New reloading bench, need help

[Trouble on the Rhein]

Howdy, im new to CAS, probably going to start reloading soon, and I dont really have a area to setup in (living in an apartment) wondering if anyone has suggestions for tables/ workbenches to plop all of the press and case cleaners on? 

 

I'm not great at woodworking, so I'd be more willing to get something pre-made, since making a whole table is a bit difficult 

[Rip Snorter]

If space is really tight, a Black & Decker Workmate does a good job. There are also some other brands that are a bit larger, but my experience is with the B & D.

[Beartrap SASS#57175]

Get a small table designed for bench grinders and such. Work great for a small press setup.

Search for "grinder table" at Harbor Freight.

[John Kloehr]

Here is a good basic workbench (available in 4, 5, and 6' lengths).

 

https://www.amazon.com/WORKPRO-Adjustable-Workbench-Heavy-Duty-Workstation/dp/B08BNZDB57/ref=sr_1_4?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uPGmAT5tipIqcDyKW3iKQP_lIioLg4ZJ-HZKufI3dy4HbwKw0ckWFc7VGiegIdbL3A_60PKgFaN1ipcDCaVk5E32DLISm6Mu4zf2HiO8p4Q4AwxI-FnnGMtY5o9SyFYcRktLK07gfE-VYUjHZe0zHNvSR3Q7jih9cQr6S5xAgIr7mCpy-CnkQ4E2dPVzPv5R4AvBkiuj_auXQylxndZ3eZAFX_ei0Z1w4R-K2hRDEnpI23I1ZaThcvFQqDiV2aO4noTVGMBbwajHWjtzT5IShQ3cfjt873v0lgIQYhKsLD4.cbqLQooP7HaTx8A9k5R1x_B9V7i6YIa0470N1HJYEBg&dib_tag=se&hvadid=664387307271&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9013422&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3807153844613515514&hvtargid=kwd-1434533246092&hydadcr=9684_13688391&keywords=ammo%2Breloading%2Bbenches&qid=1719152574&sr=8-4&th=1

 

I don't reload yet, but have had many  dedicated workbenches for various purposes. The thoughts on this one:

 

The wood top is Rubberwood (a sustainable hardwood). It is similar to Maple, but may cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to Latex. But so much better than particle board. Get better than particle board.

 

No shelving built above the back. Shelving within an arms length is always handy.

 

No shelf below, handy for stuff related to an activity. No drawer for commonly used tools.

 

The metal framing and adjustable feet are good things. But no diagonal bracing. If bolted to the wall, it should be very solid.

 

 

 

[Blackwater 53393]

I took an old desk and added an extra 3/4” piece of plywood to the top for strength.

 

It has eight drawers to keep all the peripherals in and space underneath where I keep my vibratory case cleaner, a small trash can, and an old office chair.

 

It’s probably larger than what you’re looking for, but I have plenty of space, so I made the plywood top a good bit larger than the actual desk top.

 

 

 

 

 

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

1 hour ago, Trouble on the Rhein said:

I dont really have a area to setup in

The answer to this question will determine what kind of bench you can get.  If it has to be portable then you are looking at something like a Workmate.  If you are going to leave it set up the size of your space will determine what you can have.

[Sedalia Dave]

Unless your lease expressly prohibits it, attach the bench to a wall stud with a small L bracket. Only needs a single drywall screw. You’ll be amazed at the increase in stability that it provides. 

[Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L]

while I'm sure you want it small you will need something heavy enough not to move when you operate the press--both ways:

pull down to resize, possibly work the powder measure, seat bullet, and then crimp (progress or single stage: these operations are needed in both machine choices)  you can always prime and use a separate powder measure off the press, too

 

if you prime on the machine then you will push the handle into the press a bit for this operation--that can cause rocking back.

 

if you can secure it to a wall then 'Bob's your uncle,'  been watching too many UK, Aus/NZ shows

▲while you can secure it to a wall stud you can always figure out a clamping method so you don't ding the wall.  Open closet door, 2x4 on the inside, similar on your bench, clamp together

[Renegade Roper]

A friend of mine lives in an upstairs apartment with very little space & this is her setup.  It's portable, I think she got the work bench from Harbor Freight.

Roper

[Warden Callaway]

When we built new in 83, I built an 8' long by 2' deep bench made out of oak. Super sturdy. Has a Dillon 450 and 550 mounted on it. Plus sometimes other single station presses as needed. 

 

A couple of years ago I got into restoring old guns and needed some place to work on them.  I went to Harbour Freight and bought one of their 5' work benches.  I think I paid a hundred and change. But that was before Build Back Better economy.  I just looked up the bench now and it's $180.00.

https://www.harborfreight.com/60-in-three-drawer-hardwood-workbench-58832.html?_br_psugg_q=work+bench+with+storage

 

[Hoss]

1 hour ago, Renegade Roper said:

A friend of mine lives in an upstairs apartment with very little space & this is her setup.  It's portable, I think she got the work bench from Harbor Freight.

Roper

I have a similar bench without drawers. I put it in a clothes closet with bifold doors. Used driving above. When needed the room for other purposes took press off Mount, closed the doors. 

[Jack Spade]

If you are just using one press I would mount it to a piece of 3/4 plywood from underneath with counter sunk screws then you can use the soft jaw clamps and clamp it to your dining table or a counter top.  

If you are going to use more than one press like a metallic press and a shotgun press I would mount an inline fabrication quick mount to the plywood then base plates for each press.  When not in use the setup can be stored in a closet.

[Sedalia Dave]

A bench like a black and decker workmate benefits greatly from a strap running from the top work surface to an anchor in the floor directly below the top anchor. 
 

 

[Edward R S Canby, SASS#59971]

Home Depot has a wide selection of sturdy, maple-topped work benches.  I use one of them for one of my loading benches.  A loading bench needs to have a stiff top as a top that flexes will not perform well.

[J-BAR #18287]

Like Blackwater, I used an old student's desk. Presses are bolted to a piece of plywood, which was covered in green canvas before being secured to the desktop.  It's in my den, a small unused bedroom.  The drawers are handy for storing components.  Find an old desk at a flea market or garage sale and be creative.

 

[Warden Callaway]

I have my Lee APP press mounted on a sturdy bar stool made from 2x4s.  It sets in a spare bedroom. Shown setup for bullet sizing. 

 

 

[Dacotua]

I had a lot of spare boards in the garage, so I screwed them on top of an IKEA shelf system. (So I could store stuff under it).

 

 

[Jackrabbit Joe #414]

My reloading room two parts only;

[Texas Maverick]

I started out with this Lee Reloading Press table and still use it even after getting a workbench set up. It is great because you can have multiple presses on plates that can be moved into action very quickly and also stored on the table out of the way. You can also add bins to assist in the reloading process.

 

https://leeprecision.com/press-accessories

 

 

TM 

[Tall John]

I have been using a 2’x6’ Gorilla garage racking.  Comes in pieces in a top and bottom half.  I started with using the bottom half and added a 1”x 3’x6’ bench top and anchored them to the racking.  Works well and can be broken down into Pieces for easy moving.  I’ve since added a second.

[DeaconKC]

@Tall John I am stealing your idea for the towel dispenser! Did you screw it on or use an adhesive tape?

[Tall John]

I used wide magnetic tape strips so I wouldn’t have to drill holes. It can be a PIA sometimes if I jerk on the roll too hard. 🤪

[Blackwater 53393]

In my photo of my bench, you’ll see a Lee Load All II.  I use it for small batches to test, the cut down 12ga shells for my ‘93s, and for some of the steps in my 10ga reloading.

 

I like the little bastard, but I HATE that lid and the tray for the bushings!  I have twice inadvertently knocked the whole shebang off, spilling all those little pieces of plastic all over the place!!  When it happened the last time I promised myself that I would fix the problem permanently.

 

I didn’t want to take it all and put it in some drawer or on some shelf. Having it right there suits my idea of simple organizing.  So this afternoon I found an old wire coat hanger and sat down and made myself a clip to secure the lid and bushing tray.

 

Pics to follow…

 

 

 

 

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Blackwater,  haven't seen your pictures yet, but a couple pieces of blue tape hold the top on my LoadAll. 

[Blackwater 53393]

19 minutes ago, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said:

Blackwater,  haven't seen your pictures yet, but a couple pieces of blue tape hold the top on my LoadAll. 

Not a bad idea, but then I’d have to deal with the adhesive.  I thought of using velcro wire ties too, but that would require wrapping two of them around the entire press section.

 

With this, I just flip the top clip off the back of the lid to refill or to access the bushings.

 

I didn’t have a pair of needle nose pliers handy, so I still have to curl the front end of the clip, but it works great!!

[watab kid]

im using a B&D workmate for my reloading , not the comfortable space of a larger bench but does the job in the spare bathroom i use it in , 

[Perro Del Diablo]

On 6/23/2024 at 6:49 PM, Warden Callaway said:

I have my Lee APP press mounted on a sturdy bar stool made from 2x4s.  It sets in a spare bedroom. Shown setup for bullet sizing. 

 

 

I've considered building this. Texas summer is no joke trying to load in the garage. But this barstool/ pedestal may be my next project 

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

21 hours ago, watab kid said:

im using a B&D workmate for my reloading , not the comfortable space of a larger bench but does the job in the spare bathroom i use it in , 

Interesting place to load.  Could come in handy.

3 hours ago, Perro Del Diablo said:

... Texas summer is no joke trying to load in the garage. ...

I hear you.  I, too use the B&D Workmate, an old sturdy one, in my brother's garage in San Antonio.  With the top boards screwed together, they are exactly the depth of the 550 strong mount, which is C-clamped at all four corners.  On the upstroke primer push, I always have my left hand behind the press pulling back towards me, so it's more like a squeeze, and keeps the press from wanting to move.

[Mossy Horn Gent]

On 6/23/2024 at 7:39 AM, John Kloehr said:

Here is a good basic workbench (available in 4, 5, and 6' lengths).

 

https://www.amazon.com/WORKPRO-Adjustable-Workbench-Heavy-Duty-Workstation/dp/B08BNZDB57/ref=sr_1_4?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uPGmAT5tipIqcDyKW3iKQP_lIioLg4ZJ-HZKufI3dy4HbwKw0ckWFc7VGiegIdbL3A_60PKgFaN1ipcDCaVk5E32DLISm6Mu4zf2HiO8p4Q4AwxI-FnnGMtY5o9SyFYcRktLK07gfE-VYUjHZe0zHNvSR3Q7jih9cQr6S5xAgIr7mCpy-CnkQ4E2dPVzPv5R4AvBkiuj_auXQylxndZ3eZAFX_ei0Z1w4R-K2hRDEnpI23I1ZaThcvFQqDiV2aO4noTVGMBbwajHWjtzT5IShQ3cfjt873v0lgIQYhKsLD4.cbqLQooP7HaTx8A9k5R1x_B9V7i6YIa0470N1HJYEBg&dib_tag=se&hvadid=664387307271&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9013422&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3807153844613515514&hvtargid=kwd-1434533246092&hydadcr=9684_13688391&keywords=ammo%2Breloading%2Bbenches&qid=1719152574&sr=8-4&th=1

 

I don't reload yet, but have had many  dedicated workbenches for various purposes. The thoughts on this one:

 

The wood top is Rubberwood (a sustainable hardwood). It is similar to Maple, but may cause allergic reactions in those sensitive to Latex. But so much better than particle board. Get better than particle board.

 

No shelving built above the back. Shelving within an arms length is always handy.

 

No shelf below, handy for stuff related to an activity. No drawer for commonly used tools.

 

The metal framing and adjustable feet are good things. But no diagonal bracing. If bolted to the wall, it should be very solid.

 

 

 

I use one of these for a smithing bench. Very sturdy and stable.

[watab kid]

23 hours ago, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said:

Interesting place to load.  Could come in handy.

I hear you.  I, too use the B&D Workmate, an old sturdy one, in my brother's garage in San Antonio.  With the top boards screwed together, they are exactly the depth of the 550 strong mount, which is C-clamped at all four corners.  On the upstroke primer push, I always have my left hand behind the press pulling back towards me, so it's more like a squeeze, and keeps the press from wanting to move.

yes , there is only two of us in the house these days and we have three full and a half , no basement , i commandeered the full we never used , not [erfect but tll i get around to remodeling it it serves the purpose , fully conditioned and big enough for what i do 

[Perro Del Diablo]

On 6/23/2024 at 2:31 PM, Jack Spade said:

If you are just using one press I would mount it to a piece of 3/4 plywood from underneath with counter sunk screws then you can use the soft jaw clamps and clamp it to your dining table or a counter top.  

If you are going to use more than one press like a metallic press and a shotgun press I would mount an inline fabrication quick mount to the plywood then base plates for each press.  When not in use the setup can be stored in a closet.

How we loaded shotgun shells when I was kid

[Duke Hunter]

I bought this bench at Home Depot less than 200 dollars . Don’t remember the exact price. It’s easy to move around changes height easily. I have added more to it since this picture from 3 years ago and load thousands of rounds on it every year. Sturdy and works well for me.