Press mounting base plate (aluminum) thickness

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HankC

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I want to mount my RCBS Partner Press to a 5.5" x 5.5" x 1/4" aluminum plate that I have, so I can make it portable, clamp to table/bench with a C clamp when needed. Would it be strong enough? I guess the plate is 6061 or 7075, don't know.The mounting plate in Hornady Quick Detach Mounting Plate System is rather thick, likely aluminum, what is the thickness and if it is aluminum? RCBS also has a bae plate, rather thick, aluminum? what thickness? If I have to, I can buy a steel plate, what is the minimum thickness needed? The Lee Bench Plate looks like steel and rather thin, my guess is maybe 1/8". Anyone has one?

I intend to countersink the plate and use flathead bolts.
 
1/4” is plenty thick. Inline fabrication uses 3/16” thick mild steel for their plates if I recall correctly. Aluminum is still plenty rigid and yet lightweight. My only complaint is though drilling/tapping/cutting is a cakewalk with aluminum. Welding it can be a different story. I have a ready supply of mild and stainless that I use just because I don’t have the resources to weld aluminum “yet”....so if workability is an issue that’s something to consider. Although if you aren’t going to modify or do anything that you would need to weld something to it...it’s a great option. Sorry for the rant.
 
I used 6x6x1/4" steel because I can buy them for $4 each at a local steel yard.
The have a big hole in each corner and I use them as a adaptor on different presses to have a common bolt pattern in the bench top.
I cut off one corner and mount the press kitty-corner so the bolt holes are further apart.
I use T-nuts with the barbs cut off, instead of tapping the holes.
This would work for clamps too:
CutPlateS.jpg JrS.jpg
IMG_0908.JPG
That 3rd bolt in the back/center line hole in the plate and into a rigid bench eliminates any rocking.
works for me,
:D
 
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