Reloading Table

[earlthegoat2]

Torsion box bench tops are a very robust design if you have the right tools and some woodworking skills to make it.

You will definitely need at least a jointer but a jointer and a planer both are ideal. You could probably get away with using 2x2s as well for something like this.

One drawback though is you have to reinforce the area you will be mounting the press/presses to. Not for strength reasons so much as just so you will have substance to screw/bolt to.

Really though they are probably overkill for reloading. double up 1/2 or 3/4 ply and you will be good to go.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

Keep It Simple, Make It Strong.

I just finished mine. The top and sides are 2"x12"s, the cross-members are 2"x4"s, and the legs are 4"x4"s, all bolted together with 3/8" bolts. The dimensions are 6'6"L x 30"D x 38"H. I have an overhand on the right side so the cross-members wouldn't interfere with my bolting the two presses on that end. And I BOLT my presses using the largest diameter bolts the press allows (usually 3/8").



It and the bench I already have a total of 11.5' tabletop space and it is barely enough, since I also set my rifle cleaning rest on top.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/KevinRohrer/Reloading/IMG_0240.jpg

 

[Offfhand]

Sometimes the best choices are overlooked because they are so obvious! One of the best possible choices for a reloading or work bench top is a pre-formed formica kitchen type counter top. They are extremely strong and rigid (Try bending one) and come in convenient standard lengths: 4' & 6' etc., relatively inexpensive and easy to attach. They require no finishing and the built-in back board is a plus. The surface is extremely tough, resists scuffing and staining and easily wiped clean. Attached is a photo of my bullet swaging press mounted on a kitchen countertop bench top. Bullet swaging requires a lot of leverage but the stiff countertop holds with virtually no flexing. Notice that the press is bolted to a steel plate which in turn is bolted to countertop. The bolts holding plate come up from bottom so surface is clean and smooth. I now use pre-formed formica countertops on all my work and reloading benches with mounting plates having holes drilled and tapped for quickly switching tools such as press, vises, grinders, etc. It's simple to do, saves a lot of time and avoids clutter.