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CK_32
10-13-2014, 5:05 PM
Anyone have any designs or know of any single stage portable stand ideas?

I'm looking at getting a few 2x4's and making up a 12x20" reloading block to put in the back of my jeep to reload at the range. I'm thinking of keeping it small for space and mainly extending the legs forward so when the press is pulled and the force is given the legs can support the torque with out needing it to be clamped down. Possibly set up a weight anchor system in the rear to keep the back from lifting.

I know this isn't solid or ideal bench but I need something light, compact and mobile to put in the trunk of the jeep to take my reloading press to the range and finish up my OCW/Ladder tests for 4 loads for 2 rifles.


I'm assuming if I can get the feet to extend father than the leverage will over come, it would be semi successful. Again maybe leave a shelf in the wear for a sand bag for rear weight for added assurance.

Again I'm trying to keep it in the size of 15"x24" to house a single stage reloading press. I already have a heavy duty recycled digital satellite lens hard case which houses all my equipment, now I just need something to house and support the press.

Trying to double this as a fun weekend DIY project but build a useful mobile press stand :hammer:


***Update Post 53***

Just finished the last clear coat. Mounted the press. Actually quite happy with how it ended up :D

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p14/sportin3s/Firearms/1B856E12-951A-4046-9B69-204C098D788C_zpsv93jqo2j.jpg

Javi
10-13-2014, 5:10 PM
Have you considered the Lee Handpress?

lpspinner
10-13-2014, 5:13 PM
What about this from Lee Precision (http://www.titanreloading.com/press-accessories/lee-reloading-stand)?

http://www.titanreloading.com/image/cache/data/D2g/90688-01-600x600.jpg

CK_32
10-13-2014, 5:21 PM
No not until now, kind of taller than I was thinking. Good option tho.

Kind of steep for $90 for sheet metal tho... $50 is about what is expect to pay for something like that. Looks like it's all of about $15 in materials from a business standpoint.

Intimid8tor
10-13-2014, 5:26 PM
Fab something to go into the receiver?

Fjold
10-13-2014, 6:09 PM
Resize all your cases at home but throw the powder charges and seat bullets while you're at the range. You won't need as sturdy a table for that.

CK_32
10-13-2014, 6:10 PM
That's the plan, I still want something semi sturdy to help the process go smoothly. Especially since I'll be working from inside the car.

AeroEngi
10-13-2014, 6:26 PM
My buddy has the Lee Reloading Stand and he seems to like it a lot.

kpinole
10-13-2014, 6:30 PM
I use this as my full-time bench, but had to create my own plywood top. The included MDF top a bit too flimsy.

http://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable-height-heavy-duty-workstation-46725.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_16928.jpg

ironhorse1
10-13-2014, 6:52 PM
I have an RCBS jr, Uniflow and A Lee press all on a cast iron bench grinder stand from Harbor freight.

This arrangement frees up bench space and allows the use of the press anywhere.

YMMV

irh

BEE
10-13-2014, 7:54 PM
http://www.larrywillis.com/Lee.jpg

No stand needed and you can load on the go :D

wild_weasel
10-14-2014, 6:57 AM
I have my new Lee Classic Turret Press mounted to the Franklin Armory reloading stand from Midway USA.

stphnman20
10-14-2014, 7:01 AM
Get the Black and Decker workmate. Mount the press on a 2x6 and clamp it on the bench. That is what I did for a few years. Worked great.

Cowboy T
10-14-2014, 8:54 AM
Another option would be one of those old printer stands, like they used to use in the dot-matrix days. You can still find 'em around. They often have those plastic wheels (casters, I think they're called), so you can wheel it around wherever you need it to be. Also, they don't take up that much space. C-clamp or screw/glue a 3/4-inch thick section of scrap plywood onto the top, and you've got your bench.

afrancke
10-14-2014, 9:22 AM
That's the plan, I still want something semi sturdy to help the process go smoothly. Especially since I'll be working from inside the car.

Surely not inside, inside. Spilled powder will be hard to clean up.

I recommend an arbor press and hand dies for seating which you could do on a board on your lap (or a folding chair or whatever - nothing especially sturdy needed - and so then you only need a powder drop solution. if you were really loading near/in a car, I'd be tempted to roll with an RCBS Chargemaster.

If you are near a shooting bench (which it sounds like you won't be) at the range, you'd just need some C-clamps and a plate for your press to mount to, and they make clamping stands for powder drops as well.

CK_32
10-14-2014, 10:29 AM
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p14/sportin3s/1F07F527-7992-4195-9B2F-31CC24AF84D7_zpsxd4ilibt.jpg

I think my prayers were answered lol

Found this in the trash at work today. Doubt it will hold up but it's a nice little cheap design I could go off of.

CK_32
10-14-2014, 10:41 AM
But I will be giving those hand presses a hard look.

bigbossman
10-14-2014, 11:39 AM
No not until now, kind of taller than I was thinking. Good option tho.

Kind of steep for $90 for sheet metal tho... $50 is about what is expect to pay for something like that. Looks like it's all of about $15 in materials from a business standpoint.

Then, maybe try the $30 HF option:

http://www.harborfreight.com/universal-bench-grinder-stand-3184.html

Whiterabbit
10-14-2014, 11:55 AM
Most folks I see with portable reloading setups use a custom made box that holds all the gear. no bench. The box gets clamped to any available surface, and the box provides all the real eastate for press and everything. The box when open forms a wind-shielded space for measuring charges.

keep_ur_powder_dry
10-14-2014, 2:21 PM
C,

1/2" plate 12" x 12" (index and drill to fit reloader base).

Welded to a 4" steel pipe approx. 42" tall

Weld at base to a 22.5" truck rim.

Very portable in limited area shop...real stable

"Lanky" certified....the ol' 501 royale

gb

Whiterabbit
10-14-2014, 3:40 PM
I forgot ot mention, with my suggestion you would have to clamp it to your jeep to make it work. But at that point, the jeep is the bench, so I'm not sure you can get more stable than that. Mine's also the lightest package that can handle large rifle rounds. For small rifle, you can try the hand press. I only use mine for the seat-depth test at ranges though.

drkphibr
10-14-2014, 3:47 PM
I would probably call this more mobile than portable ;-)

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/attachment.php?attachmentid=327625&d=1400817850

CK_32
10-14-2014, 4:38 PM
That stand I found was junk.. Wobbles all over as soon as I set the press on it.


Heading to HF right now at that stand. My HF has 1 left in stock. Going to check it out.

JMP
10-14-2014, 6:48 PM
Put on a trailer hitch and mount it to that, but I suspect most ranges won't be that accepting to folks loading at the range. IDK, I don't see folks doing it much.

RandyD
10-14-2014, 8:29 PM
I got an old plow disk from a farmer. At Home Depot, I bought two couplings and a pipe and had the pipe threaded to screw into the couplings. I welded one coupling to the plow disk, and welded a steel plate to the other coupling. The steel plate serves as platform for my reloader. The plow disk makes a stable platform and it is very mobile. This cost me less than $10.00 to build thirty years ago.

Pauliedad
10-14-2014, 9:03 PM
I'd go the fabricate route.

Trailer hitch receiver is used to hold all sorts of stands and gizmos for utility companies.

CK_32
10-15-2014, 7:51 AM
I use this as my full-time bench, but had to create my own plywood top. The included MDF top a bit too flimsy.

http://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable-height-heavy-duty-workstation-46725.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_16928.jpg

I went to HF last night, that sheet metal grinder stand is horrid and wobbles all over.

The stand posted above was there and was surprisingly VERY solid. Less compact tho. But an option now.

CK_32
10-15-2014, 7:52 AM
I got an old plow disk from a farmer. At Home Depot, I bought two couplings and a pipe and had the pipe threaded to screw into the couplings. I welded one coupling to the plow disk, and welded a steel plate to the other coupling. The steel plate serves as platform for my reloader. The plow disk makes a stable platform and it is very mobile. This cost me less than $10.00 to build thirty years ago.

You have pictures?

RandyD
10-15-2014, 11:14 AM
You have pictures?

My reloader stand is in the back of my garage, and as soon as I can clean out my garage, I can take some pics.

Michael in California
10-15-2014, 12:14 PM
I would probably call this more mobile than portable ;-)

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/attachment.php?attachmentid=327625&d=1400817850

That is sweet. Would you mind sharing more details or linking to a thread where you have already done so?

8mmFMJ
10-15-2014, 12:24 PM
That is sweet. Would you mind sharing more details or linking to a thread where you have already done so?

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=669370

Michael in California
10-15-2014, 1:01 PM
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=669370

Thank you kindly. I seem to have vague memories of reading this before...

TheExiled
10-15-2014, 1:39 PM
I have one of these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DECKER-Workmate-425-Portable-Project-Center-and-Vise-WM425/202516382?cm_mmc=Shopping|Base&gclid=CJuK44vPr8ECFQaBaQod708AZg&gclsrc=aw.ds

I cut a 1" piece of plywood with my press and equipment on it and put 4 C-clamps on it to hold it on. I built it to be portable while I was moving as well as have an option to bring it inside or onto the back porch, but my living situation changed and now this is my fulltime bench. I keep a foot on the bottom and it works great.

CK_32
10-16-2014, 8:06 AM
I have one of these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DECKER-Workmate-425-Portable-Project-Center-and-Vise-WM425/202516382?cm_mmc=Shopping|Base&gclid=CJuK44vPr8ECFQaBaQod708AZg&gclsrc=aw.ds

I cut a 1" piece of plywood with my press and equipment on it and put 4 C-clamps on it to hold it on. I built it to be portable while I was moving as well as have an option to bring it inside or onto the back porch, but my living situation changed and now this is my fulltime bench. I keep a foot on the bottom and it works great.

How sturdy is that one? I tried the HF version of that food table and the boards bent and it cricked just from putting my palm on the top and pushing down. Didn't pass my quality test.

But looks handy.

SonofWWIIDI
10-16-2014, 8:31 AM
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2012/11/12/portable-reloading-press-plans/

Mount on any legs or other support structure you choose.

Bumslie
10-16-2014, 9:08 AM
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2012/11/12/portable-reloading-press-plans/

Mount on any legs or other support structure you choose.

Or if you're too lazy to build it, buy one :)

http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/reloading-presses/reloading-press-accessories/sinclair-wooden-press-stand-prod37267.aspx

http://www.brownells.com/userdocs/products/p_749006972_1.jpg

VAReact
10-16-2014, 10:08 AM
I use this as my full-time bench, but had to create my own plywood top. The included MDF top a bit too flimsy.

http://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable-height-heavy-duty-workstation-46725.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_16928.jpg

I went this route as well. Works great with added plywood top. :)

John Joseph
10-16-2014, 10:22 AM
Which model Jeep?

huckberry668
10-16-2014, 10:24 AM
I used the Lee Hand Press for load development at the range and when my home was too small.

A portable work bench is best. I use one of these for over 20 years. Light, cheap, adjustable and truly portable.

http://www.blackanddecker.com/power-tools/WM125.aspx

CK_32
10-16-2014, 2:57 PM
Or if you're too lazy to build it, buy one :)

http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/reloading-presses/reloading-press-accessories/sinclair-wooden-press-stand-prod37267.aspx

http://www.brownells.com/userdocs/products/p_749006972_1.jpg

This was EXACTLY what I had in mind of building!

CK_32
10-16-2014, 2:58 PM
Which model Jeep?

'00 Jeep Grand Cherokee

bohoki
10-16-2014, 3:12 PM
i reload 9,45acp,223 on a press clamped to a wood stool

i take 308 out on the picnic bench to do cause it takes more force


the trick is to first mount your press to 1 square foot of 3/4 ply with elevator bolts

Whiterabbit
10-16-2014, 3:35 PM
nice thing about a box is that, on its side, you have a wind-sheilded place to measure charges.

SonofWWIIDI
10-17-2014, 6:06 AM
This was EXACTLY what I had in mind of building!

The link in my post (#35) has the plans for it.
:thumbsup:

Whiterabbit
10-17-2014, 7:34 AM
Don;t forget the wind screen for measuring charges

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f208/dk17hmr/box4-1.jpg

CK_32
10-17-2014, 8:56 AM
Yea that's why I plan on loading in the car.

Perfect wind screen and I have a way of leveling and zeroing the scale easier inside the car than on dirt or what ever surface.

CK_32
10-17-2014, 8:57 AM
The link in my post (#35) has the plans for it.
:thumbsup:

Awesome!

My buddy is a wood builder so I'll give him she prints and see what he can drum up.

Swantombomboy
10-19-2014, 10:58 PM
Ended up buying this and cutting off the legs halfway down. Works amazing and very small and portable

http://m.harborfreight.com/universal-bench-grinder-stand-3184.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided

RandyD
10-20-2014, 5:22 AM
Ended up buying this and cutting off the legs halfway down. Works amazing and very small and portable

http://m.harborfreight.com/universal-bench-grinder-stand-3184.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided

EDIT* after rereading posts this might be bigger than what your looking for

I like this idea more than my plow disk stand that I made, and it is cheaper.

Darto
10-20-2014, 5:43 AM
A better 'hand press' than the Lee is the Decker (a.k.a. Huntington) hand press. Somewhere last year I saw online where they are still selling new ones. The advantage over the lee is that the force is straight up , not a sideways force because there are 2 handles not one. One handle on each side.

I can reload 30-30 with no sweat at all, or 45-70.

Here's the manual that comes with the press:
http://www.ziptar.com/reloading/Huntington_HDS_Compac_Press_Trifold.pdf

You have to center the handles one time to exact center so that the force of the left handle is exactly equal and opposite force of the right handle. This removes all sideways force and the force vector goes straight up, greatly increasing the power. Full length resizing no problem, compared to the Lee.

Darto
10-20-2014, 5:47 AM
OK, here it is , and the price, OUCH !!

It was much cheaper back when I bought it , Decker sold out to RCBS I guess and prices skyrocketed.

http://www.huntingtons.com/store/product.php?productid=19293&cat=744&page=1

A thread of user's reviews...
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=183510

4DMASTR
10-20-2014, 6:02 AM
A while back at San Joaquin Rifle and Pistol there was a guy with a work truck that had a simple mount to hold his press in his vice. It was a sweet setup! Watching him work up a couple loads, take a few shots, then work up another load amazed me. I had my first reloading setup on the way later that week.

CK_32
11-07-2014, 8:50 PM
Just finished the last clear coat. Mounted the press.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p14/sportin3s/Firearms/1B856E12-951A-4046-9B69-204C098D788C_zpsv93jqo2j.jpg


$26.98 and 1 weeks time.

Actually quite happy with how it turned out :D

CK_32
11-07-2014, 8:53 PM
The link in my post (#35) has the plans for it.
:thumbsup:

Thanks for the idea/prints.


Fun little weekend/day project. Hopefully it holds up.