Building a new reloading bench - With Pics

[Yerman]

I probably should have started this thread a while ago but I'm a busy guy and haven't been able to sit down and spend much time here...primarily because of all the hours I am putting into this bench.

I didn't take as many pics as I should have to post a project like this, so sorry ahead of time.

This is the first thing I have ever built like this. I do have some experience with base, case, and closet building. I spend a couple summer months a long time ago working for a friend of mine...but never built anything like this before.

BTW, the cost and expectation of this bench has grown exponentially. I never intended this to cost as much as it has, and be this much work. But, it's been fun, and it's almost done.

One of the side pieces...


Side piece construction...

In it's new home...


Both sides in place and the back framing coming together...


Checking clearance for my rolling stool...


Finally got the top on...


Two 3/4" pieces of plywood and a thin piece of replaceable hardwood for the top...


Another shot of the top...


Used hockey pucks for the feet! Haha...worked great. Details can be found here... http://dans-woodshop.blogspot.com/20...t-mark-ii.html
Not my pic but they look the same.


I still need to:
- Build the bottom shelf across the middle
- Attach a backsplash
- Attach some 1x2 across the front and router it
- Sand, stain and clear the top
- Remove the shelf from the wall and install a few cabinets

This thing is rock solid! It's bolted to the wall and doesn't move at all. I built it so I can disassemble it and take it with me when I move.

[Yerman]

UPDATE - Getting close. I got the trim and the backsplash installed today. I decided to leave a small lip all the way around to prevent things from rolling off the table. I did the same on the bottom.

Tomorrow is putty, sand, stain, and build the bottom shelf. Saturday will be the first coat of clear.

Do you guys think I should stain it light colored, medium, or dark?



Opinions on the stain color?


UPDATE:

Went to the river all week so I had to stop working on the bench.

Got a couple cabinates installed above the bench and I cut in power strip into the 2x4 that supports the front so it sits flush.

It still needs clear coat. I'm hoping to finish up this weekend. Oh...and I restained the top. I didn't like the red color in the previous stain.

[Yerman]

UPDATE:
Getting close now. I decided to paint the bottom half. I still need to zip tie some wires, install a few more items, and put my t-track in when it comes next week. I'll save all the details for for my full write up when I am done. Just wanted to keep some pictures going.

[G38xOC]

Wow . Looking real good

[cbsdd00]

Nuuuuyce

[baih777]

Nice. Solid top and nice strong frame.
They make power strips with USB ports. Good way to keep your phone charged.

[Mike402]

Very nice...I cheesed out and went with a pre built from Lowe's.

[MongooseV8]

Ha almost exactly like mine. Nice job.

['ol shooter]

Nice work, uber strong.

[popeye4]

Nice! I've also found that some diagonal bracing on the legs is advisable, 1"x2" strips are more than adequate.

[Divernhunter]

Nice bench.
I built mine out of steel and that works also.

[Michael in California]

Overbuilt. Excessively overbuilt.

I like it!

[Capybara]

Kick *** man! Love to see homemade craftsmanship.

[Archon_g24]

Looks great! Going to poach some ideas when it comes time to build mine.

[desertjosh]

Very cool OP!