I got this link from a similar thread a couple of months ago. Haven't gotten around to building one yet, but I really like the concept of the changeable tool blanks. http://www.rifleshootermag.com/ammunition/benchs_022607/
Thoughts on reloading benches
- Thread starter m777
- Start date
Here's my recently improved bench. Frame is 2x4's, bottom shelf and bench top are 3/4 inch plywood. The top is topped with 1/8 inch hardboard for a smoother surface. Hutch is 12" pine boards.
After mounting my presses and loading my first bigger batch of 9mm on the Dillon.
......you might need a roller handle on that press its hard on soft hands...
I remember reading about changeable press mounts (for lack of a better term) somewhere, so I made up a "prototype" out of some scrap plywood. I didn't have a plan to go by, so I handbombed and eyeballed the pieces. If I do make a set, I will use good quality plywood, etc. Here's a couple of pics of the test run:
) somewhere, so I made up a "prototype" out of some scrap plywood. I didn't have a plan to go by, so I handbombed and eyeballed the pieces. If I do make a set, I will use good quality plywood, etc. Here's a couple of pics of the test run:
I like the calendar in this pic
Wish i could find a Calendar like the one in this picture...LOL
RDG
No matter how big you go, it won't be big enough. You'll just buy more stuff to fill the space. Make it solid, and fasten it to the floor if you can. Mine are 10 feet x 30" x 30" made of 2x6 and 2x4 and I can shake hell out of it resizing large brass. Some of the screws pulled out when I was sizing 50's. Plus , you don't want s**t rattling around on you. Here's mine.
no.2
Wish i could find a Calendar like the one in this picture...LOL
RDG
My bench top is 2 pieces of 3/4" glued & screwed particle board mounted to a 2x4 frame & topped with countertop Formica. I routed out a 18" square area & inserted a 5/16" steel plate. The plate has eight 1/4" studs holding it to the top & is drilled & tapped to bolt down the presses, bullet luber & a vice.
In fact the complete base is made from one 4x8 sheet of 3/4 material & a few 2x4's for frame struts & heavy duty bottom shelf. It's small by some standards 24"x40"x28" but surprisingly sturdy. Made the mistake of inadvertantly trying to size an un-lubed 30-06 case & the bench didn't move (not fastened to floor or wall but bottom shelf loaded down w/ammo & bullets). Got the plans out of a book called "The Shooters Workbench" circa 1977. Built a shelf unit on top with some scrap 5/8. Went to a lumber yard & got a gallon of mis-tint paint. Been using it for 20 odd years. Total cost about $20 at the time.
In fact the complete base is made from one 4x8 sheet of 3/4 material & a few 2x4's for frame struts & heavy duty bottom shelf. It's small by some standards 24"x40"x28" but surprisingly sturdy. Made the mistake of inadvertantly trying to size an un-lubed 30-06 case & the bench didn't move (not fastened to floor or wall but bottom shelf loaded down w/ammo & bullets). Got the plans out of a book called "The Shooters Workbench" circa 1977. Built a shelf unit on top with some scrap 5/8. Went to a lumber yard & got a gallon of mis-tint paint. Been using it for 20 odd years. Total cost about $20 at the time.
C Broad Arrow
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
With all of your great pictures I thought I would share my setup.
I built the bench 5 years ago...then moved to a new house. Wanted to add light and storage so I went to Lowe's today and got the pegboard, and a shop light, which you can't see. Total cost of the upgrade...less than $50... including the tubes for the 48 inch twin florescent lighting.
I built the bench 5 years ago...then moved to a new house. Wanted to add light and storage so I went to Lowe's today and got the pegboard, and a shop light, which you can't see. Total cost of the upgrade...less than $50... including the tubes for the 48 inch twin florescent lighting.
Was at a Sam's Club in the US yesterday and saw some awesome workbenches, true HD, not like the Crappy Tire ones.
This one was all steel legs and frame, with a solid, 1.75" maple top. Price $189
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=329601
I couldn't find the price for this one.
This one was all steel legs and frame, with a solid, 1.75" maple top. Price $189
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=329601
I couldn't find the price for this one.
Just a note...
Contact your local school district and ask them if they are planning renovations.
When a local school re-did their computer lab they were going to trash about 2 dozen 7 ft heavy duty bench/desks.
I scored 2 of them.....could have had more but no room. They are perfect for work shop, garage or reloading benchs.
So for the cost of driving over and picking them up I got 14 ft worth of benches all ready made.
Added bonus....they were all wired with receptacles so you just hook up to 120v receptacle and you have receptacles all the way down the bench. Perfect for any case feeders, tumblers, or case prep tools, lextra lighting etc.
Contact your local school district and ask them if they are planning renovations.
When a local school re-did their computer lab they were going to trash about 2 dozen 7 ft heavy duty bench/desks.
I scored 2 of them.....could have had more but no room. They are perfect for work shop, garage or reloading benchs.
So for the cost of driving over and picking them up I got 14 ft worth of benches all ready made.
Added bonus....they were all wired with receptacles so you just hook up to 120v receptacle and you have receptacles all the way down the bench. Perfect for any case feeders, tumblers, or case prep tools, lextra lighting etc.
Just picked this bench up http://www.homehardware.ca/Products/index/show/product/I1080582/name/bench_work_utility_center_6
Replace the hinges with brass and add a brass lock and it should be safe for powder storage as well.
Replace the hinges with brass and add a brass lock and it should be safe for powder storage as well.
- Location
- Saskatoon, SK
Thought this was one of the better threads of guys reloading benches all in one place. Thanks to bclinehand for the photos and measurements of his bench, it's one of my favorites. Take a look at his in this thread:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1269819&postcount=36
Anyways, here it is. I wanted to move the reloader into the house so it has to fit in a corner of my office. I tried out the space with another table I had and like it.
From that I searched on here and the rest of the net and found the insert idea and thought it would be great for a bench that has limited space. I decided to go with two inserts. One will house my dillon 550B and the other is just in case. The bench has a 3" top of laminate Oak plywood and is 60"x18"x40" high. The end leg and shelf is 12" wide to give better access for my knees underneath. The cabinet on the left will get a door and will be used to store powder. Hopefully tomorrow I will have a picture of it set up in the room!
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1269819&postcount=36
Anyways, here it is. I wanted to move the reloader into the house so it has to fit in a corner of my office. I tried out the space with another table I had and like it.
From that I searched on here and the rest of the net and found the insert idea and thought it would be great for a bench that has limited space. I decided to go with two inserts. One will house my dillon 550B and the other is just in case. The bench has a 3" top of laminate Oak plywood and is 60"x18"x40" high. The end leg and shelf is 12" wide to give better access for my knees underneath. The cabinet on the left will get a door and will be used to store powder. Hopefully tomorrow I will have a picture of it set up in the room!
- Location
- Kumankissmyass, BC
Here's mine, didn't have a lot of space to work with so I made bases for temporary set ups.
Okay, thats a little too neat!
R&R Rancher
CGN Regular
- Location
- Manitoba's Interlake
Here's a pic of mine, recently returned from exile in my garage.
Haven't used it enough to get it cluttered YET. Its 74" X 27 and HEAVY. And when I store shot on the bottom it only helps make it more stable. As you can see I'm mostly a shotgunner, I recently added the metallic press. I'm still sorting out the best way to mount the rest of the metallic equipment. I may use an old workmate for that. Any suggestions are welcome.
John
Haven't used it enough to get it cluttered YET. Its 74" X 27 and HEAVY. And when I store shot on the bottom it only helps make it more stable. As you can see I'm mostly a shotgunner, I recently added the metallic press. I'm still sorting out the best way to mount the rest of the metallic equipment. I may use an old workmate for that. Any suggestions are welcome.
John
bclinehand
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Clearwater B.C.
Thought this was one of the better threads of guys reloading benches all in one place. Thanks to bclinehand for the photos and measurements of his bench, it's one of my favorites. Take a look at his in this thread:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1269819&postcount=36
Anyways, here it is. I wanted to move the reloader into the house so it has to fit in a corner of my office. I tried out the space with another table I had and like it.
From that I searched on here and the rest of the net and found the insert idea and thought it would be great for a bench that has limited space. I decided to go with two inserts. One will house my dillon 550B and the other is just in case. The bench has a 3" top of laminate Oak plywood and is 60"x18"x40" high. The end leg and shelf is 12" wide to give better access for my knees underneath. The cabinet on the left will get a door and will be used to store powder. Hopefully tomorrow I will have a picture of it set up in the room!
Thanks for the pat on the back Brad...........but I've got to say your bench is a thing of beauty
- Location
- Saskatoon, SK
Thanks Dave! Hopefully I can get it lag bolted to the wall in the morning and get the press mounted up. I just need to find someone with a strong back to help me get it in the house. It is HEAVY!
- Location
- Saskatoon, SK
Started taking things off the walls to move in and realized I REALLY needed to paint my office. So that consumed my day, but I did get it in!
Last edited:
