Reloading bench top?

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Cannibul

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Post Oak Bend, Texas
I've got a newly built bench sitting in the garage that I'm going to use for reloading.

It's got 1" of plywood for the top and a 2x4 frame. It's plenty strong enough as I run an additional 2x4 under where the bolt go through the top.

I'm thinking of getting some 11 ga sheet metal for a top on this bench. Just wondering if anyone has done this and what your thoughts are on it.
 
I haven't used sheet metal before, but I do use that brown hardboard with the smooth side up. Cleanup is so much easier. I run a small lip around the edge to keep things from rolling off and have a small gap in it to sweep off the bench every now and again.
 
An inch of 'good one side' plywood doesn't really need any metal. Doesn't hurt either though.
11 gauge is only .1196" thick too. If your garage ever gets remotely humid, it'll rust as well.
 
I agree there is no reason to add sheet metal to a 1" bench. You probably don't need as additional 2X4 under the press bolts either, a normal washer will do fine.

Building supplies are expensive theses days. No reason to use them when not needed.

Don't forget the photos.
 
I mainly want the metal to make cleanup easier and to make it easier to move things around. Wood, of course is rather soft and things with edges tend to dig into it.

It's Texas, it's humid, that's why I'd paint it.
 
My reloading bench is nothing but an old Sauder computer desk.
I added 2x6s underneath for stability.
I've used this setup for about 5 years - approx 12,000 rounds per year.

bench4.jpg
 
as long as it doesn't cause static electricity , primers and powder can ignite from it, especially if you vacuum the bench top.
 
I have a solid core door table top. I have laminate flooring glued to that. Easy clean up and looks good.
 
I have a top of oak flooring over 1x4. A number of coats of paint semi or gloss and it wipes up clean. My Dillon is mounted down thru the 1x4's. Like a rock
 

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My top is 2 planks of 1-1/4 chip board with a laminate flooring covering it.
 
I like a surface that's easy to clean up. I cover my benches with Hard Masonite. Some times I put a coat of sealer on the Masonite to prevent any water spots. I only screw the top on so it can be replaced easily. Most of my benches are multi-use. So the option to replace the top is cheaper than replacing the base wood. Which is 2 pieces of 3/4" plywood glued and screwed together.

If you have the better sanded grade of plywood you may be able to put down a polyurethane coating to give you a smooth finish.
 
My bench is made out of 2x4 with a 5/8 inch plywood top. The top was finished with multiple coats of Tung Oil to aid clean-up. I use my bench for the strenuous operation of case forming and it has always proven adequate. With a full 1 inch top, I think you should be "good to go" for pretty much anything you might want to do and any addition will end up being less structural than cosmetic.
 
I always make my benchtops of 1½" plywood (laminated ¾" glued & screwed[temporarily]).

I wouldn't consider topping my reloading bench with metal, but when I eventually rework it, I will be adding either a sheet of hardboard and/or plastic laminate to the top.
 
I use MDF I think it is. its got a smooth surface which makes spilled powder a breeze to clean up.
 
I was at Home Depot yesterday picking up some items for another project and while wandering around the store ended up in the flooring department. They had a box of laminate flooring for $18.99. My reloading bench is now sporting a nice laminate top and I'll be putting the shelves on today.

I'll get some pics when it's finished.
 
I like the flooring on mine. Mine is not as good as it could have been. I was recovering from shoulder surgery and could not lift heavy objects to place on the flooring while the glue was drying. It works great though.
 
I would use some acrylic poly and be done with it unless you have used a lower grade plywood with voids and knots for the top. If at some point the top gets banged up badly you can always put metal over it.
 
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