Posted: 7/25/2008 1:25:03 AM EDT
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I decided I needed a nice workbench for reloading and what not. I found these plans online www.somerssportsmen.com/bench.pdf . Got all the materials for ~$150. I made some modifications to suit me. I decided I didn't want doors and what not, so I left those off. Instead of 1/4" ply on the back, I used 3/16" pegboard and left out one divider on the right side I can use to hang tools and what not. The bench, to plan, sits about 4' tall. I decided that was just too high, I want something I can work over, so I cut about 10" off the legs. I also finished all the ends of the ply with 3/4" end trim. This will keep the edges from splitting and splintering. Should make it more comfortable to work on. I'm in the process of finishing the work surfaces. Using Deft clear gloss lacquer. I have 8 coats on the top so far, will probably do 10-12. Anyway, here's some pics. It was very easy to build. I had it fully cut and assembled in about 8 hours total. Its SOLID. Very heavy, and I think it will take any abuse I throw at it.     
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How much room do you have with that? Meaning, do you have enough room for a brass cleaner, and more than one press? Any idea what the weight comes in at? I need a new bench in the worst damn way, and yours looks like a nice one.  I have a lee I use for my deer rifle, but would like to get another press to use, hell maybe 2. That way I wouldn't have to keep changing things out. (I'm lazy I know it) 
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| Looking good, pegboard is a good idea as is leaving off the doors to the shelves and underneath area. Waste of wood and time to get to things. What is the clamping surface on the underside for the press? 2x4 on its edge? Another one along side it would aid in surface area. Sandbags or heavy ammo storage on the back lower shelf to keep things stable when using the press. Nice bench. |
The work surface is 6'x22". More than enough room for more than one press. I'll probably run my brass cleaner on the lower shelf. As far as weight, I would guess its 300 lbs or more. You use almost 3 full sheets of plywood at 75lbs each, plus lots of lumber and screws. The only thing is the way they did the front lip. If you're using a Dillon, you can either clamp it, or use a strong mount. The standard holes don't work. I'll set my 650 on it later today so you can get an idea of size. rr |
The edge is a 2x6, with about a 4" overlap. I plan on bolting my press to the bench, so clamping was not a big concern. Depending on what you want to do with it, mods are pretty easy. This thing weighs a ton, so I think that holding it down won't be a problem. If it is, I will probably just lag it to the studs. rr ETA: If you do make modifications, make sure you think through all the ramifications. One smaller panel can change everything.. |
As I said earlier, here's a pic with my 650 on it. Still tons of room. I sure am glad that I cut some off the legs though. I have an 8' ceiling, and it would have been really interesting filling up the casefeeder. As it is, I'll just about need a damn stool. Also, I took a pic of the front edge. I was way off. Its only about a 2" lip. A standard press mount will not work, IMO. You would have to bolt the press to a plate and then clamp or lag that to the top. A strong mount for the Dillon will work just fine.  
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Just thought I would post up the completed project. I got the cabinet finished, and shelving put in. Still need one more shelf for the right side cabinet, but I ran out of plywood. Got the reloader mounted, now I just need to get the rest of the odds and ends that go with it. I sized some 7.62x39 with it, absolutely NO flex in the bench at all. Its solid. If you're looking for a heavy sturdy bench, this is it.  
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Thats damn nice. Good work. I recently built one that is sorta similar. I used 2x4s laminated together for the frame. I cheaped out and used OSB for the top just to see how it would work. Then a friend gave me some sheets of stainless that I figure Ill glue to the top. Its 8'x3' and around 46" high I think. I can't remember. I basically sorta stood there and measured to what I thought would be a comfortable working height for me while standing. Your carpentry skills are superior to mine for sure. I'm a hack but it was fun to do.  enormous pic here: www.blackbirdpilot.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/workbench4.jpg |
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That looks pretty damn good to me! I made mine shorter because I like to be able to sit if I want to. The bench height is ~32". I can sit or stand comfortably, depending what I'm doing. I think anyone who builds their own anything from scratch deserves .rr ETA: Just noticed your helper. Looks like you might need to add a little bed under there. 
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