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Posted: 11/1/2016 11:35:01 PM EDT
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Hey everyone, I am going to be building a gunsmithing/reloading bench in the near future and i'm bouncing back and forth between locations. I currently have a 5x7' space in my basement "man room" that isn't being used. The rest of this space is taken up by my computer and gaming equipment. I have fluffy carpet and no windows.
My other option is to use part of my 2 car garage. Normally I don't park in the garage because its a tight fit but obviously winter might change that. Building a bench would limit my garage space greatly but I think i could make it work. My question for all of you is this. Is a bench that is 2x7 large enough to handle minor gunsmithing with the possibility of reloading in the future? Are there any substances where my carpet may become an issue? Am I being an idiot for even questioning doing this in my basement room if my significant other is willing to allow such a thing? |
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Here's the main reloading bench thread. http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/262015_Official_Reloading_Bench_Picture_Thread___Now_with_100__more_Pictures_.html You can find a lot of different sizes and shapes which might give you some good ideas. There are ways to make or buy appliances which mount to the bench to add presses etc. when you reload and removed when you need the bench for other work. A carpet isn't the best floor, primers tend to hide pretty well. ETA An office supply store has a plastic overlay which goes over carpet for rollaway chairs. |
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Quoted:
Here's the main reloading bench thread. http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/262015_Official_Reloading_Bench_Picture_Thread___Now_with_100__more_Pictures_.html Thank you! This will be an awesome resource. |
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The carpet will become an issue with all sort of things falling on the floor... decapped primers, debris from various operations, filings, small springs & parts etc. Best you cover it completely with a hard surface (like plywood or something) and then use rubber mats for foot comfort. I understand that space is limited and has to serve dual purpose but I suggest to allocate one end primarily for loading and the other for working on stuff with a small area in the middle for overlap. |
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The carpeting is a problem (as has been pointed out).
But inside is DEFINITELY the place to be. 2x7 is a very nice size for a bench. Mine is, IIRC 20" x 6'. After 15 years of reloading, my bench is PACKED with components and tools for reloading. It is a nice sized bench, but it has gotten small quickly. It has built-in "pigeon hole storage" for die sets and a full length upper shelf. I also do very light gunsmithing at one end of my bench where I have a 4" bench vise set up. The bench vise (anvil) is also where I WHACK my bullet puller when I need to "use the eraser". The vise also comes in handy for disassembling certain reloading tools like my powder measure which needs cleaning from time to time to keep it "flipping" smoothly. Additionally, you will need extra space for all the other shit you are going to need. Not everything about reloading happens on the reloading bench. You will need some square footage for; your powder locker and primer storage, your brass casing storage, storage for miscellaneous tools that you use only occasionally and do not want taking up valuable space on the bench top, etc. |
| Yeah, unless your garage is well insulated and well heated, you're not going to be doing anything out there in the winter. When we finished off our basement, we left bare concrete in one of the bedrooms so I could set up my reloading bench. Carpeting is going to be a problem. You could try to find a large vinyl mat to put down but you're going to be smashing down a large area of carpeting. |
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I would vote all of the above.
Summer weather in SD is probably pretty dang nice. Would love to do some activities outside (or close to it). Consider inline fabrication quick mounts or a homemade version to move presses or tools around. If you get into casting, u could do that all year long in garage. I wouldnt in basement. |
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