Need a bench to reload in an apartment.

Zeb said:
I was thinking of using the exact same idea. Was wondering if you left the wheels on, it would be easy to roll the chest/press out of the way when done. Or would the wheels make the whole chest unstable? Would love to see pics of your setup.
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I actually didn't try the press with the wheels on; I just assumed it would be likely to shift/move even with the wheels locked. Yeah, it would be great for moving the whole thing out of the way when you're done though. There's probably another clever solution to the wheel issue that I'm not thinking of.

The high mount kit (two expensive pieces of thick, black, bent metal from Dillon) makes it really solid and easy to mount. Drill 4 holes in the top of the chest and push the bolts up from underneath.

I will post pics in the near future. But for now... picture looking down at the top of the chest, then picture a square footprint for the press in the lower left corner. You could put it on the right or wherever, but I sit on a bar stool to reload with my knees on either side of that corner, facing in at an angle. Ergonomically, I think the position and height are extremely good. I point a small gooseneck Ikea LED lamp onto the press itself and a standing lamp next to it.
 
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I have created a number of solutions for reloading in tight space. This summer I purchsed this product, it is the best I have ever had.

09-820.jpg


http://www.sinclairintl.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?category=RERPPR&item=09-820&type=store

It makes the press portable, and can be the press stand can be C-clamped to any table in seconds.

If I could have only one solution this would be it
 
Do a search there was a thread with a great bunch of ideas for loading benches,sorry I don't remember, may be someone less senile as my self can help?
 
Here a photo of what I was describing. You can see the bolts going up through the metal chest top through the Dillon strong mount. Solid.

Very tidy, locked storage for tools, powder, primers, ammo, brass, gun cleaning supplies, my range gear, etc. If I'm not using it for a week, I throw a thin sheet over the press. Yes, that's white carpet. :eek: But a few thousands rounds into this setup and there's no trace of anything that has temporarily landed on the carpet.

Reloading and apartment living can work.

DSC_7441_lzn_sm.jpg
 
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srt4u2nv said:
sorry guys I read the sticky up top and figured that's the law maybe some one should sort the crap out up there, there is 3 different reg's threads going all with different info......
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Wow, dude shifted gears quick. Went from theating bodily harm to meek in no time.
 
Few years ago I bought bottom part of dumbbell stand for $1.5 in Superstore (it was a reason why I bought it :) ) Then I found it very suitable for making reloading bench. Just piece of wood transformed dumbbell stand to the bench for reloading anywhere.
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If you have the time look at Cabelas 2 by 4 basics.
You could make a nice size bench with storage ....the black and decker work mate bench also really works.
 
I have my Dillon RL550B mounted on the Strong Mount bolted to a 2' long piece of 2x12. This allows it to be attached to my kitchen table with a pair of large C-clamps and be stored out of the way when it is not in use.
 
If you do decide to go with a setup that clamps to a table or something be careful. Make sure the table is very sturdy. I was using a cheap workbench for a while and I tore the press right off the bench. about a foot of the bench top came with the press. Wouldnt want to do that to your table.
I would build something like fogducker posted the pic of.
 
asphalt599 said:
If you do decide to go with a setup that clamps to a table or something be careful. Make sure the table is very sturdy. I was using a cheap workbench for a while and I tore the press right off the bench. about a foot of the bench top came with the press. Wouldnt want to do that to your table.
I would build something like fogducker posted the pic of.
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i reload on a counter top in the storage room in the basement (i live with my parents) im glad i have all the space i need for my press and anyhting else i want on the bench the only problem was i first secured the single stage press with 3 inch screws and that lasted through about 500 rnds of 9mm before it tore right off the counter top:rolleyes: so now i have a heavy piece of steel flat bar (2" X 5/8") bolted to the top with my press bolted to that just set it up yesterday but its so solid im conveinced i could break the press before the counter top would be an issue....:rolleyes:


as for your space concerns i would say a black and decker workmate should be solid enough might have to put some weight on it or something as there is nothing more annoying while reloading then having to operate the lever with one hand and trying to prevent your press from teareing off the bench or the bench flippigng over with your other hand;)....
 
b&d workmate @ fleamarket $5.00
2x6 board from renovating my steps $free
4x medium-large c-clamps $15.00
3 bolts to screw into 2x6 $next to nothing.

very solid and portable plus a great spacesaver...
 
actually........if you look under the top plate on the stand i made up..
you will notice small pipe on a elbow..
thats was made up to melt lead..the silver parts you see are hook ups for one of them tiger blow torches,that is threaded into the top plate..but of course with the torch set up it is for garage or outside work
 
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