New Reloading Bench

Jud96

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Joined
Jun 30, 2013
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3,609
Location
Michigan
I'm moving and need to get a new reloading bench. We are renting the house so I unfortunately I can't permanently attach or anchor the bench to the walls or floor. Having said that, what over the counter work benches have you guys used for your reloading benches? I was thinking about just getting a Harbor freight wooden workbench, but not sure if you guys know of something better that's not overly expensive. Thanks!
 
Hi Jud. Check out this Whalen tool bench my wife got me at Costco several years back. Maybe they still make something similar. I love it. Edit: Sorry it's such a mess!
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A simple bench with a 2x4 frame, 2' wide x 4' long. Take one sheet of 1/2" plywood ( wafer board will work as well ) split length wise & place them together one on top of the other for a 1" thick top. All screwed together. A 2x4 screwed into the base ( floor level ) & across the top & bottom at the back . Same in front with the lower brace across the mid section. A shelf setting on this mid brace to a mid brace in the back. This will provive a solid set up. You can place items of weight on the mid shelf that will help steady the bench. You can build this for far less than buying a pre maid bench. By being screwed together together it would be simple to disasemble & take with you if you move. For your consideration.
 
I have built a few of them and I found that using 4x4's as the primary support legs was much better to offset the downward pressure of the press especially for the bigger cases. The resulting bench is much sturdier and seems to not deflect from the press etc.

I also stumbled into a local business sale of old Steelcase work tables that you could literally land a helo on them they were so stout so I bought one and it is now my cleaning table, barrel vise, vise etc table. So keep an eye out for them as well.
 
I'd build my own free standing stable, if in the budget, put casters on it. Use it, park it where you want. Wire it with 2 outlet boxes, with extension cord type plug in.
Build it with with lag bolts, not screws, disassemble and take to the next place.
If you want a pic of mine, I can supply it. I have coax's on both ends, 2 shelves underneath, it is a tank.
 
If you have a Harbor Freight nearby, the woodworking bench they have is hard to beat. Love the drawers and storage beneath them.



 
The problem with Harbor Freight or other work benches can be their width being 18-20" which can really be pain when you start putting "stuff" on your bench, the usable space disappears fast! Personally, I would want at least 30" width which helps offset press pressure etc. Of course space limitations changes everything!
 
If you have a Harbor Freight nearby, the woodworking bench they have is hard to beat. Love the drawers and storage beneath them.




That's the exact bench I was looking at! Do you use one as a reloading bench? I'm curios how stable it is when sizing brass. Thanks!
 
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