Reloading Table or Bench
- Thread starter Cray7614
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ShtrRdy
Well-Known Member
I have a couple friends who bought a workbench "kit" from Home Depot for this purpose.
When I first started, in the 70s, I built a bench in a closet. That was nice and solid. My current bench is made out of 4x4s and 24" shelfing.
When I first started, in the 70s, I built a bench in a closet. That was nice and solid. My current bench is made out of 4x4s and 24" shelfing.
Barrelnut
Well-Known Member
These Harbor Freight woodworking benches are very popular for reloading benches. Catch them on sale and then use the 20% off anything coupon they always have in their ads and you get the thing for darn near free!
https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage/workbench/60-in-4-drawer-hardwood-workbench-69054.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage/workbench/60-in-4-drawer-hardwood-workbench-69054.html
Rick Richard
Well-Known Member
I have this one als and it works great.
therifleman556
Well-Known Member
I used to use a bench but I could never get it stable enough to keep cases, scales, and other small items from jarring around whenever I had a slightly more difficult case come out of the press. I now use a 3" steel jack post that you would see supporting a floor in an older house. Very stable, and the bench is isolated from any vibrations that can mess with my dispenser.
Do yourself a favor and build a heavy wood table. Build it larger than you think you need now because you will need the space as you acquire tools. Built this one for about $125.
I built mine with 2x4s and plywood mostly. I used 2x6's as the back legs that extended up 4' above the top of the working surface to make shelves. I used a cinder block to add weight to the table. I found that modifying the legs so they could sit into the carpet and loading up the table with lots of bullets and powder made it stable enough to use without the block. I use the top of a filing cabinet next to the bench to put the scales on. Best to be isolated from the work table.
I have had several benches over the years. The last time I moved (hope to never do it again) I made a 15 ft long bench built along one wall my workshop. The top is 44" high, the height I chose for comfortable work while standing. Made a gap near the middle underneath for a tall tool box. Each shelf was progressively narrower so I could stand close to the bench. There are a few loading presses and lots of space for powder scale etc. There is a vise at one end and a machinist tool box at the other end near the lathe. I could send you a picture if you like.
I would love to make a new one. 18" deep and 4' long is more than adequate for a working surface assuming you have storage for all the components elsewhere. If I were to do it over, I would try the laminated 2x4 work top. That way I get weight and stiffness plus I think it looks cool.
Maybe a seismically isolated damper controlled table for use with electronic scales? 
slas
Well-Known Member
This is what I'm using and it fits the bill. I have my Redding press attached to a 1 foot x 1 foot (approx) piece of thick wood that I wedge in with the vice to use. When I'm not using it I can easily remove it and put it aside for more room.
Barrelnut
Well-Known Member
That is exactly what I do. The 4 drawers are great too.
