Advice on utilizing a 3/4' Aluminum plate into an extra reloading press bench

[diopter]

Would I be better off:
1) Making a bench that would fit over this tool box. Space is limited.

2) Use plywood to fill gaps froom tool box tp plate, and 3/4" plywood top flush behind and to the sides of the plate.
Would bolt aluminum plate and surrounding wood to top of toolbox with a 1/2" plywood board as backing throgh the top of the toolbox.

 

[SouthABshooter]

in my garage i built overtop some old craftsman toolboxes, i guess it depends on what height you want, and i did take the wheels off of them so it wasnt so high.

 

[FarmerDanz]

That aluminum sheet will be very expensive. Think about mild steel.

Plywood with 3/16in mild steel cover would be very strong

 

[dogzilla]

Looks like he already has the plate. You would definitely have to take the wheels off, but even then I don't see it being very rigid. I would go with the over bench and anchor it to the wall. And honestly, you don't need any kind of metal top, most reloading benches are plywood, but use whatever floats your boat, and whatever you have on hand

 

[apu]

And honestly, you don't need any kind of metal top, most reloading benches are plywood, but use whatever floats your boat, and whatever you have on hand

I honestly thought that as well until I started resizing 50 bmg cases and now am on a similar quest to upgrade my bench with metal.

 

[diopter]

I honestly thought that as well until I started resizing 50 bmg cases and now am on a similar quest to upgrade my bench with metal.

Spot on. Presses have some flex already. I want as stable a surface under the press as possible.

I'm thinking of an Inline Fabrication Quick Change Mount onto the black anodized 3/4" x 44" x 10" Aluminum (6061-T6) plate by drilling and tapping for largest diameter Grade 8 Hex Cap Screws or bolts the mounts can handle.
Have to ask Dan at Inline Fabrication what that size that would be. Need to determine how high a mount I can use without adding too much flex.

 

[just having some fun]

for small tables you almost have to mount them to the wall

I have a 4x6 desk (on custom legs to make it higher) and it moves a bit when doing 30-06 range brass .... when you stand up and put your weight on the handle

 

[Boomer686]

for small tables you almost have to mount them to the wall

I have a 4x6 desk (on custom legs to make it higher) and it moves a bit when doing 30-06 range brass .... when you stand up and put your weight on the handle

Yep and the bigger the brass... bolting it down / to the wall is recommended. I'd also suggest plywood on top of the steel not the other way around as previously mentioned.. Evcn better is just to laminate two pieces of 3/4 plywood (screwed and glued). Just as strong and easier on your guns , tools etc if you drop them on the bench etc. No chance of spark either whether it be metal on metal or static electricity.

 

[diopter]

Still need metal to metal contact to reduce flex.
I may use a thin wood veneer to cover all top surfaces, metal and plywood, around the press/stand.