mounting my press

[redm18]

I am new to reloading and just received my Lee anniversary kit in the mail today. I built a bench to mounting it on similar to the one here http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/bench/below20xl.html
only using 3/4 oak plywood as a top instead of osb. After unpacking every thing I wonder what is the best way to mount my press to my bench. I don't have a drill bit long enough to go through the 4 inch part of the 2x4 for the hole in the press closest to the front of the bench. Can I even buy a bit that long? If I can it seems like it would be very hard to get a straight hole that long with a hand drill. If anyone has any experience with this kind of setup I would appreciate any help.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Sink a couple of lag bolts instead. Pre-drill a smaller hole. And if you are afraid they may come loose or pull out...Add some Elmer's glue to the lag bolt and hole.

 

[Texas_XD]

I literally just this evening mounted MY Lee press (Challenger kit) and did pretty much what was suggested. I used a 1/4" x 2" lag bolt in the front hole after drilling a 1/8" pilot hole and drilled 2 1/4" holes for the other mount points. Then I just used 1/4" x 2" bolts with fender washers and nuts under the table top. Thing is on there SOLID.
Oh, and yes, you can buy drill bits in 6" and 12", but they are rough keeping straight in-line.

 

[bigcim]

Theres plans for a really nice NRA build your own bench in this site some where that you might want to check out. I plan on building one one of these. The guys should have the link. Some guys have built it and it came out very nice

 

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Like Bushmaster said, a couple side lag bolts on the press, and one bolt with washers in the rear hole will suffice for all the leverage you can muster on a magnum rifle cartridge. Pre- drill your holes the size of the lag bolt one size less than the threads. Yes, add some glue, but only if you never want to remove the press.

-Steve

 

[Walkalong]

Go buy a cheap long bit. You will always come up with more uses later. I've got all kinds of stuff I just used once, but it's there if I need it.

 

[308win]

Ask for a spade or paddle bit of the size you need. You will be able to keep your hole perpendicular if you are careful to start it straight. Use a smaller twist bit to drill a shallow pilot hole that is centered and perpendicular.

 

[gwalchmai]

+1 on the lag bolts.

 

[strat81]

I mounted my Lee Classic Turret a few weeks ago. I used hex-head bolts, and washers & nuts underneath where the bolt was long enough to go through the bench top. For the spot where the rear mounting hole is located, it was right above the front frame 2x4 (2x6?). I used a lag bolt for that. Any decent hardware store or lumber yard should have an aisle full of fasteners. Get the size you need (I think my instructions called for 1/4" or 5/16"), drill a pilot hole the best you can, and tighten her down. Lag bolts have hex heads, so a standard socket and ratchet set or open/box-end wrench will work.