Reloading news flash!!!!

[bruceflinch]

Didn't know OHOD was left handed...

But not a Left-Winger!

[Bill Steele]

Not trying to be alarmist, but something you might consider doing (if you already have not done it) is asking your doctor to put heavy metals on your blood test list with your periodic physical.

Loading from spent cases in the house is going to cause lead to work its way into your system. How much likely depends on how much you do and how you process everything, how meticulous you are, etc. It may not amount to much, or it may be something you need to address.

Not yelling fire, just saying it might be a good idea to keep an eye on it.

Good luck, have fun.

[Fishslayer]

But not a Left-Winger!

Ah yes... sinister, but not stupid.

Oh look! Left handed tactical spatula!

http://www.leftyslefthanded.com/Left_Handed_Cherry_Wood_Large_Spatula_p/597517.htm

[Divernhunter]

I built my bench so that I could move it from room to room. I built it out of steel. I have a RCBS RC and Jr press as well as a Uniflow measure mounted on it. Then I got a 50bmg press(hornady) and 2 Dillon 650 units so I built a second one a bit larger, but still moveable.
I have reloaded on carpet for 40+ years without trouble. If you are concerned you could ground the press.
I just vacuum up any dropped primers etc and once in a while will have one go pop in the vacuum. No big deal.
Half of my garage is reloading stuff and ammo storage. The rest is tools, scuba gear and misc other stuff. I also have one room in the house with 3 large safes and powder,ammo, gun parts and my computer. The two tables for reloading are now in the living room since I divorced my wife. One is where we always put the Xmas tree so that is my excuse to not put up a tree this year. Also a book case with at least one self with reloading info/gun info.

[JTROKS]

Nice setup you got there. I my Piggyback on a RS5, an Ammomaster progressive and a Partner Press on one work table purchased from Home Depot.

[SDgarrick]

You've inspired me to develop my own micro reloading space. I like the c clamp/barstool approach someone mentioned. I just moved from a house to an apartment so reloading has not been simple.

[BillCA]

Tadah!!!!!!

So I'm getting ready to go to Home Depot and my mom says (yes my mom), "Where you going?"
"Home Depot to pick up a work bench." I says.
"Why don't you use that one." as she points to the other side of the room.

Oh yeah, good idea!
Never made it to HD, instead OSH to pick up a couple of bolts, storage bins and etc...



Yes, BB and Bf, that is the same table I used to have. Finally pulled out the press.



Used a coping saw to cut away a section for the press, drilled a couple of holes and then....BAM! Super cool reloading bench!
Note the drawers below the press. One is to catch any junk that falls off the press and the bottom drawer is for dirty brass and etc...



The finished product!
I think I need some pink ribbons to make it girly like. What do you think?

Here is a serious question though, ...
I've read that carpets are notorious for generating a spark. Prior to reloading, I want to create a safe environment.

1. What would you recommend to be placed below the table so as not to create a poor mans Vandegraff Generator?

2. I would like to create a ground maybe?

Basically, I need some advice on safety and spark suppression.

Nice work! I'll call you when I set up my bench and you can help!

Carpet & Spill Protection:
I'd suggest buying a plastic carpet protector mats to start with.
You'll spend a lot of time sitting at that bench and wheels or no wheels, your feet and chair will wear on that carpet.

I'd also suggest finding similar plastic material that can be cut and placed under the table's left side to reduce the chances of powder & primers getting into the carpet. It'll also save you some creative wordsmithing when a lubricated case or bullet falls to the floor (and picks up lots of fibers). An interim measure is to use newspaper. It's cheap and disposable and ugly.

DO NOT DRY-VACUUM around spilled powders or primers.
Most primers are magnetic and can be picked up with a decent magnet. But smokeless powder must be carefully handled to prevent ignition. A plastic sheet or newspaper covering the floor will help.

You will have to moisten any powder in the carpeting before vacuuming it up. The downside is this may leave a grayish color in the carpeting from the graphite/carbon. To remove this coloring, use a steaming-vacuum.

Note: A DustbusterPress mount. Be sure to inspect the front edge of that desk top periodically for cracking or weakening. At the bottom of the downward stroke the press exerts pressure at the edge towards you. If that top flexes, it will eventually crack.

Underneath, I'd suggest using large metal "fender washers" or a metal plate to disperse some of the pressure. You could also cut two triangular bolsters to fit either side of the press's lower extension, paint to match and nail into place. That would spread the downward force into the legs.

Other Observations:
You're using the same scale and powder measure I do. Buy a large green gun-cleaning mat (Hoppe's or Remington) to help contain powder spills. Green allows you to see loose powder easier than gray or black.

If you reload at night, think of how you'll light the workbench. Lighting should come from the side or behind your left shoulder so your body doesn't block it. Avoid harsh, bright light that casts deep shadows as it will tire you faster.

It doesn't appear that the side panel hinges upwards to extend the tabletop. Consider buying a half-round edge trim and nailing it on the edge with about a 1/16" rise at the edge of the table top to catch primers & powder before it finds the floor.

You need a metal trash can near the bench to dispose of old boxes, old primers, damaged brass, contaminated powder and other assorted trash. Metal because there is a minor risk of fire. Consider adding an inexpensive kitchen-type fire extinguisher nearby too.

Decorations:
No pink ribbons... but using a thin paintbrush, I could see a lavender pinstripe around the drawer edges to offset some painted pale pink roses on the drawer facings.

[knucklehead0202]

Not trying to be alarmist, but something you might consider doing (if you already have not done it) is asking your doctor to put heavy metals on your blood test list with your periodic physical.

Loading from spent cases in the house is going to cause lead to work its way into your system. How much likely depends on how much you do and how you process everything, how meticulous you are, etc. It may not amount to much, or it may be something you need to address.

Not yelling fire, just saying it might be a good idea to keep an eye on it.

Good luck, have fun.

get real.

anyhow, congrats on getting set up, i know it's not easy in an apartment. my setup is a LEE breechlock press bolted to a crappy IKEA desk made for midgets in my walk-in closet. i use rcbs trays, because they hold just about any size you can dream of, and i allowed myself some frippery and bought a lyman 1200 dpsIII auto dispenser/scale. this i did for two reasons: 1. i'm kinda lazy and i reload about a dozen weird old rifle calibers so it's much easier. 2. i have 4 yr old twin daughters and it's hard for me to get any time to myself to reload so if i can do something quickly, all the better. i reload in stages, pick a caliber, tumble/prep brass. next time tumble and prime. then drop powder and bullets. this usually takes days, rather than hours, because i can't just pick it up and put it down, but it gets done. soon i hope to have more space but it's great to make use of what you have. nice job.

[BigBronco]

So very glad to see that you are reloading again.