Mounting a press to workbench - tips, suggestions?

[23 Blast]

So, I finally got my workbench assembled. (Windsor design 60" 4-drawer.) It didn't come with drawer handles, but that's a different story.

Anyway, I was looking up ways to mount a Lee Turret press to it. Do I mount it directly to the bench? Use a piece of plywood? Suggestions and experiences welcome.

[not-fishing]

I used a block of wood 6x8, laid it on the 8" side to get the proper "lever" height. You'll have to test out you're own system to figure you're blocking height.

I though-bolted the full bench width 6x8 to my drawered cabinet top using carriage bolt, fender washers and cutting off the excess thread so that my top drawer would - somewhat- function.

Forming 30.06 or 300 WBY sometimes takes a fair amount of "lever" pressure especially if you're cheap with the lube.

[23 Blast]

Thanks - I'd seen a pic of my exact same bench where a fellow made amount which can be secured to the bench using the built-in vise. Looks like he used two very thick sheets of plywood to mount it. Very ingenious way to have the press out of the way if it's not being used.

[baih777]

Determine first, are you going to use a chair or a stool. Then set the press on the bench. Pull the handle down to the bottom of the stroke. You want the press high enough, so that you are not leaning over.

[09cs]

I mounted mine to a piece of wood, with I then clamped down using about 5 C clamps to the bench. I needed the option of moving it since I am in a tiny place

[stilly]

So, I finally got my workbench assembled. (Windsor design 60" 4-drawer.) It didn't come with drawer handles, but that's a different story.

Anyway, I was looking up ways to mount a Lee Turret press to it. Do I mount it directly to the bench? Use a piece of plywood? Suggestions and experiences welcome.

Well, Either get a strong mount from Inline Fab OR, What I would do, is get this:

https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-bench-plate-90251.html

(Because I already have one)

And then you only have to put a single set of holes in your bench and you can buy extra metal plates and mount various presses to them. (Lee brand, Other brands best to use the wood).

It is also a good idea to put a vertical piece of wood underneath your press whereever it is mounted. I noticed that while sizing, I have about 1/2" of flex on the end of my workbench. I do not think that is good, but I will stare at it until something breaks probably...

[23 Blast]

Thanks, all.

What bolts to use when mounting the press to the actual piece of wood? Are there wood screws with sufficient thickness and grip, or would I be better off using some kind of machine bolt/nuts/washers arrangement with something that goes all the way through the wood?

[klewan]

Use T nuts; they install from underneath the wood, have barbs to hold it in place.

[23 Blast]

Use T nuts; they install from underneath the wood, have barbs to hold it in place.

Excellent! Just need to measure the holes for the proper size!

[slopoke]

I have both of my presses on the Inline Fabrication UltraMounts. I drilled 2 small holes in my bench top where the back of the mounts are. I use screws and wingnuts at those mounting locations and C-clamp the mounts at the benchtop edge. It's simple to setup and I like having a clear work bench to do projects on. Prior to getting the mounts, I just C-clamped the single stage press to the bench top.

I thought of using T-Nuts, but with a lack of clearance a wing type fastener would not work and I like a tool-less setup opposed to having a hex bolt or allen headed fastener that requires a wrench.

[23 Blast]

I love this guy's setup: (posts #28 and 29) -

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3999829

BTW, this is the exact same bench I got.

I like it because I'm cheap, and already have much of the material on-hand.

[drkphibr]

Over the years I've fiddled with my bench and tried the following with my presses:

1. Mount directly to the bench (a bit too low for seated usage)
2. Mounted with a wood base (perfect height for seated usage)
3. Mounted to a riser/stand (great for standing)
4. T-slots (AKA T Tracks) have been excellent for mounting small (and some large things temporarily (mini saw for 300 blackout cutting, hand trimmers, powder drops, etc.)

I'm now looking at Inline Fabrication's flush mount quick change system of interchangeable plates (this is different from the Ultramounts, which I don't have the space for) . Very cool idea and if I had it to do all over again, I'd go this route with a bit of T-slots for flexibility. I like the interchangeable plate idea better than mounting presses directly to my bench. Provides great press flexibility from what I can tell.

Flush mount quick change: http://inlinefabrication.com/collect...tem-base-plate

[rcslotcar]

Height is important, check that you can operate the press from your seated position. I also mounted my newest press a bit "back", to prevent bumping into it when walking by it. I had to cut an angled slot in the bench top, to allow full downward handle movement.