Craftsman bench stand

[vinny_land]

So Im still acquiring all the things for my reloading setup. Since space is an issue, Im looking different options. Does anyone have experience with these bench stands from Craftsman?


I was thinking to mouth 3/4'' ply on top. I do have plans for the NRMA bench that many people have in their garages and I have adjusted it from 6 ft to 4 ft, but I just want to consider all the options I have before getting a bench.

Also, here is what I have:
ABCs of Reloading
Lyman 49th manual
Hornady 8th Edition manual
Hornady LNL Classic
Hornady digital calipers
RCBS chargemaster and scale
RCBS case lube and pad
RCBS loading tray
RCBS hand priming tool
Lyman 600 tumbler
SmartReloader media separator
Zilla walnut media
NuFinish car wax

What I still need:
chamfer/deburr tool
primer pocket cleaner
case trimmer (any advantage with a regular case trimmer like RCBS versus a Possum Hollow Kwick case trimmer?)
223 dies
bullet puller

[yakmon]

doesn't look heavy enough for me, or stable enough, especially the top one. if you bolted it to the floor, they would probably work fine, though.

[gunboat]

I agree -- not large enough or stable enough -- I also realize some folks do not have room so here's a suggestion. Bolt the plywood to the bottom of the stand as well as the top. Make the bottom piece large enough to stand on so you can use your weight to offset the effort of using your press.
my ha-penny

[Sky_DiveR]

Ya might be better with this. Plus you can fold it up and stick it in a closet. Just clamp a large piece of plyboard to it that you can mount your press to.

http://www.blackanddecker.com/power-tools/WM425.aspx

[Revoman]

I used one of the B&D Workmates for some years before mounting to a real workbench. It worked very well. I simply used 'C' clamps to clamp what ever loader I needed to the top itself. No extra plywood required. The top is substantial enough to work okay.
It helps that there is a 'step' built-in as I used that for upward leverage when needed.

[bumpo628]

The second one looks ok. I would mount plywood to the top and middle. The middle can be used as a shelf and will add to the rigidity/weight. If needed, add wood to the bottom too. If a B&D workmate will do, then this will be fine. Plus, when you build your bench, you can use this for power tools.

You might want to add a couple things to your list:

$32 - Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Gage 5 Bushing Set with Comparator (measures from base to shoulder)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=479704

$10 - Possum Hollow Power Adapter (can be used with case trimmer or deburring tool)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=295771

$5 - Lee Decapper and Base 30 Caliber (for depriming milsurp or crimped brass the first time)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=297408

[Bill Steele]

I agree with the opinions about the stability.

If you look at the stand in this link, http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/cata...dingstand.html look at the concrete block they have hanging from the bottom of the bench to stabilize it. BTW, I am not suggesting the bench in the link either, the Workmate solution sounds like a good one.

I have both my presses mounted on a used roll around butcher block table (the kind you get a place like Pier 1 Imports), works great.

[vinny_land]

I agree with the opinions about the stability.
I have both my presses mounted on a used roll around butcher block table (the kind you get a place like Pier 1 Imports), works great.

Hmm..I'll look into that one If all else fails, I think I'll just stick with the NRMA bench that I have adjusted to 4ft.

You might want to add a couple things to your list:
$32 - Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Gage 5 Bushing Set with Comparator (measures from base to shoulder)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=479704

I was following Randall's setup and was gonna go with the RCBS precision mic.

$10 - Possum Hollow Power Adapter (can be used with case trimmer or deburring tool)

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=295771

Is there any advantage from the Possum Hollow Kwick case trimmer and a regular trimmer lathe-like one from Hornady, RCBS, or Forster?

$5 - Lee Decapper and Base 30 Caliber (for depriming milsurp or crimped brass the first time)
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=297408

always looking to learn about better equipment

[bumpo628]

The possum hollow trimmer is cheaper and fast.

[jwest]

I have the workbench from Craftsman - max. weight rating is 500 lbs. on the ones I have - have two 550B's on them - no problem.

Costco had some nice wood benches and I bought two of those as well - but I have not mounted any reloaders on those yet - but they will take more weight.

[smoothy8500]

+1 on the Possum Hollow with the power adapter. Makes quick work when loading a lot of .223

[Sunday]

I am using a 5 or 6 foot bathroom cabinet that was removed during a remodel . I took off the plastic countertop and cut a piece of plywood for the top used a couple of 2x4s to reinforce it and it works great. Reloading is easy just take your time and do not rush all you need to know to start is in a couple of reloading manuals and you will learn something every time you reload or change something. It is really a great past time.

[Stryfe76]

I'm using the harbor freight version of the bottom one with a pair of 6' 2x6's chopped in half for the bench top and I can resize 30-06 to 8mm Mauser with the lee press on the right side with out issues.

[wbrosha]

I actually have the Bottom one and it works great!!! I am a store manager for sears and looked everywhere for a portable reloading bench until i realized that it might work! It is great and for I think $24.99 you can't beat it.

[vinny_land]

I'm using the harbor freight version of the bottom one with a pair of 6' 2x6's chopped in half for the bench top and I can resize 30-06 to 8mm Mauser with the lee press on the right side with out issues.

loving that setup, might give this a try