What do you use for your reloading bench?

FoghornLeghorn · November 16, 2017, 07:30 AM

My current setup is less than ideal and I'm in the market for a new bench. I don't have a lot of space as my targeted location is also my exercise and music room.

I'm looking at used desks on Craiglist.

What do you use?

Wishoot · November 16, 2017, 08:04 AM

I use one of these:

http://www.blackanddecker.com/en-us/...and-vise/wm225

Very sturdy and easy to move around.

For organization, you can use an inexpensive plastic shelf and ammo cans.

GeorgeandSugar · November 16, 2017, 08:18 AM

I purchased a Husky Work bench at Home Depot. I use another work bench, a long table purchased from Costco to clean my firearms and process brass.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OzeanJaeger · November 16, 2017, 08:41 AM

I bought a 2” butcher block top from butcherblockco.com, blemished/second, a couple of 2x4s and some plywood, and built a rock solid bench with “2X4 Basics” shelving fittings and legs. It goes together with just long drywall screws. I was going to anchor it to the stud wall, but that proved unnecessary because it’s so solid.

Not quite as easy as the rolling tool cart, but I built it all for about $150, and you can make it any size you want.

hounddawg · November 16, 2017, 08:51 AM

Over the years I reloaded on everything from a picnic table on the back deck to a workmate with a piece of outdoor ply clamped to the top in a one car garage. Last summer I decided to break down and build a nice one to replace one that I had slapped together with 2 by's that had never even been painted. I used scrap red oak , maple and poplar left over from past projects.

I protect the figured maple top with a piece of clear carpet runner. Bins are easy access plastic storage, aluminum strip along front allows me to clip the small colored plastic storage bins which can be seen on the top to hold cases and bullets when loading. Everything is labeled and in it's place for a change. It is amazing how a little organization has made reloading easier and more relaxing.

Sure Shot Mc Gee · November 16, 2017, 09:04 AM

The old stand by:
Old steel CPA's office desk. That's adapted to mount my RCBS lubesizer2 (pig iron made) Rockchucker press_ Lee Progressive 1000 and a old worn out Pacific single stage press I purchased new that is now used to swage lead cast smaller in caliber.

These days I do most of my rifle cartridge reloading i.e. (30-30 paper patching) while sitting in my recliner watching MSNBC or CNN. I loath watching either show so that causes me to pay closer attention to my patching hobby/reloadings and I seem to get allot more done y'll.

OzeanJaeger · November 16, 2017, 10:48 AM

Now that there is funny!

My wife’s grandfather was a Bronze Star recipient at the BOB, and he and I had about the same worldview. He looked at me one time and said, “I like to watch Obama on TV.” I guess I had a shocked expression on my face. He smiled and said, “I like being angry!’

444 · November 16, 2017, 01:08 PM

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/ultra-...Id=prod1480010

Wishoot · November 16, 2017, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wishoot

I use one of these:

http://www.blackanddecker.com/en-us/...and-vise/wm225

Very sturdy and easy to move around.

For organization, you can use an inexpensive plastic shelf and ammo cans.

For reference...

FoghornLeghorn · November 16, 2017, 04:25 PM

Quote:

For reference...

That's actually what I've been using lately, and it's just too unstable for me. YMMV.

Formerly, I had a bench I constructed out of 2X12s and 2X4s which I bolted to the wall studs. Not very pretty and was definitely permanent, but given my criteria I guess I'll do that again.

And some of those benches in this thread? I think you guys just shoot so you'll have an excuse to reload.

Wishoot · November 16, 2017, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FoghornLeghorn

That's actually what I've been using lately, and it's just too unstable for me. YMMV.

Formerly, I had a bench I constructed out of 2X12s and 2X4s which I bolted to the wall studs. Not very pretty and was definitely permanent, but given my criteria I guess I'll do that again.

And some of those benches in this thread? I think you guys just shoot so you'll have an excuse to reload.

That's too bad. Mine is about 20 years old. Maybe the newer one's aren't as stable,

Hammerhead · November 16, 2017, 04:52 PM

I use a heavy wood desk that i re
enforced with some diagonal bracing.

hounddawg · November 16, 2017, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Formerly, I had a bench I constructed out of 2X12s and 2X4s which I bolted to the wall studs. Not very pretty and was definitely permanent, but given my criteria I guess I'll do that again.

3 months ago that was what I had, other than mine was free standing. It served me well for about 8 years, but it was uglier than a mud fence and I could not keep my cases and components organized

Quote:

And some of those benches in this thread? I think you guys just shoot so you'll have an excuse to reload.

and the Magic 8 Ball says " maybe"

Kwik2010 · November 16, 2017, 06:42 PM

I Just have an old welding table and use an old microwave stand for accessory storage. I'll upload a picture when I get home.

RC20 · November 16, 2017, 06:53 PM

I have used a Closet shelf (beefed up) and a folding work bench thing.

I concur a heavy top table is by far the best.

You can build legs but a heavy top helps (more so with rifle)

My build in work bench would not work for you (and its ugly)

I have an old Sear drawer and door base that serves as the tumbler, vice for trimming (my version of a motorized Gerard) and barrel work.

Cheap top and I have the replacement for it in the shed and goes on this winter.

Have to get some kind of top on the old work bench.

Considering lock together flooring. Screw and glue it down and all new.

Tsquared · November 16, 2017, 07:38 PM

About 25 years ago my father-in-law was involved with a remodel with his work. They had these heavy pressed wood double door cabinets and desks they were going to toss in the dump. I got two of the cabinets for ammo and ammo reloading storage. I have the desk as my press bench. The desk is heavy enough it doesn't need to be anchored. It is not pretty but it is functional.

hdwhit · November 16, 2017, 08:01 PM

I built my own out of 2x4 dimensional timber, a 1/2 inch piece of waferboard for the benchtop, a number of 1/4 inch 3 inch long lag screws and a table saw.

I later added drawer sliders and built drawers to go underneath.

BBarn · November 16, 2017, 08:03 PM

I have made three of them from lumber and made a fourth by replacing the metal top of a machinists bench with a plywood top. 2X4 or 4X4 legs, 2X4 braces, and plywood top and lower shelves. Usually have shelves on top made with a combination of 1X8 and 2X8 boards. Tops are usually sandwiched plywood, usually 1 1/2" made from 3/4". Makes for a very sturdy bench that easily handles anything you want to set on it, or you can sit on it yourself.

ams-texas · November 16, 2017, 08:21 PM

Like others I also use a B&D Workmate. The top is a double layer of MDF with a formica top and poplar edging. I've added a removable intermediate shelf to hold my reloading books and a removable bottom shelf to store all of my bullets and other things. With the weight of the top and bullets (probably 100-200 pounds) it is surprisingly stable.

lamarw · November 16, 2017, 08:29 PM

Three old Lowes wood work benches attached to each other and covered by a couple of sheets of 3/4" plywood.

bacardisteve · November 16, 2017, 08:50 PM

When we bought our home last winter the basement was unfinished. I framed up a bench and tied it into the floor joist and anchored it into the concrete with my Ramsey. I used 2x4 and 3/4" hardwood plywood.

PoiDog · November 16, 2017, 10:36 PM

I built one of those benches from the NRMA in 1999 when I got back into reloading after a hiatus. I liked it so much, I built another bottom portion to use as a regular work bench, with a vise mounted on it.

Sturdy as can be, rock solid, and not expensive to build. It works for me.

Metal god · November 16, 2017, 10:39 PM

I use two desks in my dedicated reloading/gun room . These are pretty old pics but from when I first converted the room but it's pretty much the same it just has much more stuff in it now .

I made a way to mount multiple things to the desk like powder measure , trimmer , vise etc

FrankenMauser · November 16, 2017, 10:43 PM

Solid core doors as the bench tops, door jams for a frame around the doors, and scrap hardwood for the rest of the bench.

The last bench that I built was intended to have a 'quick change' system built in for presses, bullet sizers, case trimmers, etc., but life got in the way.
I won't be finishing this bench in that manner, but the next one will have provisions for at least two press positions (at the same time), plus two or more hard-mounting points.

I did get power integrated into this bench, and am very glad that I did it. (Two always-on outlets, plus two switched outlets, plus lighting control.)

Metal god · November 16, 2017, 10:47 PM

I keep all my dies , small hand tools , lubes , check weights , ready to load brass etc in all the drawers

As seen in post above . I also keep everything else of importance with in reach of the chair . I just need to turn in one direction or the other and just grab what I need . I really like my set up . The only thing I don't like is my back is to the door .

November 16, 2017, 07:30 AM	#1
FoghornLeghorn Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2011 Posts: 961	What do you use for your reloading bench? My current setup is less than ideal and I'm in the market for a new bench. I don't have a lot of space as my targeted location is also my exercise and music room. I'm looking at used desks on Craiglist. What do you use?

November 16, 2017, 08:04 AM	#2
Wishoot Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,093	I use one of these: http://www.blackanddecker.com/en-us/...and-vise/wm225 Very sturdy and easy to move around. For organization, you can use an inexpensive plastic shelf and ammo cans. Last edited by Wishoot; November 16, 2017 at 09:04 AM.

November 16, 2017, 08:51 AM	#5
hounddawg Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Posts: 4,232	Over the years I reloaded on everything from a picnic table on the back deck to a workmate with a piece of outdoor ply clamped to the top in a one car garage. Last summer I decided to break down and build a nice one to replace one that I had slapped together with 2 by's that had never even been painted. I used scrap red oak , maple and poplar left over from past projects. I protect the figured maple top with a piece of clear carpet runner. Bins are easy access plastic storage, aluminum strip along front allows me to clip the small colored plastic storage bins which can be seen on the top to hold cases and bullets when loading. Everything is labeled and in it's place for a change. It is amazing how a little organization has made reloading easier and more relaxing. __________________ “How do I get to the next level?” Well, you get to the next level by being the first one on the range and the last one to leave.” – Jerry Miculek Last edited by hounddawg; November 16, 2017 at 09:07 AM.

November 16, 2017, 01:08 PM	#8
444 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,968	https://www.samsclub.com/sams/ultra-...Id=prod1480010 __________________ You know the rest. In the books you have read How the British Regulars fired and fled, How the farmers gave them ball for ball, From behind each fence and farmyard wall, Chasing the redcoats down the lane, Then crossing the fields to emerge again Under the trees at the turn of the road, And only pausing to fire and load.

November 16, 2017, 06:42 PM	#14
Kwik2010 Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2016 Location: Montana Posts: 184	I Just have an old welding table and use an old microwave stand for accessory storage. I'll upload a picture when I get home. Last edited by Kwik2010; January 5, 2019 at 08:04 AM.

November 16, 2017, 08:18 AM	#3
GeorgeandSugar Member Join Date: May 20, 2017 Posts: 67	I purchased a Husky Work bench at Home Depot. I use another work bench, a long table purchased from Costco to clean my firearms and process brass. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

November 16, 2017, 08:41 AM	#4
OzeanJaeger Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2014 Posts: 301	I bought a 2” butcher block top from butcherblockco.com, blemished/second, a couple of 2x4s and some plywood, and built a rock solid bench with “2X4 Basics” shelving fittings and legs. It goes together with just long drywall screws. I was going to anchor it to the stud wall, but that proved unnecessary because it’s so solid. Not quite as easy as the rolling tool cart, but I built it all for about $150, and you can make it any size you want.

November 16, 2017, 09:04 AM	#6
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	The old stand by: Old steel CPA's office desk. That's adapted to mount my RCBS lubesizer2 (pig iron made) Rockchucker press_ Lee Progressive 1000 and a old worn out Pacific single stage press I purchased new that is now used to swage lead cast smaller in caliber. These days I do most of my rifle cartridge reloading i.e. (30-30 paper patching) while sitting in my recliner watching MSNBC or CNN. I loath watching either show so that causes me to pay closer attention to my patching hobby/reloadings and I seem to get allot more done y'll.

November 16, 2017, 10:48 AM	#7
OzeanJaeger Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2014 Posts: 301	Now that there is funny! My wife’s grandfather was a Bronze Star recipient at the BOB, and he and I had about the same worldview. He looked at me one time and said, “I like to watch Obama on TV.” I guess I had a shocked expression on my face. He smiled and said, “I like being angry!’

November 16, 2017, 04:52 PM	#12
Hammerhead Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,432	I use a heavy wood desk that i re enforced with some diagonal bracing.

November 16, 2017, 06:53 PM	#15
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	I have used a Closet shelf (beefed up) and a folding work bench thing. I concur a heavy top table is by far the best. You can build legs but a heavy top helps (more so with rifle) My build in work bench would not work for you (and its ugly) I have an old Sear drawer and door base that serves as the tumbler, vice for trimming (my version of a motorized Gerard) and barrel work. Cheap top and I have the replacement for it in the shed and goes on this winter. Have to get some kind of top on the old work bench. Considering lock together flooring. Screw and glue it down and all new. __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not

November 16, 2017, 07:38 PM	#16
Tsquared Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2016 Location: NE Atlanta Posts: 337	About 25 years ago my father-in-law was involved with a remodel with his work. They had these heavy pressed wood double door cabinets and desks they were going to toss in the dump. I got two of the cabinets for ammo and ammo reloading storage. I have the desk as my press bench. The desk is heavy enough it doesn't need to be anchored. It is not pretty but it is functional.

November 16, 2017, 08:01 PM	#17
hdwhit Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2017 Posts: 1,011	I built my own out of 2x4 dimensional timber, a 1/2 inch piece of waferboard for the benchtop, a number of 1/4 inch 3 inch long lag screws and a table saw. I later added drawer sliders and built drawers to go underneath.

November 16, 2017, 08:03 PM	#18
BBarn Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2015 Posts: 887	I have made three of them from lumber and made a fourth by replacing the metal top of a machinists bench with a plywood top. 2X4 or 4X4 legs, 2X4 braces, and plywood top and lower shelves. Usually have shelves on top made with a combination of 1X8 and 2X8 boards. Tops are usually sandwiched plywood, usually 1 1/2" made from 3/4". Makes for a very sturdy bench that easily handles anything you want to set on it, or you can sit on it yourself.

November 16, 2017, 08:21 PM	#19
ams-texas Junior Member Join Date: April 26, 2016 Posts: 2	Like others I also use a B&D Workmate. The top is a double layer of MDF with a formica top and poplar edging. I've added a removable intermediate shelf to hold my reloading books and a removable bottom shelf to store all of my bullets and other things. With the weight of the top and bullets (probably 100-200 pounds) it is surprisingly stable.

November 16, 2017, 08:29 PM	#20
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	Three old Lowes wood work benches attached to each other and covered by a couple of sheets of 3/4" plywood.

November 16, 2017, 10:36 PM	#22
PoiDog Senior Member Join Date: September 1, 1999 Location: IL Posts: 309	I built one of those benches from the NRMA in 1999 when I got back into reloading after a hiatus. I liked it so much, I built another bottom portion to use as a regular work bench, with a vise mounted on it. Sturdy as can be, rock solid, and not expensive to build. It works for me.

November 16, 2017, 10:39 PM	#23
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,875	I use two desks in my dedicated reloading/gun room . These are pretty old pics but from when I first converted the room but it's pretty much the same it just has much more stuff in it now . I made a way to mount multiple things to the desk like powder measure , trimmer , vise etc __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

November 16, 2017, 10:43 PM	#24
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Solid core doors as the bench tops, door jams for a frame around the doors, and scrap hardwood for the rest of the bench. The last bench that I built was intended to have a 'quick change' system built in for presses, bullet sizers, case trimmers, etc., but life got in the way. I won't be finishing this bench in that manner, but the next one will have provisions for at least two press positions (at the same time), plus two or more hard-mounting points. I did get power integrated into this bench, and am very glad that I did it. (Two always-on outlets, plus two switched outlets, plus lighting control.) __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe. Last edited by FrankenMauser; November 16, 2017 at 10:48 PM.

November 16, 2017, 10:47 PM	#25
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,875	I keep all my dies , small hand tools , lubes , check weights , ready to load brass etc in all the drawers As seen in post above . I also keep everything else of importance with in reach of the chair . I just need to turn in one direction or the other and just grab what I need . I really like my set up . The only thing I don't like is my back is to the door . __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again . Last edited by Metal god; November 17, 2017 at 12:42 PM.