Reloading Bench - Wall Mounting

[jad0110]

As the title of the thread suggests, space for my reloading bench is at a premium. There is no room in my house, so I'll be putting it in the garage. Problem is my garage is a standard size (not full), so there isn't a whole lot of space in there either.

I have sufficient wall space, but not a whole lot of floor space for legs as there are cars in the way. Yeah, I could park them outside. I live in a safe neighborhood, except for the odd half dozen or so car break-ins/vandalism that seems to occur every 18 months or so (quite the rest of the time). Plus I really like not having to scrape ice off the windshield in the winter or burn my butt on the seats in the hot summer .

I would like my bench top to be roughly 2' to 2.5' deep and about 6' wide. Basically, I was thinking of bolting a 2 X 6 header to the wall studs. On that, I would bolt my bench top, probably framed out of 2 X 4s at a minimum (perhaps 2 X 6s). I could have legs supporting the bench along the back wall, but not in the front where the car will actually park partially under the front of the bench. So I could suspend the bench with chains at both front corners of the bench. Additionally, a second 2 x 6 header could be bolted to the wall under the bench top and 2 x 4s could be attached along it to support the top from underneath.

I dunno. I looked around on the Internet for wall mounted-bench plans but had no luck. Maybe I didn't look hard enough. Has anyone else out there built a bench like that and if so, can you tell me how you did it or share some pictures or plans? I would really appreciate it!

EDIT: I will probably be using a Lee Classic Turret Press to load pistol ammo only, if that helps at all.

To make things a little easier to visualize, here's a picture of where my bench will go (where the yard tools are hanging now).

 

[KHawk]

jad0110; here is a link to an older thread. There are some ideas there that may be helpfull. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=248137

Mine is post #23. It is actually a 6' wall mount with a 4X4 post on each front corner. They may not show in the pics. I put it in a 6' wide closet in my basement, and built in shelving on the three walls around it. If you choose to do something similar, remember to also brace to an overhead beam for the upstroke leverage on your press.

 

[byf43]

Many years ago, I used a piece of countertop material that had a bullnose front and a molded in backsplash for a reloading bench.

I mounted this to the wall with a 'cleat' under the countertop (under the left side and the back) and one leg under the right hand corner.

I did use a peice of 3/8" plywood to fill the space from the top of the backsplash and glued and screwed that in place. This extended below the countertop by three inches. (The width of the cleat.)
The cleat (with the plywood spacer) were then screwed to the wall studs with 1/4" dia. lag bolts.

The leg could be substituted for an angular piece that runs from the bottom of the 'bench' to the back wall.

I have a photo of my old bench buried in a box somewhere. I'll try to dig it up and scan it, and post.

I had a set of shelves mounted on the wall above the 'bench'.

I had a Rockchucker press, a MEC 600 Jr., and a powder measure mounted on the bench. You could literally stand on this bench, it was that stable.

Total cost of materials. . . less than $50.00 for the bench.

When I sold the house, the new owners wanted me to leave the bench so that they could use it as a 'changing table' for their baby.
(My reloading room was the smallest bedroom in my house. No basement or garage.)

 

[scrat]

just do what i did. here is a pic

 

[koja48]

Consider a short section of bench anchored to the wall, then "hinge" the balance to this section and hinge the folding legs. Just a thought. Also consider storing whatever you can against the unused areas of the garage ceiling to free-up more floor space . . . at present, I have 2 float tubes, all of my fishing rods, goose silhouettes, goose layout blinds, duck decoys, clay pigeon thrower, extension ladder, & some misc stuff stored thusly. If you're interested, e-mail me & I'll send you some pics. My rigs live outside, but between quads, tools, Jeep wheels & parts, dog kennel, etc, I discovered that I really own a substandard, two-car toy box . . .

 

[jr81452]

hey i read your problem and decided to design something for your application. will be good for about 900# of load if you don't go much longer than 5' across the wall if you do you will need another diagonal brace. feel free to pm or email me if you don't know the terms (i am used to dealing with construction profesionals) or if you have any other questions. send me a pic if you build it so i can add it to my portfolio.

Jason A. R. - President
Creative Architectural Design

 

[4fingermick]

I built one in a departmental house that I lived in before I retired. This pic is the piece of Cypress Pine plank that I bought for the job (any solid plank would do). It was an absolute heatwave that day and I partook of refreshments on the way. The shelf was fitted between the brick supports behind the fan.



This shot gives you an idea of the size of the piece of wood.



I mounted this on heavy duty shelf supports, the ones which are steel strap with a cross piece support (looks like the letter A), not the pressed sheet grey ones. I used two of these for the shelf which was approx 5'. I was going to put two extra ones in on the side, but it was so solid, I never got around to it. I never thought to take a pic f the set up, but this approach is a lot better than a portable table, etc. It does not move and you can set up several presses/lubesizers, whatever on it. You can put shelves above it, but can leave it clear below so that you can nose a vehicle up under it. Buy some of those rubber stops so that the car stops before having a press slice through the hood .

Works a treat, I have done this a few times. I'll take a pic next time.

 

[Claude Clay]

wall mount

what i sent ua 3 pics in a round about way......it is designed for a front door to 'conceal' the obvious right side please let me know if you received the pics"s... ty

 

[billp]

portable reloader

Senior citizen favors portable press which can be stored when not in use.

Seen is 1967 rcbs rock chucker.

 

[jad0110]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! I'll have to consider everything and pick and choose what will work best.

BTW Claude, I did get your pics - thanks!

And FYI, I'll be wall mounting a couple of lockable cabinents above the bench to keep my gear in. I've lucked out that there is a convenient wall outlet right there behind my yard tools.

Great stuff, please keep the suggestions coming.