OOOPS!!!! + 1 with Misfire :beerchug: :beerchug:
 
ruger22 said:
Sitting or standing?

What do most guys prefer?
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Mine is 42" tall. and is very comfortable to work at while standing. (I am 6'-2") If I have large numbers of cases to go through I have a tall drafting chair on a swivel base that is the perfect height for working seated.

My bench is am old office counter that I bought at auction for 50 bucks. It is 28" wide and 6 feet long. The top is 2 layers of 3/4" plywood and is as solid as a rock. I have several holes drilled through the top with 1/4" steel plate with threaded holes placed below to fasten different tools like case trimmers and concentricity guages. I can also mount my shot shell re-loader in a second or 2.


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If you have a local, "re-use centre", or "habitat for humanity" reuse store in town, you can often pick up old desks, counter tops and vanities for cheap.

I just picked up two 30x60" solid wood writing desks both with 1" thick top surfaces. And a vanity with drawers, scrap counter top and two-bowl stainless steal sink all for less than $200.00

The downside is that supply can be hit and miss, so you need to drop by once a week or so.
 
Workbench used for relaoding.....

I found the perfect bench at Home Depot....it was on sale when I got it. I had to assemble it but is it ever solid....had two storage bunks and two lockable drawers under a laminated two inch thick top...is on rollers which lock when in place and is quite tall which makes stooping over not a problem. I will take dimensions etc. after my wife gets out of bed as I am using the empty bedroom next to ours. I believe the price was about $200.00 and on sale at $100.00. Perfect for the job and you could park your car on it! E-mail for more info. I assembled it in the kitchen and my wife used it for an "island" until I pryed it from her hands. Good luck....Dave It measures 40 inches x 20 inches (top) and is 42 inches high and it is solid when in use. I have an RCBS Rockchucker and a LEE Classic Cast press mounted on the top.
 
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