Reloading bench top finish.

[Boomer]

I left mine unfinished for now. Maybe I'll stain it when I move if it helps maintain the integrity of the surface but not for looks. I didn't even erase the pencil lines for the screws.

My approach to the bench was similar to yours, 4' long, 2' deep and 46" high to the work area. I added a shelf on the lower leg bracing which I placed on the inside of the legs and ran a sheet of plywood up the back, then built shelves out from the backing, with 2X8 sides so I would not only have additional storage, but also so I could read the scale at eye level. The plywood backing stiffens the bench significantly, and the shelves allow me a ton of storage, which is probably closer to the truth than I'd like to think. The top shelf provides support for a florescent fixture which illuminates the work area without any shadows.

 

[MudChucker]

I used an arborite finish...



http://s1125.photobucket.com/albums/l593/MBSportsmen/Classroom Reno/

 

[woodlotowner]

I had a spare box of oak laminate flooring left after doing some rooms in the house. Really not that expensive as you don't need commercial grade laminate. Finished the edges in a contrasting wood. Easily replaced if your wife decides to change the decor as it doesn't need to be glued down. Wipes clean with soap and water (damp cloth) or alcohol, acetone if you have some kind of a spill.

X2. I was just going to add this suggestion! A light coloured 'click' flooring is a quick and easy cover for a rough plywood 'subfloor'. Keep a half box around (doesn't everyone?) and replace the surface every few years. You'll always be working on a great surface. Caveat...keep liquids from sitting on the surface at the joints.

 

[aridan]

Mine is MDF with about 10 coats of tung oil. Looks new after about a year of use.

 

[albertacoyotecaller]

Glueing

Great surface, other than you will never be able to glue it down...... That is the same reason they are so tough.

If what you are talking about is HDPE sheet, no glue sticks to it (not very well anyway). When they fasten it to various things, it is either mechanically fastened, or heat/melt laminated to a very rough surface. (those are the only methods I have seen, might be others, but they are all "sort of" types of bonds)

Even if you roughed up the glueing side? I thought some of the construction glues might works after using a 32 grit sandpaper on the glued side? I guess a person could countersink screws around the edge?

Greg

 

[deadownwind]

Mine still has the pencil lines too

 

[SandRoad]

Even if you roughed up the glueing side? I thought some of the construction glues might works after using a 32 grit sandpaper on the glued side? I guess a person could countersink screws around the edge?

Greg

A urethane glue might be your best bet, but I don't know how well, or for how long it will stick. If it doesn't move around much, and expansion of the base wood is minimal, it might be OK.

Roughining it up is needed as the glue has to key into the grooves.

 

[SandRoad]

Even if you roughed up the glueing side? I thought some of the construction glues might works after using a 32 grit sandpaper on the glued side? I guess a person could countersink screws around the edge?

Greg

A urethane glue might be your best bet, but I don't know how well, or for how long it will stick. If it doesn't move around much, and expansion of the base wood is minimal, it might be OK.

Roughining it up is needed as the glue has to key into the grooves.

 

[joe-nwt]

I use battleship lino. Tacked it down with upholstery tacks along the edge. Easy to clean up, durable, adds a bit of a cushion if you happen to drop something gun/scope related. Best of all, when it does finally get chewed up, you simply replace it.

Scrap/end of rolls are pretty much free if you know someone in the lino business.

 

[thump_rrr]

The top of my reloading bench is made of butcher block.
I have put several coats of tung oil on it which prevents anything from being absorbed into the top while leaving a natural looking finish which doesn't chip or scratch.

 

[ATOM]

I used a 3/4" piece of melamine board as a top layer for my bench. Works like a charm. Stuff doesn't penetrate into it, and it is very easy to clean up. It is also white, so it is really easy to see anything that gets dropped onto it.

Impervious to most chemicals and the white colour, while not exactly pretty, makes cleanup a snap.

 

[SandRoad]

If you want something that looks great and is strong, you can get solid laminated 1-1/8" thick birch counterparts from Ikea. Several sizes and pretty cheap. 25-1/2" x 57" is $100 and they have larger sizes too.

 

[thump_rrr]

If you want something that looks great and is strong, you can get solid laminated 1-1/8" thick birch counterparts from Ikea. Several sizes and pretty cheap. 25-1/2" x 57" is $100 and they have larger sizes too.

Here are a few pics of my IKEA inspired reloading bench.

 

[acrtech]

thump, I like your Ikea set up..

 

[zuke]

Here are a few pics of my IKEA inspired reloading bench.

I'd put those bullet box's in the right side cabinet on the bottom,before gravity does it for you in the middle of the night.

 

[hitch.bd]

I put a thick layer of "all kinds of crap" on the top of mine to keep it from staining!!! Can't stain it if you can't get to it!!