Press Work Bench??

I have a used desk, actually pressboard, but I rienforced the top supports so it'll take a bit more downpressure. My presses are bolted to pieces of plywood which I then have held to the desk with one big bolt with butterfly nut.(easy switching around) When bringing the ram down I brace the press with a hand, but I'd be doing that anyway. So I have a press on either side of the desk with clear workspace in between, and a hole for mounting the shotgun loader in the center as well. BTW-the butterfly bolt is behind the press, so putting the ram up is no prob.
If had a camera I'd post pics, but......
 
I started using a Canadian Tire Work Mate collapsible bench as as a temporary solution with the Dillon 550B and never bothered to change over.

I like the portability (nice to work outside sometimes) and if there's a tendency to lift or tilt I know something's wrong somewhere. Course I'm not loading 50 BMG either.
 
After a couple unsatisfactory benches, I made up a steel framed bench, 2x2" hollow legs and 1 1/2 x 3" crossmembers. It is covered by a top that is 3 layers of particleboard, laminated together, total 2 1/8" thick, with the top piece being maple veneer, all 3 layers framed in with solid maple.

The top overhangs the front of the frame by 6" so presses are mounted in front of the frame. It also means you can stand right up to the front of the table without your knees hitting the lower shelves and frame.

It is also higher than normal at around 38" so standing in front of it is easy.

It might be a little excessive but with over 700 lbs of bullets, shot, brass on the lower shelf, plus its own weight of around 250, it doesn't move at all. :D :redface:

I am not suggesting you build one like this, but you might want to incorporate some of the design features.
 
I suggest one of those super heavy office desks from the 50's/60's with the thick top and metal frame, edging. They are usually cheap/free and work great. The top needs to be very stiff and thick to stop the press from bending forward as you work the handle.

Found a pic of the type:
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Go to Home depot. I bought one there on sale for $100.00. It is super heavy duty...no pressboard, all laminate. Top is 2 1/2" thick. Has drawers and storage areas and drawers lock. It can has wheels which lock down. Very suited to the job, especially if heavy duty work. I can send a pic if desired. E-mail address would be needed. Dave
 
I bought a table saw stand from Crappy Tire when they were on sale for 20 bucks and screwed a piece of counter top on it and also mounted a piece of plywood in between the legs for a storage shelf. Works well and doesn't take up too much space.
 
CanAm, we have one exactly like that, except in gray/green, and can CONFIRM that it is a HEAVY SOB. Even when you take the drawers out, it takes several people to move it.
 
misfire said:
I bought a table saw stand from Crappy Tire when they were on sale for 20 bucks and screwed a piece of counter top on it and also mounted a piece of plywood in between the legs for a storage shelf. Works well and doesn't take up too much space.
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That's exactly what I did. For the top deck and bottom shelf, I went to Home Depot and had them cut me a 4X4x3/4" sheet of plywood into 4 equal 2 foot by 2 foot squares. Kept one for the bottom shelf and put the other 3, all screwed together on the top. Way stronger than it needs to be and CHEAP.
 
blacksmithden said:
That's exactly what I did. For the top deck and bottom shelf, I went to Home Depot and had them cut me a 4X4x3/4" sheet of plywood into 4 equal 2 foot by 2 foot squares. Kept one for the bottom shelf and put the other 3, all screwed together on the top. Way stronger than it needs to be and CHEAP.
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Same here - $50 JobMate with 2 layers of 3/4" MDF screwed to the top.
 
When I first started loading 50, I built this tripod. All my presses and trimmers are mounted on plates that fit on top. (Have since welded the legs solid, with rod between them instead of chain.)

Tripod005.jpg
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Also commercially available, Google "RIDGID" tools, they make tripods for pipe vices that are very stable.
 
50calshooter said:
Hello jus getting into reloading bought everything I need except the work bench, I cant seem to find anything thats stong enough and not over priced. Any ideas of where to look? Thanks
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Your best bet.....buy some 2x4's and 2 sheets of plywood. When you make your top, use both sheets of plywood for extra strength. When finished, just sand, and put several coats of clear varnish on, and your done. Type in reloading bench pics on here, and see how other's have done it.
 
I just waited until CTire had a sale on their Mastercraft benchs, and bolted my press to it.

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I just went to the used building material store and purchased and old solid wood door for $20. I cut it to suit my needs. It is sitting on a 1x4 strapping against the wall and installed a wood leg near the press. This thing is very solid and was quite inexpensive to build. I move the small black shelf near the edge of the bench when I weigh powder. The scale is at eye level when it is on the black shelf.



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