Should I market a press stand?

Fatelvis · August 14, 2011, 10:31 AM

Recently, I've been building a bunch of these, per customer request for their presses. Some have been more like Dillon's BFR stand, and some more like the Ultimate Reloader's plans. I am a welder by trade, and own a mobile welding service. Would anyone on here be interested in one for their machine, with the price tag around $160 + shipping? I'm just seeing if there is an interest, and if so, these may help me work through the ever present "slow winters". Lol

Vance · August 14, 2011, 12:07 PM

Oh, I am interested, but the funds just aren't available right now.

TXGunNut · August 14, 2011, 01:31 PM

Nicely done. I would add (or make optional) some tabs to facilitate attaching it to the front of an existing bench. Price seems very reasonable to me because it will likely be less costly than reinforcing a normal workbench that isn't up to the stresses of heavy-duty reloading, also less than building a purpose-built reloading bench.
Seems to me it would also be perfect for BMG loaders and bullet swagers but I don't do either.
I'd definitely market it to high volume or specialty reloaders as an alternative to or improvement on a purpose-built heavy-duty reloading bench. Since you build them one @ a time (for now) you can be flexible to accomodate the buyer's existing bench, presses and special needs.
I think you have a very marketable idea, hope it works out for you.

zippy13 · August 14, 2011, 01:39 PM

The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Stand is a joke, right? Neither the designer nor illustrator had clue about what they were doing.

farmerboy · August 14, 2011, 01:41 PM

I don't know how much those are I'n the store but they look very cheesy. A pipe and a flat plate welded on each end. I'd rather build a bench out of wood or buy a table from the store or a garage sale

Fatelvis · August 14, 2011, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Since you build them one @ a time (for now) you can be flexible to accomidate the buyer's existing bench, presses and special needs.

I do build them one at a time, and for that reason, I can tailor them to each individual's needs. Different presses need different bolt patterns drilled in the top plate, like you stated, some people may want to attach it to something, or attach containers to the stand, to aid in the reloading process (bullet box, or brass box). But of course I would have to add to the cost for such additional options.

Fatelvis · August 14, 2011, 01:59 PM

Quote:

they look very cheesy. A pipe and a flat plate welded on each end. I'd rather build a bench out of wood or buy a table from the store or a garage sale

The stands I build are far from being "cheezy". Lol I build them with the intent of lag bolting them down to concrete or a heavy wood floor. There is absolutely zero rocking, flexing, or vibrating of the stand once it is bolted down securely, and the press is used. Just a rock-solid feel while pulling the handle and indexing. Once you use a progressive that is mounted with absolute rigidity like this, it's hard to go back to a bench mounted press. I've used bench mounted presses for years, and no matter how much weight I use as ballast on the bench, it doesn't equal the solid feel of a lag-bolted pedastal.

flashhole · August 16, 2011, 07:47 PM

I'd wager the post is a solid mount. I built this for about $200 in material including the 5/16" metal plates that span the uprights. Mounting the press directly over the legs adds a great deal of stability. The legs are 5"x5" fake wood used for decks and they weigh a ton. Very solid.

PA-Joe · August 16, 2011, 08:35 PM

Take a look at the Frankford Arsenel Stand. It can hold two presses.

farmerboy · August 16, 2011, 10:28 PM

Very, Very Nice Flashhole!!!

zippy13 · August 17, 2011, 12:11 PM

...The legs are 5"x5" fake wood used for decks and they weigh a ton. Very solid.

Very sturdy looking (sturdy enough that it seems that bent the arm on the Lee on the right). And, you didn't have to bolt the whole thing to the floor.

BigJimP · August 17, 2011, 01:08 PM

Respectfully, no, I don't think you're going to find a big market for it ....

I think you'd be lucky to sell a few hundred ...maybe thru local gunshows...but at $ 160 plus shipping .../ it might be $ 225 - $ 250 if you had to ship it accross country... ( guys are too cheap ...) ...

and the narrow base isn't ideal to me personally ...

flashhole · August 17, 2011, 04:34 PM

zippy - the Lee press comes with a bent press handle. The bend is to clear the primer assembly that attaches to the upper turret flange. I don't have/use that tool for priming cases.

zippy13 · August 17, 2011, 07:13 PM

You didn't have any blue presses, so I didn't know for sure.

August 14, 2011, 01:31 PM	#3
TXGunNut Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2010 Location: If you have to ask... Posts: 2,860	Nicely done. I would add (or make optional) some tabs to facilitate attaching it to the front of an existing bench. Price seems very reasonable to me because it will likely be less costly than reinforcing a normal workbench that isn't up to the stresses of heavy-duty reloading, also less than building a purpose-built reloading bench. Seems to me it would also be perfect for BMG loaders and bullet swagers but I don't do either. I'd definitely market it to high volume or specialty reloaders as an alternative to or improvement on a purpose-built heavy-duty reloading bench. Since you build them one @ a time (for now) you can be flexible to accomodate the buyer's existing bench, presses and special needs. I think you have a very marketable idea, hope it works out for you. __________________ Life Member NRA, TSRA Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call Lonesome Dove My favorite recipes start out with a handful of used wheelweights.

August 16, 2011, 07:47 PM	#8
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	I'd wager the post is a solid mount. I built this for about $200 in material including the 5/16" metal plates that span the uprights. Mounting the press directly over the legs adds a great deal of stability. The legs are 5"x5" fake wood used for decks and they weigh a ton. Very solid. __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

August 17, 2011, 04:34 PM	#13
flashhole Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2005 Location: Owego, NY Posts: 2,000	zippy - the Lee press comes with a bent press handle. The bend is to clear the primer assembly that attaches to the upper turret flange. I don't have/use that tool for priming cases. __________________ ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 my wife in a discussion about Liberals. Are you ready for civil war?

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August 14, 2011, 12:07 PM	#2
Vance Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2011 Location: North Bend, OR Posts: 743	Oh, I am interested, but the funds just aren't available right now.

August 14, 2011, 01:39 PM	#4
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Stand is a joke, right? Neither the designer nor illustrator had clue about what they were doing.

August 14, 2011, 01:41 PM	#5
farmerboy Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,343	I don't know how much those are I'n the store but they look very cheesy. A pipe and a flat plate welded on each end. I'd rather build a bench out of wood or buy a table from the store or a garage sale

August 16, 2011, 08:35 PM	#9
PA-Joe Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: NEPA Posts: 909	Take a look at the Frankford Arsenel Stand. It can hold two presses.

August 16, 2011, 10:28 PM	#10
farmerboy Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,343	Very, Very Nice Flashhole!!!

August 17, 2011, 12:11 PM	#11
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	...The legs are 5"x5" fake wood used for decks and they weigh a ton. Very solid. Very sturdy looking (sturdy enough that it seems that bent the arm on the Lee on the right). And, you didn't have to bolt the whole thing to the floor.

August 17, 2011, 01:08 PM	#12
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Respectfully, no, I don't think you're going to find a big market for it .... I think you'd be lucky to sell a few hundred ...maybe thru local gunshows...but at $ 160 plus shipping .../ it might be $ 225 - $ 250 if you had to ship it accross country... ( guys are too cheap ...) ... and the narrow base isn't ideal to me personally ...

August 17, 2011, 07:13 PM	#14
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	You didn't have any blue presses, so I didn't know for sure.