Reloading Bench help

[hairtumor]

I am going to start reloading and need some advice on a good reloading bench/table. Thanks

[WARDOG]

You should use a table top surface that is smooth, non-porous so primer and powder residue can't get stuck and ignite.
The top should not be conductive so less chance of static discharging on your primers, etc.
The top should be drillable for mounting holes, but strong. Wood is good, particle board is not.
You will want 1" thick overhangs of at least 3" for mounting your press to the table edge for handle range of motion,
The rest is up to you.
How much space do you have? Does it have to be moved? Is it in a location that is climate controlled in winter? Do you have to share the table with your lady's sewing?
Near electrical outlets for chargers, or power adapters. Good overhead lighting.
What kinds of press do you have?
Can never have too many small drawers, and upper shelves to stay organized.
Don't forget the swivel chair?

[ADAM]

You should use a table top surface that is smooth, non-porous so primer and powder residue can't get stuck and ignite.
The top should not be conductive so less chance of static discharging on your primers, etc.
The top should be drillable for mounting holes, but strong. Wood is good, particle board is not.
You will want 1" thick overhangs of at least 3" for mounting your press to the table edge for handle range of motion,
The rest is up to you.
How much space do you have? Does it have to be moved? Is it in a location that is climate controlled in winter? Do you have to share the table with your lady's sewing?
Near electrical outlets for chargers, or power adapters. Good overhead lighting.
What kinds of press do you have?
Can never have too many small drawers, and upper shelves to stay organized.
Don't forget the swivel chair?

^^^^yap listen to him^^^^

[hairtumor]

we will be moving in a few months, it will be in the garage. Plenty of space, I am sure I will be close to a electrical outlet. Lots of good suggestions, thanks.

I probably will be getting the Lee clasic turret press. As of now I'm collecting all the 45acp brass I can get my hands on.

[joefreas]

I went for this. There is 3/4" plywood under the work surface.
new shop.jpg
Bench.jpg

[WARDOG]

I forgot to add...
Make sure the table is adjustable to you can level it on any floor.
Most garage floors have a 2% grade for water drainage.
It is no fun chasing rolling cases around on an uneven benchtop.
When you buy your first few reloading books they usually have tips for creating your bench & workspace.

@ joefreas-
I wish I had that space!!!

[Divernhunter]

I built mine out of steel and it is moveable. Has worked well since the 1970's. I am presently building a second for another spot in the room out of metal. Then I will be able to have all the presses mounted at the same time. Two Dillon 650's, a RCBS Rockchucker, a RCBS Jr and a 50bmg Hornady press.

[kmca]

I've been thinking of building my next bench using concrete for the top, wonder how it would work out?

[Whiterabbit]

Wow guys. No need to be so complicated! Just make sure it is sturdy, stable, and bolted down to take the torque from the press arm and you will be FINE!

Everything after that is a bonus, not a requirement!

[damndave]

I used only 3/4" plywood and a bunch of 2x4's from Home Depot. Sturdy enough for me to stand on top. total cost around $60

[Quinc]

You can get a bench pretty cheap at harbor freight with the 20% off coupon.

[Lead Waster]

It can be as simple as you want or as fancy pants as you want!

My first "bench" was a piece of wood with my 550b bolted to it, I would take that piece of wood and use C-clamps to clamp it to my kitchen counter.

Now I have a "bench" that started life as a wooden rack that I made for my recycle bins, until the county switched to rolling bins. I just bolted my press to it.

BUT...the rack/bench I made, though heavey and made of plywood and 2x4s has a flaw that I'll explain now....it's not bolted to the floor and it doesn't have enough front-to-back depth. When you prime a case with a Dillon 550b, you have to push the handle forward. With my bench this tends to tip the bench backward!! Currently, I just have some steel brackets that I attached to the legs and I stand on a board in front of the bench to keep it from tipping, but it's not ideal. I will add some kind of triangular foot to the back of the bench when I get a chance, to resist tipping.

Obviously that rack is taller than it is deep (front to back) so it's tippy. Make sure your bench (if you use a press that requires you to PUSH the handle forward) is stable in this regard! My piece-of-wood-clamped-to-the-counter never ahd that problem because the counter wasn't going anywhere!

If you are in an unfinished garage, consider simply mounting a 2x8 like a shelf/bench across several vertical 2x4 framing members. Nice and stable and out of the way!

[Sydwaiz]

Build it yourself from American lumber from Home Depot. 4x4s, 2x4s, plywood, done. It will be stronger than anything you can buy from China at Harbor Freight.

I went pretty extreme on mine. I used 2" square steel tubing with .125" wall all welded together, 2 pieces of 3/4" oak plywood laminated together for the top and lower shelf covered with a sheet of formica, and a metal top shelf from a shop bench that you can buy. It's bolted down in my garage. If there is an earthquake, I know where I'm hiding.

[Lead Waster]

If you are going to build it yourself and want to save time, look at the 2x4 Basics workbench designs

http://www.2x4basics.com/WorkBench-Legs.asp

http://www.2x4basics.com/garage-storage.asp

Here is a workbench kit from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/2x4basics-9016...ef=pd_sim_ol_5
(yes, buy that through the calguns link)

Basically you buy a kit of connectors and supply your own (American or otherwise) 2x4s

Though it really is easy enough to slap some 2x4 and plywood together IF you have the time, space, a saw and a hammer. (use deck screws though if you have a power drill/driver!)

[Bupkus]

I thought this was a good idea.

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showpost.php?p=2732247&postcount=47