Bench for New Reloader

[Mrx1987]

So, following up on my previous thread where I just ordered an RCBS Rebel kit, wanted to see what opinions are on a work bench for my setup. I already have a cleaning bench and a general work bench, but each of those either has bench mounted tools that would be in the way or wouldn't support a press well. SO, I need a new bench to add to the bunch.

Wanted to see about recommendations for a pretty cheap option for a pre-fab bench. I'm not great with woodworking, so I feel like I'd save time and pain buying something prefab. I'm aiming to stay around or under $150 and don't need anything huge or otherwise special. I've found a few candidates but if anyone has other suggestions I'm all ears!

This one from Harbor Freight keeps popping up and looks decent:

https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-.../60-in-4-drawer-hardwood-workbench-63395.html

This happened to pop up in my searches, seems like an interesting option but wasn't sure if that gauge of steel is thick enough or if the rounded front would cause issues:

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/18...l-work-table-with-undershelf/522ETSG2460.html

There's also this one from Home Depot:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-4-ft-Solid-Wood-Top-Workbench-in-Black-20T002-1B/315538857

Get creative I used the center leak from wood table and two night stand drawers screwed em togeather I. The form of a U works well and sturdy lol

 

[Soonerpesek]

This one from Harbor Freight keeps popping up and looks decent:

It just went on sale....

60 in., 4 Drawer Hardwood Workbench (harborfreight.com)

 

[Tilos]

View attachment 1076501 View attachment 1076502 You can find some decent, well used solid wood desks for virtually nothing if you look. A little plywood and a piece of quarter round to keep stuff from rolling off and it suits my needs nicely. And the drawers are as deep as the desk itself, so plenty of storage.

Looks like you have enough brass/powder for a lifetime (mine) of shooting.

Good tip on the quarter-round edging.

When I build a bench, any bench, I pitch/angle the top towards the wall and shim up the front legs of purchased benches/desks.
Anything that lands on the bench rolls towards the wall, not off the edge.
I might go back now and put that quarter-round on the back edge though
works for me,
.

 

[vaalpens]

This is something basic if you are interested. The length and depth are your choice, but the height is set to about 34.5"

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005SQ365M/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This kit (legs only) used to be cheap ($25) in 2019, but not so much anymore.

 

[HowardC]

I can't believe anyone has not mentioned it, maybe I missed it reading through the thread. Go to a second hand lumber store or Habitat/Humanity and get a solid core door. Get a few 2x4's and cut them to length for legs. Use 3 inch const screws through the door into the ends of the 2x4s. Remember to predrill. Maybe a few 1x4's for bracing.

Doesn't take much 'woodworking' skill. If you're sharp enough to reload, you can build this for a bench. Most you need for tools is a skil saw, (or hand saw if you're muscle'ly') and a drill to drive screws. Sketch it up first and think things through. Decide what you want for height and length; and what your space allows. 36 inch depth is nice, but certainly not needed. What ever door you find will work. 'Taint hard.
It's plenty heavy, can be cut to size for smaller/irregular areas, can be refinished as needed to suit your tastes. MIght want some steel plates for under the press, you can buy plate at home depot or a local steel supplier. they always have scraps. If this piques your curiosity, pm me.
West out....

 

[BigBL87]

Well, I have more time to think about it and explore options. The money that was going to go to the bench and the rest of the reloading equipment I need to get started is going to get diverted. We were crunching numbers and with the price of gas and everything else going up and my wife on the unpaid portion of her maternity leave, it was either my reloading stuff or a short vacation for the kids, and that's not much of a choice.

At least I got alot of the big stuff out of the way with the kit, so once we/I can get back to putting money into it I'll just need odds and ends.

In the meantime, I may pick up the Lyman 51st edition manual and dive deep into reading.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Well, I have more time to think about it and explore options. The money that was going to go to the bench and the rest of the reloading equipment I need to get started is going to get diverted. We were crunching numbers and with the price of gas and everything else going up and my wife on the unpaid portion of her maternity leave, it was either my reloading stuff or a short vacation for the kids, and that's not much of a choice.

At least I got alot of the big stuff out of the way with the kit, so once we/I can get back to putting money into it I'll just need odds and ends.

In the meantime, I may pick up the Lyman 51st edition manual and dive deep into reading.

Don’t be afraid to pick up a saw and drill man! we all been though the struggle with $$$ and learning to scrap and recycle is a life skill. I picked up a free Lawnmower yesterday, with a nice Honda motor. Looks like it’s in great shape. I’ll change the oil, and get it running and sell it for probably $50!!!!

 

[stillquietvoice]

Well, I have more time to think about it and explore options. The money that was going to go to the bench and the rest of the reloading equipment I need to get started is going to get diverted. We were crunching numbers and with the price of gas and everything else going up and my wife on the unpaid portion of her maternity leave, it was either my reloading stuff or a short vacation for the kids, and that's not much of a choice.

At least I got alot of the big stuff out of the way with the kit, so once we/I can get back to putting money into it I'll just need odds and ends.

In the meantime, I may pick up the Lyman 51st edition manual and dive deep into reading.

Up until recently I clamped my reloaded to the diding room table. My wife had fits for a short while but had no other place to load. We got a new table and that was off limits, but the old one became my bench in a dedicated room. Well, about a month after it was set up I had to take it down to make room for our daughter and 4 grandchildren. Now I'm up and running again with a smaller bench, albeit in the worst possible place in yhe house,so I'll have to set up load,tear down, and store in another place do my equipment doesn't get ruined. Just a thought.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Don’t be afraid to pick up a saw and drill man! we all been though the struggle with $$$ and learning to scrap and recycle is a life skill. I picked up a free Lawnmower yesterday, with a nice Honda motor. Looks like it’s in great shape. I’ll change the oil, and get it running and sell it for probably $50!!!!

Drop it in your Prius. It's bound to improve it's overall performance.

I well understand where @BigBL87 is coming from. Pretty soon his world will be diapers and formula and baby classes and 3AM feedings and remembering to LISTEN!!!! to his wife... (hint-hint) Handloading and shooting will take a brief but necessary back seat. Oh, yeah, that reminds me, @BigBL87 , have you started researching baby seats, yet? VERY crucial! VERY pricey! Just FYI.

 

[lightman]

It just went on sale....

60 in., 4 Drawer Hardwood Workbench (harborfreight.com)

My main concern would be if the vice and woodworking stuff can be removed? Most of the big box stores have a whole isle of stuff for extra bracing. I would buy a handful of various things and a package of screws and have that table braced up and sturdy in no time!

 

[BigBL87]

Drop it in your Prius. It's bound to improve it's overall performance.

I well understand where @BigBL87 is coming from. Pretty soon his world will be diapers and formula and baby classes and 3AM feedings and remembering to LISTEN!!!! to his wife... (hint-hint) Handloading and shooting will take a brief but necessary back seat. Oh, yeah, that reminds me, @BigBL87 , have you started researching baby seats, yet? VERY crucial! VERY pricey! Just FYI.

Oh yeah! We actually have carseats for our son (who is 4 now) and his old carrier carseat which is what our little girl is in now (thankfully it hasn't expired!). We bought one convertible carseat that is in her parents car for now, but when she outgrows the carrier we'll get that back and buy one more for my car. So, could be worse!

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Oh yeah! We actually have carseats for our son (who is 4 now) and his old carrier carseat which is what our little girl is in now (thankfully it hasn't expired!). We bought one convertible carseat that is in her parents car for now, but when she outgrows the carrier we'll get that back and buy one more for my car. So, could be worse!

Ah, third kid. Then you know the ropes. Have fun. They're only little for a few hours, then they're borrowing the car and leaving for weekend trips, then college, then the next thing you know, they're dropping off THEIR kids so they can get some, "adult/away time." One day "next week" (that's what it feels like) you'll wake up wondering when you got gray and why your knees constantly hurt...

 

[BigBL87]

Ah, third kid. Then you know the ropes. Have fun. They're only little for a few hours, then they're borrowing the car and leaving for weekend trips, then college, then the next thing you know, they're dropping off THEIR kids so they can get some, "adult/away time." One day "next week" (that's what it feels like) you'll wake up wondering when you got gray and why your knees constantly hurt...

2nd, just have her older brother. Guess saying older son implied a younger son though, haha.

And I'm already going gray so I'm ahead of the curve there! Not on my scalp yet so far, but it's spreading in my beard like a wildfire! My wife tries to make me feel better by telling me it looks "distinguished."

 

[Mark_Mark]

Oh yeah! We actually have carseats for our son (who is 4 now) and his old carrier carseat which is what our little girl is in now (thankfully it hasn't expired!). We bought one convertible carseat that is in her parents car for now, but when she outgrows the carrier we'll get that back and buy one more for my car. So, could be worse!

I got a bunch of over prices Baby Stuff I wish I can give you! like $1,000 strollers with car seat quick disconnect. $1,000 cribs that the boys never slept in. So much STUFF! Don’t listen to your wife about buying expensive baby stuff. It’s all the same! You just need a light stroller and 2 car seats. The Swedish use a cardboard box as a very safe baby crib.

 

[Mark_Mark]

2nd, just have her older brother. Guess saying older son implied a younger son though, haha.

And I'm already going gray so I'm ahead of the curve there! Not on my scalp yet so far, but it's spreading in my beard like a wildfire! My wife tries to make me feel better by telling me it looks "distinguished."

Going gray is a signed of not absorbing nutrition. I reversed and stop my gray with supplements. Also my hearth amd inflammation heath is, no kidding, 100% better than it was 5 years ago. PM me if you want suggestions on Supplements for getting old! I’m 43 and look like I’m 35!

 

[BigBL87]

I got a bunch of over prices Baby Stuff I wish I can give you! like $1,000 strollers with car seat quick disconnect. $1,000 cribs that the boys never slept in. So much STUFF! Don’t listen to your wife about buying expensive baby stuff. It’s all the same! You just need a light stroller and 2 car seats. The Swedish use a cardboard box as a very safe baby crib.

Haha, ya, we're pretty good so far on baby stuff, but that has been a big drain on what we have saved up getting some of it. We've reused what we can from my son's stuff which has helped.

The killer right now is formula, both because it has shot up in price and the current shortage of it. We were in a bind the other day with only a can left when the run happened and cleared the shelves. Thankfully, between some strategic online ordering and me running all around North and Central Illinois, as well as family keeping an eye out, we have enough formula to last us 6-8 months depending on her intake. Not quite to 1 year old but if formula hasn't stabilized in 6-8 months, we'll probably have bigger issues to worry about as a country.

I will say after this experience, my wife hasn't given me as much crap about my tendency to stockpile things we use often...

 

[Mark_Mark]

Haha, ya, we're pretty good so far on baby stuff, but that has been a big drain on what we have saved up getting some of it. We've reused what we can from my son's stuff which has helped.

The killer right now is formula, both because it has shot up in price and the current shortage of it. We were in a bind the other day with only a can left when the run happened and cleared the shelves. Thankfully, between some strategic online ordering and me running all around North and Central Illinois, as well as family keeping an eye out, we have enough formula to last us 6-8 months depending on her intake. Not quite to 1 year old but if formula hasn't stabilized in 6-8 months, we'll probably have bigger issues to worry about as a country.

I will say after this experience, my wife hasn't given me as much crap about my tendency to stockpile things we use often...

take time to learn how to fish, if you don’t already. one large catfish can feed a family for days.

 

[EricBu]

So, following up on my previous thread where I just ordered an RCBS Rebel kit, wanted to see what opinions are on a work bench for my setup. I already have a cleaning bench and a general work bench, but each of those either has bench mounted tools that would be in the way or wouldn't support a press well. SO, I need a new bench to add to the bunch.

Wanted to see about recommendations for a pretty cheap option for a pre-fab bench. I'm not great with woodworking, so I feel like I'd save time and pain buying something prefab. I'm aiming to stay around or under $150 and don't need anything huge or otherwise special. I've found a few candidates but if anyone has other suggestions I'm all ears!

This one from Harbor Freight keeps popping up and looks decent:

https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-.../60-in-4-drawer-hardwood-workbench-63395.html

This happened to pop up in my searches, seems like an interesting option but wasn't sure if that gauge of steel is thick enough or if the rounded front would cause issues:

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/18...l-work-table-with-undershelf/522ETSG2460.html

There's also this one from Home Depot:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-4-ft-Solid-Wood-Top-Workbench-in-Black-20T002-1B/315538857

I've got like 8 of these now. I coat them with an epoxy coating. The oldest have been holding up for a decade. The benefit of these is that they are height adjustable, which as you age and start to experience back/shoulder/kneck pain while loading, dramatically improves your ability to position the press at exactly the right height for you. Plus, the steel frame is easy to bolt to a wall and the floor.

I'm even using these for my Mark Vii revolutions which weigh about 200 lbs, and they handle it with zero issues.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T91F299/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[BigBL87]

I've got like 8 of these now. I coat them with an epoxy coating. The oldest have been holding up for a decade. The benefit of these is that they are height adjustable, which as you age and start to experience back/shoulder/kneck pain while loading, dramatically improves your ability to position the press at exactly the right height for you. Plus, the steel frame is easy to bolt to a wall and the floor.

I'm even using these for my Mark Vii revolutions which weigh about 200 lbs, and they handle it with zero issues.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T91F299/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I saw those, my biggest concern was the particleboard top. Yours has held up pretty well? I was planning on using an RCBS mounting plate for the press, so that should take a little stress off of it I imagine.

 

[EricBu]

I saw those, my biggest concern was the particleboard top. Yours has held up pretty well? I was planning on using an RCBS mounting plate for the press, so that should take a little stress off of it I imagine.

Oh yeah, held up no problem. The first one I bought I didn't coat out of the gate, and it's had a Rockchucker and a 550 both mounted on it for over a decade. The surface of it had become scarred with use. I hit it with a sander after 10 years of use, and slapped epoxy on it, and it's solidly good to go now and you can't even tell it's had all those years of rough use. All the rest I've used this epoxy coating kit on when new before first use, just because it makes cleanup sooooo much easier and you can't ding it if you try. In fact, I'll never own another bench or work table without coating it, it makes that much of a difference. I slap 2 coats of epoxy on it with the cheapest brushes I can find and throw them away, lol. The original one has had multiple holes drilled in it from various mounting set ups over the years (with and without mounts), and it's final configuration is with the two presses above using a inline mount for the chucker and the dillon strong mount for the 550. The other ones only have a single press each on them, the dillons on strong mounts, and the mark vii's on their build in base plates which I haven't bothered to bolt down (200lbs, lol). I run the Mark VIIs at 2000 rph and the benches don't move at all.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007177NZU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Haha, ya, we're pretty good so far on baby stuff, but that has been a big drain on what we have saved up getting some of it. We've reused what we can from my son's stuff which has helped.

The killer right now is formula, both because it has shot up in price and the current shortage of it. We were in a bind the other day with only a can left when the run happened and cleared the shelves. Thankfully, between some strategic online ordering and me running all around North and Central Illinois, as well as family keeping an eye out, we have enough formula to last us 6-8 months depending on her intake. Not quite to 1 year old but if formula hasn't stabilized in 6-8 months, we'll probably have bigger issues to worry about as a country.

I will say after this experience, my wife hasn't given me as much crap about my tendency to stockpile things we use often...

Barstools are still an option...

 

[Mark_Mark]

Barstools are still an option...

I’m going to buy a Goodwill Stool, or find one, and mount a Rock Chunker on it in your honor !

 

[Mark_Mark]

Oh yeah, held up no problem. The first one I bought I didn't coat out of the gate, and it's had a Rockchucker and a 550 both mounted on it for over a decade. The surface of it had become scarred with use. I hit it with a sander after 10 years of use, and slapped epoxy on it, and it's solidly good to go now and you can't even tell it's had all those years of rough use. All the rest I've used this epoxy coating kit on when new before first use, just because it makes cleanup sooooo much easier and you can't ding it if you try. In fact, I'll never own another bench or work table without coating it, it makes that much of a difference. I slap 2 coats of epoxy on it with the cheapest brushes I can find and throw them away, lol. The original one has had multiple holes drilled in it from various mounting set ups over the years (with and without mounts), and it's final configuration is with the two presses above using a inline mount for the chucker and the dillon strong mount for the 550. The other ones only have a single press each on them, the dillons on strong mounts, and the mark vii's on their build in base plates which I haven't bothered to bolt down (200lbs, lol). I run the Mark VIIs at 2000 rph and the benches don't move at all.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007177NZU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I want to see someone mount a Mark 7 on a Stool!!!

 

[stillquietvoice]

Going gray is a signed of not absorbing nutrition. I reversed and stop my gray with supplements. Also my hearth amd inflammation heath is, no kidding, 100% better than it was 5 years ago. PM me if you want suggestions on Supplements for getting old! I’m 43 and look like I’m 35!

I started going white, cause I'm a red head, at 26, mostly due to stress, got rid of the stress, ex wife, and yhe white at the same time. Besides I no longer had anyone complaining that my progressive press was clamped to the kitchen table so I could load until it was time for my daughter's next feeding or diaper change and git to go shoot any time I wanted.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I started going white, cause I'm a red head, at 26, mostly due to stress, got rid of the stress, ex wife, and yhe white at the same time. Besides I no longer had anyone complaining that my progressive press was clamped to the kitchen table so I could load until it was time for my daughter's next feeding or diaper change and git to go shoot any time I wanted.

Stress is a killer! So is inflammation, they got something for that!

Stay Healthy People!