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12/16/2010 11:39:01 AM EDT
Afternoon folks, The wife and I just moved and we got a house with a man cave (third garage) and I would like to start reloading there. I figure the first thing I need is  a bench and was wondering if any of you could recommend some building plans for a good bench. I'm a little OCD when it comes to my personal area so a bench with lot of places to keep things organized would be cool. any ideas for me?

Thanks
12/16/2010 11:48:28 AM EDT
[#1]
i used a solid core door as a table top  built on a wood 2X4 frame bolted to the wall for a nice solid bench its rock solid
12/16/2010 12:01:40 PM EDT
[#2]
Check out the official reloading bench picture thread...might give you some ideas...I think mine was the last one up....
SASS

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=42&t=262015
12/16/2010 2:20:39 PM EDT
[#3]
The thread above should give you all the inspiration that you need, the only point I'll offer is that if you locate you press on the corner, double up on the 2X4's on that leg, if not all.



I was case forming and put enough pressure on the table to start flexing the single 2X4 leg, I doubled them up and have never looked back.
12/16/2010 3:48:39 PM EDT
[#4]
I turned my mom's old china hutch into my reloading station. it is heavy pine construction and has cupboards underneath to put powders and books, the shelves above have ample room for componants and small tools, and the main counter area I have my presses mounted to.  You may be able to find one at a thrift store cheap!

BTW...My mom is probably turning over in her grave knowing that I turned her hutch to a reloading bench...poor thing was a liberal Dem..hahaha.
12/16/2010 5:02:14 PM EDT
[#5]
Ya can build one in a hurry like i did with a Sams Club nearby...Awesome bench...heavy duty sucker.
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=101756&navAction=
12/16/2010 5:11:10 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Ya can build one in a hurry like i did with a Sams Club nearby...Awesome bench...heavy duty sucker.
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=101756&navAction=


That might not be bad to get this project started.
12/16/2010 6:32:01 PM EDT
[#7]
If you build your own, it can't be strong enough.

Use 2x4's glued and screwed together, 1 1/2 inch top, lots of braces, bolt to wall studs.

Build a shelf off the floor (toe kick) and keep heavy items there to anchor your bench.
12/17/2010 9:21:52 AM EDT
[#8]
I bought my bench at Sears; I would hotlink it here, but it looks like they either quit carrying it, or it's just on their website...  It's a great bench, and I added the optional steel backwall w/ lights... my buddies liked it so much they each bought one too.

This looks exactly like the bench part, except for the red paint (mine was Craftsman Brand, and was less expensive):

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM1836867901P?prdNo=20&blockNo=44&blockType=G44
12/17/2010 9:44:01 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
I bought my bench at Sears; I would hotlink it here, but it looks like they either quit carrying it, or it's just on their website...  It's a great bench, and I added the optional steel backwall w/ lights... my buddies liked it so much they each bought one too.

This looks exactly like the bench part, except for the red paint (mine was Craftsman Brand, and was less expensive):

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM1836867901P?prdNo=20&blockNo=44&blockType=G44


That's the exact bench I use, and it's a great bench. The top is HEAVY and I put some poly on it to protect it from solvents, wish I bought 2 of them.
12/17/2010 9:48:32 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Ya can build one in a hurry like i did with a Sams Club nearby...Awesome bench...heavy duty sucker.
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=101756&navAction=


That might not be bad to get this project started.


I will go along with that being awesome...but what's the price...couldn't find it....
SASS
12/17/2010 12:51:04 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Ya can build one in a hurry like i did with a Sams Club nearby...Awesome bench...heavy duty sucker.
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=101756&navAction=


That might not be bad to get this project started.


I will go along with that being awesome...but what's the price...couldn't find it....
SASS

Its been a while since i got mine but seems like it was somewhere around $259 apprx.

12/17/2010 1:11:35 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Ya can build one in a hurry like i did with a Sams Club nearby...Awesome bench...heavy duty sucker.
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=101756&navAction=


That might not be bad to get this project started.


I will go along with that being awesome...but what's the price...couldn't find it....
SASS

Its been a while since i got mine but seems like it was somewhere around $259 apprx.



The club here has it of $199, with those inserts you showed me it could be a very flexible set up.
12/17/2010 1:23:06 PM EDT
[#13]
4x4 legs, 2x6 framing, two layers of 3/4 inch plywood top.



Bolt to wall & floor.
12/17/2010 3:06:57 PM EDT
[#14]
http://www.shotgunsportsmagazine.com/downloads/bench_plans.pdf
12/17/2010 4:18:44 PM EDT
[#15]
The main advantage in building it yourself are three fold. It's much cheaper to make it yourself. This isn't a fashion statement, it's a workbench. Anyone who owns a saw and a drill can make one.

You can "level" the bench top for uneven floors if you build it in place. A store bought bench must be leveled by other means, usually shims. A level top insures accurate readings from your scales.

You can build a bench that fits you. I built mine at belly button height. This is perfect for the task (IMO). A store bought bench is a one size fits all venture. You will be spending a lot of time loading ammo, do everything you can to make yourself comfortable.

12/17/2010 6:32:26 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
http://www.shotgunsportsmagazine.com/downloads/bench_plans.pdf


I've seen those plans and I think there was a pic or two in the bench pic thread. I really like that one but I'm not sure if my skill level is up there. I do like borderpatrol's thought on customizing it to fit me. I guess I'll have to think about my abilities and figure out how much it would cost to DIY the bench.
12/17/2010 6:54:10 PM EDT
[#17]
Good points on building your own bench and some guys have the skills and time to do it.I have built a lot of benches in life experience myself.
Wood and steel...as i am a welder too...well equiped work shop.But the sams Club bench for the money is a great bench and you can be up and
running with in in short time as i did.Here's some pics i took for you's guys.


Adjustable feet...

1.75 inch thick solid sucker too.

It bolts all together...

If i was to mount a huge dillon progressive i might need some weight on the lower but for my use its solid and don't budge.
12/17/2010 7:50:35 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I bought my bench at Sears; I would hotlink it here, but it looks like they either quit carrying it, or it's just on their website...  It's a great bench, and I added the optional steel backwall w/ lights... my buddies liked it so much they each bought one too.

This looks exactly like the bench part, except for the red paint (mine was Craftsman Brand, and was less expensive):

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM1836867901P?prdNo=20&blockNo=44&blockType=G44


That's the exact bench I use, and it's a great bench. The top is HEAVY and I put some poly on it to protect it from solvents, wish I bought 2 of them.


I did the same thing, put a bunch of minwax poly on it.. .gave the rest of the can to my buds. it handles my two presses (HOrnady single stage and LNL) with no trouble.

12/21/2010 8:52:44 AM EDT
[#19]
quick question, how did you guys bolt your benches to the wall?
12/21/2010 9:51:11 AM EDT
[#20]
Quoted:
Good points on building your own bench and some guys have the skills and time to do it.I have built a lot of benches in life experience myself.
Wood and steel...as i am a welder too...well equiped work shop.But the sams Club bench for the money is a great bench and you can be up and
running with in in short time as i did.Here's some pics i took for you's guys.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/texjames/dec3098a.jpg?t=1292643849
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/texjames/e001c382.jpg?t=1292644144
Adjustable feet...
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/texjames/4873ae08.jpg?t=1292644144
1.75 inch thick solid sucker too.
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/texjames/2cdbb3bd.jpg?t=1292644144
It bolts all together...
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/texjames/b26f7fab.jpg?t=1292644144
If i was to mount a huge dillon progressive i might need some weight on the lower but for my use its solid and don't budge.


I would be looking at putting some flat washers on those nuts for the press before you crush and splinter the wood on bottom

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