Do you have a bijou reloading bench?

Pond, James Pond · May 5, 2016, 05:05 PM

If yes, then I'd like a picture!

I am soon going to start building myself a reloading area at home, but it will be on the landing at the top of the stairs. This means that space will be a premium.

I need to take measurements, but I think perhaps 4 feet across. I also want to build it into a cabinet style arrangement so that when I'm not pulling levers and measure throats it will all sit discreetly behind a could of wardrobe style doors: it would avoid the kids putting fingers and noses where they're best not put and I also see no reason to advertise my hobby to visitors.

So any neat ideas you have for storage, disguise and space management you'd be willing to share with me for inspiration?

michaeldarnold · May 5, 2016, 05:22 PM

Retrying for inline picture.

michaeldarnold · May 5, 2016, 06:52 PM

My bench measures 48 wide x 20 deep and could be adapted into a cabinet pretty easily.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

michaeldarnold · May 5, 2016, 06:53 PM

Better full view. Less stuff on the bench.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Pond, James Pond · May 6, 2016, 01:23 AM

Nice! Any rationale for positioning the press right on one side?

michaeldarnold · May 6, 2016, 01:37 AM

I'm left handed, so I work left to right. Also as you can see in the first picture, it allows for me to spread my crap out across the rest of the bench. The press is mounted through the bench top with 6 carriage bolts and the base of the mount easily goes 3/4 of the length of the deck.
It truly becomes one with the bench when bolted down.

It's also removable and can be stored on the shelves if I need the entire bench for something.

I am also a wood worker so this bench doubles its usefulness and allows me a place to build, assemble, drill, hammer, glue, stain, etc. The deck of the bench is covered in peel and stick flooring tiles so it's really tough and resistant to chemicals and use.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Pond, James Pond · May 6, 2016, 01:55 AM

Quote:

It's also removable and can be stored on the shelves if I need the entire bench for something.

Whilst I'm leaning toward placing the press in a more central location (benches edges will be up against either a wall or a bannister), I do like the idea of the press being removable.

F. Guffey · May 6, 2016, 10:11 AM

9x45 · May 6, 2016, 10:18 AM

I only have a little corner in the laundry room. All made from scrap lumber.

Compact but efficient.

F. Guffey · May 6, 2016, 10:20 AM

F. Guffey · May 6, 2016, 10:23 AM

These cabinets have 7 drawers, , I have 5 cabinets.

F. Guffey

michaeldarnold · May 6, 2016, 10:40 AM

F. Guffey,

What's up with the toggle switch?

Shenna9220 · May 6, 2016, 11:11 AM

I have limited space indoors in which to load but I like to load in a controlled environment, being in Florida that's inside. I converted an old Microwave table and it sits in the corner of the office. So far it has worked out fine. The table slides out from the middle and I added extended legs on the bottom with wheels for stability. The wheels allow me to move it out to the center of the room to use as a cleaning bench. The tumbler and powder measure usually live in the closet when not in use

http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/sh...t.jpg.html?o=0

http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/sh...o.jpg.html?o=1

Pond, James Pond · May 6, 2016, 01:11 PM

Some nice ideas, so far. The creative juices are rising!!

hoghunting · May 6, 2016, 03:11 PM

9x45, great job for just a small space as everything is comfortably accessible.

emcon5 · May 6, 2016, 04:01 PM

I lived in an apartment when I was first starting out handloading. I made a simple bench out of scrap 2x4s that was about 20"(~50CM) square and a little over 2' (~61CM) tall. I boxed in the bottom of the legs and put it on a piece of plywood, so the bottom served as storage for dies and components. It was sturdy, yet small enough to fit in the bottom of a closet, and portable enough I could carry it wherever I wanted to work in my apartment.

I really wish I had a photo of it, and I kind of miss it. Sometimes it is nice to reload wherever I want, instead of the cold garage.

Google image search found me something similar, although this is larger then mine was, it is built the exact same way (well, the frame is the same, mine the shelf on the bottom was below the frame, made a nice storage area with sides, so crap wouldn't fall out when I was moving it around).

http://postimg.org/image/xlz0ngeb3/
http://postimg.org/image/55542zxpr/

If you do a Google image search for "compact reloading bench" and "Apartment reloading bench" you can get lots of ideas, there are a couple of what look like table-top benches people have made, a small box that you set on your kitchen table.

SARuger · May 6, 2016, 09:25 PM

Mine is in my gun vault. I used kitchen counters on both sides of the room, one for reloading and the other for cleaning/repairing firearms. My gun vault is small, 9x8 and has safes in it as well so space is tight.

Pond, James Pond · May 7, 2016, 01:36 AM

Wow. You've definitely exploited the strengths in the Lee Classic Turret design, there!!

I'm looking forward to getting re-acquainted with my Lee turret. For the last year and a half, a hand press in a warm living room has trumped a turret in a freezing garage.

I will say that my area will probably be about 2 thirds of the width you have there, maybe a little less. And with the slope of the roof coming in over the planned area, I'll have to think carefully.

9x45 · May 7, 2016, 07:53 AM

SARuger, you have the $$$ for a gun vault, but load on a Lee Turret? Or is that have you could afford to build the vault from the savings, instead of buying a dozen Dillon 1050's with bullet feeders.

Sure Shot Mc Gee · May 7, 2016, 10:07 AM

Having a small area set aside in my basements den for my bench. Where I could also enjoy the family & TV was a key issue for me at the time due to working two jobs. Not having much free time back then I didn't want to get into building a bench in some dark corner of the basement. A Buddy of mine found me a decent looking free for the taking steel office desk having three deep draws on its right side and a small locking security tray.

A heavy desk it is. Had to un-bolt it down into two pieces and with help to carry it down the stairs to the basement. Otherwise a dolly is needed when its fully assembled. Been pleased with it so far. Lots of hidden storage for dies powders components and 50 lbs of assorted ammo. (< always pays to be prepared

)The desk itself is deep/ large enough to stack small sliding draw cabinets that come in handy for labeled what-evers. Enough desks edge to permanently mount my__Lubsizer-2 __Rockchucker & Lee Progressive 1000 and too handle swaging which creates a huge amount of downward force & pressure not all reloading benches can handle. I would promote anyone interested in home reloading. Don't procrastinate about building a bench. It doesn't require a architect design. Just build it and get ta enjoying the art of making your own cartridges.

SARuger · May 7, 2016, 07:10 PM

Quote:

SARuger, you have the $$$ for a gun vault, but load on a Lee Turret? Or is that have you could afford to build the vault from the savings, instead of buying a dozen Dillon 1050's with bullet feeders.

I wish, I bet I make less that 90% of the good folks on here. I don't mind getting my hands dirty and doing things myself. Took 3 weekends to build a 8x9 vault. It makes a good safe room too.

9x45 · May 8, 2016, 10:29 AM

What did you use for a vault door? The ones I looked at started at $1,600.

SARuger · May 8, 2016, 11:22 AM

No, nothing like that. A good quality external steel door is fine. At least it will do for me.

May 5, 2016, 05:05 PM	#1
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Do you have a bijou reloading bench? If yes, then I'd like a picture! I am soon going to start building myself a reloading area at home, but it will be on the landing at the top of the stairs. This means that space will be a premium. I need to take measurements, but I think perhaps 4 feet across. I also want to build it into a cabinet style arrangement so that when I'm not pulling levers and measure throats it will all sit discreetly behind a could of wardrobe style doors: it would avoid the kids putting fingers and noses where they're best not put and I also see no reason to advertise my hobby to visitors. So any neat ideas you have for storage, disguise and space management you'd be willing to share with me for inspiration? __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

May 5, 2016, 05:22 PM	#2
michaeldarnold Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2016 Location: St. Louis Suburbs Posts: 137	Retrying for inline picture. Last edited by michaeldarnold; May 5, 2016 at 06:28 PM.

May 6, 2016, 01:23 AM	#5
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Nice! Any rationale for positioning the press right on one side? __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

May 6, 2016, 10:18 AM	#9
9x45 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2000 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,089	I only have a little corner in the laundry room. All made from scrap lumber. Compact but efficient. __________________ Sometimes my Glock forgets where to look.....

May 6, 2016, 10:23 AM	#11
F. Guffey Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2008 Posts: 7,249	These cabinets have 7 drawers, , I have 5 cabinets. F. Guffey Last edited by F. Guffey; May 6, 2016 at 10:33 AM.

May 5, 2016, 06:52 PM	#3
michaeldarnold Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2016 Location: St. Louis Suburbs Posts: 137	My bench measures 48 wide x 20 deep and could be adapted into a cabinet pretty easily. Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

May 5, 2016, 06:53 PM	#4
michaeldarnold Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2016 Location: St. Louis Suburbs Posts: 137	Better full view. Less stuff on the bench. Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

May 6, 2016, 01:37 AM	#6
michaeldarnold Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2016 Location: St. Louis Suburbs Posts: 137	I'm left handed, so I work left to right. Also as you can see in the first picture, it allows for me to spread my crap out across the rest of the bench. The press is mounted through the bench top with 6 carriage bolts and the base of the mount easily goes 3/4 of the length of the deck. It truly becomes one with the bench when bolted down. It's also removable and can be stored on the shelves if I need the entire bench for something. I am also a wood worker so this bench doubles its usefulness and allows me a place to build, assemble, drill, hammer, glue, stain, etc. The deck of the bench is covered in peel and stick flooring tiles so it's really tough and resistant to chemicals and use. Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

May 6, 2016, 10:11 AM	#8
F. Guffey Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2008 Posts: 7,249

May 6, 2016, 10:20 AM	#10
F. Guffey Senior Member Join Date: July 18, 2008 Posts: 7,249

May 6, 2016, 10:40 AM	#12
michaeldarnold Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2016 Location: St. Louis Suburbs Posts: 137	F. Guffey, What's up with the toggle switch?

May 6, 2016, 11:11 AM	#13
Shenna9220 Member Join Date: January 31, 2016 Location: Zephyrhills,Fl Posts: 78	I have limited space indoors in which to load but I like to load in a controlled environment, being in Florida that's inside. I converted an old Microwave table and it sits in the corner of the office. So far it has worked out fine. The table slides out from the middle and I added extended legs on the bottom with wheels for stability. The wheels allow me to move it out to the center of the room to use as a cleaning bench. The tumbler and powder measure usually live in the closet when not in use http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/sh...t.jpg.html?o=0 http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/sh...o.jpg.html?o=1

May 6, 2016, 01:11 PM	#14
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Some nice ideas, so far. The creative juices are rising!! __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

May 6, 2016, 03:11 PM	#15
hoghunting Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2006 Posts: 1,559	9x45, great job for just a small space as everything is comfortably accessible.

May 6, 2016, 04:01 PM	#16
emcon5 Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 1999 Location: High Desert NV Posts: 2,850	I lived in an apartment when I was first starting out handloading. I made a simple bench out of scrap 2x4s that was about 20"(~50CM) square and a little over 2' (~61CM) tall. I boxed in the bottom of the legs and put it on a piece of plywood, so the bottom served as storage for dies and components. It was sturdy, yet small enough to fit in the bottom of a closet, and portable enough I could carry it wherever I wanted to work in my apartment. I really wish I had a photo of it, and I kind of miss it. Sometimes it is nice to reload wherever I want, instead of the cold garage. Google image search found me something similar, although this is larger then mine was, it is built the exact same way (well, the frame is the same, mine the shelf on the bottom was below the frame, made a nice storage area with sides, so crap wouldn't fall out when I was moving it around). http://postimg.org/image/xlz0ngeb3/ http://postimg.org/image/55542zxpr/ If you do a Google image search for "compact reloading bench" and "Apartment reloading bench" you can get lots of ideas, there are a couple of what look like table-top benches people have made, a small box that you set on your kitchen table.

May 6, 2016, 09:25 PM	#17
SARuger Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 954	Mine is in my gun vault. I used kitchen counters on both sides of the room, one for reloading and the other for cleaning/repairing firearms. My gun vault is small, 9x8 and has safes in it as well so space is tight.

May 7, 2016, 01:36 AM	#18
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Wow. You've definitely exploited the strengths in the Lee Classic Turret design, there!! I'm looking forward to getting re-acquainted with my Lee turret. For the last year and a half, a hand press in a warm living room has trumped a turret in a freezing garage. I will say that my area will probably be about 2 thirds of the width you have there, maybe a little less. And with the slope of the roof coming in over the planned area, I'll have to think carefully. __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

May 7, 2016, 07:53 AM	#19
9x45 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2000 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,089	SARuger, you have the $$$ for a gun vault, but load on a Lee Turret? Or is that have you could afford to build the vault from the savings, instead of buying a dozen Dillon 1050's with bullet feeders. __________________ Sometimes my Glock forgets where to look.....

May 7, 2016, 10:07 AM	#20
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	Having a small area set aside in my basements den for my bench. Where I could also enjoy the family & TV was a key issue for me at the time due to working two jobs. Not having much free time back then I didn't want to get into building a bench in some dark corner of the basement. A Buddy of mine found me a decent looking free for the taking steel office desk having three deep draws on its right side and a small locking security tray. A heavy desk it is. Had to un-bolt it down into two pieces and with help to carry it down the stairs to the basement. Otherwise a dolly is needed when its fully assembled. Been pleased with it so far. Lots of hidden storage for dies powders components and 50 lbs of assorted ammo. (< always pays to be prepared )The desk itself is deep/ large enough to stack small sliding draw cabinets that come in handy for labeled what-evers. Enough desks edge to permanently mount my__Lubsizer-2 __Rockchucker & Lee Progressive 1000 and too handle swaging which creates a huge amount of downward force & pressure not all reloading benches can handle. I would promote anyone interested in home reloading. Don't procrastinate about building a bench. It doesn't require a architect design. Just build it and get ta enjoying the art of making your own cartridges.

May 8, 2016, 10:29 AM	#22
9x45 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2000 Location: Southern California Posts: 1,089	What did you use for a vault door? The ones I looked at started at $1,600. __________________ Sometimes my Glock forgets where to look.....

May 8, 2016, 11:22 AM	#23
SARuger Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 954	No, nothing like that. A good quality external steel door is fine. At least it will do for me.