Cheap reloading bench? (or alternative)

[Anchors]

I'm about to order a Lee Classic Turret and the whole setup with it (I was going to get it from Kempf, but piecing all the parts listed together is cheaper from Cabela's right now with free shipping).

I know I need a sturdy platform to bolt the press down to...but I'm on a tight budget and would love to hear your creative solutions.

I was thinking maybe someone on Craigslist is getting rid of an old workbench? (ETA: Someone on there is giving away a free one, but didn't leave any contact info )

[ivanimal]

Try craigslist for work or tech benches.

[damndave]

Get an old workbench or desk on craigslist. Can probably find one for free.

If it's not sturdy enough, just add some support beams.

[problemchild]

Make one

thick outdoor plywood (top)
4x4 legs
skirt with 2x6 sidewalls and leg support
2x4 under beams add support for top

[24Sailor]

I use a 5' 2x12 board and a couple of quick clamps. I can clamp it to near any sturdy table, desk or workbench where it overhangs slightly to accomodate the press. Do my reloading then unbolt and store press board and clamps in a small area. I'm cheap too! But this is so easy I'll do it even if I'm only loading a few rounds. I can also mount my trimmer and powder measure on same board using screws, recessed bolts or clamps,

[hayaku]

i posted this pic (from google) in OHOD's thread... a few pieces of 3/4" plywood. when you are using it, just clamp it to your table (dinner table, kitchen counter, coffee table, whatever). you can even use it on its own without clamping if you build the base wide enough. when you are done, just put in the closet as it stands on its own.



you can also get a grinder stand from harbor freight (30 bucks) or a frankford arsenal portable reloading stand for about 50-60 bucks.

[Dark Mod]

The best thing ive found is an office desk, the workbench i had sat way too high, i had to use a stool and the whole setup was just uncomfortable. The office desk was the perfect height and the hutch and drawers are used for storage

[Anchors]

Great advice guys. I'm thinking if I can't find one on Craigslist then I will get the Harbor Freight stand or maybe even make the portable hutch. Thanks!

Having a workbench would be nice for other uses too though. I think I've outgrown my kitchen table haha. Maybe I can enlist the help of a buddy with more woodworking skills and build one. I could probably figure it out, but if you screw up the project starts shrinking real fast.

[AdidasCJ]

I made my own with 4x4 legs some 1x2 with a counter top for my top.

here is the link, i made it for about 50 bucks.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=488398

[Dutch3]

A used B&D Workmate could be cheap and useful. Added benefit of being foldable for storage if space is a concern.

[iareConfusE]

You could use a saw horse....

[bruceflinch]

A used B&D Workmate could be cheap and useful. Added benefit of being foldable for storage if space is a concern.

Those work well.

If the OP is near Oakland, I have an old metal office desk you can have for picking it up.

[Endofcomment]

The newer work mates are pretty cheap. Very thin sheet metal legs, I have actually received a few with bent legs from shipping while the boxes looked intact. That being said, look for an older model with the heavy steel or cast legs and your good.

I have yet to find a good solution for my cramped area, I can't stand wasting time on setup so I leave my press mounted to my desk. It works till I win the lotto and get a mansion...

[Anchors]

There is a garage at my house and I can commandeer a 5"x3" or so section of space to set up with (and keep it there).

I made my own with 4x4 legs some 1x2 with a counter top for my top.

here is the link, i made it for about 50 bucks.


http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=488398

I remember your thread! I thought it was one of the nicest I had seen.
I don't have any of those tools here. $50 is totally reasonable for that though. I like the hole for old primers.

Those work well.

If the OP is near Oakland, I have an old metal office desk you can have for picking it up.

Thanks BruceFlinch.
I'm down in OC, but I would take you up on that if I were up there.

[NoJoke]

Make one

thick outdoor plywood (top)
4x4 legs
skirt with 2x6 sidewalls and leg support
2x4 under beams add support for top

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=reloading%20benck&source=web&cd=9&ved=0CHoQFjAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shotgunsportsmagazine.com%2Fdownloads%2Fbench_plans.pdf&ei=zkzSTq-rPKvJsQLJtI3CDg&usg=AFQjCNHrIcu2DcIKVRt9FD2P8bXGuI9o4g