My "Poor Man's" Reloading Bench

[flak88mm]

Ha ha yeah, I thought it wouldn't work, I thought that if I would mount this thing, that I'd have to hold it down each time i punch stuff out. But its heavy enough to resist that kind of force.

To all, thanks for the replies and compliments. BTW, what's a good cheap brass trimmer? I think my kit came with one but I don't have the machine to hold the brass to run it in circles...

[Whiterabbit]

Should be fine as long as you don't tip it over during resizing.....

What do I think? I think this! I needed to bolt down the bench into the concrete and that still didn't prevent shifting during priming, I had to bolt it to the wall/studs before I got rock solid performance!

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As for case trimming, I went with a lathe type by RCBS. barring that, I probably would have bought the lyman model (I think it was lyman, it was the one that was just over half the price of the RCBS model). In either case, what's important to trim on the cheap, is the ability to attach a drill to it. Best mix IMO of cheap and ergonomic.

I played with a zip trim and it just seems like a joke. plastic and loosey-goosey.

Being able to do something like this (regardless of manufacturer) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j65zHxVenz8 has been reasonably convenient.

[Whiterabbit]

wait, is that a cigar on the concrete floor?

[Vulgar Patty]

You call that a "poor man's" reloading bench? I found a dresser on the side of the road, and nailed a couple planks of hardwood to the top.



(full size links)

http://salvationontherocks.com/images/reloading/100_8922.JPG

http://salvationontherocks.com/images/reloading/100_8921.JPG

Over 1000 rounds reloaded, and the bastard hasn't fallen apart yet--on the other hand, my roommate REALLY hates that I keep it in the kitchen.

[Latigo]

She reprimanded you for buying the lee kit?

Show her the price of a Dillon... that will quiet her down.

But... but Baby!! How can you complain about this new Caddilac?? I mean... I could have bought a Corvette! You should be greatful!

Oh, yeah. She'll buy that one alright.

[r3dn3ck]

Dresser f00 redux:

Case prep and weigh station.


Measuring equipment


brass and bullet storage


Dies and primers


Powder supplies.


Dressers are awesome. I have a regular loading bench that I do the throwing of charges and the actual sizing/seating/priming operations but there's top secret stuff on top of it (new inventions) that I can't let the pics of leak, so you don't get to see the RCBS and Lee single stage presses and the RCBS powder thrower or the vice's or the tool set.

[r3dn3ck]

Hey flak88, what kind of cigar is that on the floor next to your reloading setup? Smoking while you reload is dangerous... you could ruin a stogie that way.

[bruceflinch]

Nice Job! Can't wait to see your setup after you're rich!

[flak88mm]

Nice Job! Can't wait to see your setup after you're rich!

You will see a kingdom of primers, powders, brass, more gunz, and a 100 stage press....

[1lostinspace]

super cool it allows you to move in and out. Is it stable?

[scarville]

Nice minimalist setup. My loading bench is an old desk I picked for almost nothing.

[flak88mm]

super cool it allows you to move in and out. Is it stable?

Yes, very stable. I used bolts to keep it locked on to the wood.

[ivanimal]

I build all my workbenches from angle iron found in shelving racks and modular furniture tops. They are incredibly strong and free on craigslist all the time.

Here is a reeeeeaaaaly old picture.

[shinbone]

Great minds think alike.

Here's the setup what I started out with.. (I just threw the calipers and bins to show what it typically looked like - note absence of powder)

Im thinking of using it again for when I do 45Colt. Instead of running it on the turret. Its really refreshing to go back to a minimal setup.

[ireload]

I use to keep all of my reloading tools, primers, and powders in a large plastic tool box when I first started out. I use to have the Lee Hand press. Talk about "poor man's", you guys and gal using salvaged dresser and Burro brand saw horses makes look like a "beggar" during my early days of reloading.....

To be honest at times I kinda miss those days. Talk about KISS reloading.