Posted: 7/4/2017 5:35:43 PM EDT
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Putting together a bench for reloading and a decent size vice. I have 3/4" plywood for the table top or 2x8s I could use. Don't have a lot of experience in this area, just wondering the best route to go.
I was considering the 3/4" plywood as it would be a smoother and even surface. Plywood on top of the 2x8s? Thanks. |
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Reinforcement, you'll need it. I used a 2x4 3/4" plywood that is reinforced on bottom. Now..here is the kicker.....I planned on using varnish on top.....I went with self adhesive tile on top....turned out great. If you can PM me, I can send photos via email..... |
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I did a 3/4" top on a 2x4 frame with 4x4 legs. 8' long and almost 2' wide. Has a vise, dillon 650 and a SS press. Other half of the shert of plywood is mounted to a 2x4 frame as a shelf. Sturdy and heavy as all get out! Also mounted a sheet of steel under the vise. It is app 18"x24". Great for tasks that would damage woodAttached File Attached File Attached File Edit, I did mount the vise to far back, but it works for me. |
| Think about how you are going to use the vise before you build your bench and mount it. I didn't and now I can only use my vise to hold things parallel with the jaws/bench top. If I had thought it through a little better, I would have built my bench where the jaws hung over the edge of the bench. Live and learn, but I will not make the same mistake on my welding table. |
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It is often a mistake to have a combination workbench/reloading bench. If space compels it, make sure there is a clear line of separation/border/barrier between the two. My FIL gave me his reloading bench and equipment which is 3/4 plywood and 2x4 painted with gray epoxy paint. He had a separate bench with vise for general work such as tractor work, lawn mower, etc.
He also kept gun work off the reloading bench. He kept a shallow metal pan on top of the reloading bench to catch primers and bullets from hitting the floor. I went one step further by keeping a glass pane inside the shallow metal tray for the beam scale I use when reloading rifle or using the RCBS Chargemaster 1500. It makes for an ultra clean reloading set up that is easy to keep clean. |
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I did a 3/4" top on a 2x4 frame with 4x4 legs. 8' long and almost 2' wide. Has a vise, dillon 650 and a SS press. Other half of the shert of plywood is mounted to a 2x4 frame as a shelf. Sturdy and heavy as all get out! Also mounted a sheet of steel under the vise. It is app 18"x24". Great for tasks that would damage woodhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/139520/IMG-20170704-164321218-246107.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/139520/IMG-20170704-164337854-246108.JPGhttps://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/139520/IMG-20170704-164344831-246109.JPG Edit, I did mount the vise to far back, but it works for me. |
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If you interpret between the lines most that are happy mention it's a HEAVY bench.
Type of wood on top is just looks as both are soft wood, plywood being a harder surface. To me, weight is the key. Depriming can tip a bench with the force required. Also, the wider (depth) will allow you to decrease weight to prevent tiping.Attached File |
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I just use two pieces of smooth 3/4" particle board(plywood) glued and screwed together..have two presses bolted to it..doesnt even flex...even my ribs electronic powder scale works accurately while using the press to seat bullets(I weigh all loads twice)...
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So, it sounds like putting the 2x8s down on the frame and then overlaying it with the 3/4 plywood would be a better way to go for the support of the press and vise. is mounted. |
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I've always used and recommend, these:
Grainger - Hardwood Workbench Tops Attached File A.W.D. |
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I used two layers of 3/4" particle board with the one side finished white. The particle board was cut 3x8' and screwed together. The white surface is impervious to gun cleaning solvents too. Underneath I reinforced with 2x4s every 2 feet. It is a rock solid bench for my Dillon and Rock Chucker presses. Even when swaging bullets the bench doesn't flex in the slightest.
My previous bench was made with one layer of plywood and just didn't hold up. The plywood surface layer over time splintered to pieces and flexed no matter how I reinforced it. The vice is mounted on the old bench and works fine. I don't advise using your reloading bench as a working bench. Parts, tools, and junk seem to collect where you don't want them. I keep my reloading bench pristine by putting up peg board on the back of the bench to hang reloading tools. All other tools go above the work bench. |
| I surfaced a bunch of 2x8's and cut off the round edges, and placed them side by side perpendicular to the front of the bench so they cantilevered 4" past the edge of the bench. You will want the cantilever. It will help mounting presses and vices. Then I placed a 1/4" piece of white on white melamine over top of that for a smooth surface that reflected light well. |