New reloading bench

[ar15barrels]

I got a good start on the new reloading bench today
The top will be two layers of 3/4" mdf, glued and screwed down to the 2x6 framework.
With my 300lb buddy jumping up on the bench, it only dropped down 1/8" at the midpoint between two of the supports.

[NoNOS67]

Nice! Looking forward to seeing pictures when it's completed!

[3006mv]

Wow, add some storage below. What kind of top are you planning on putting on there? You may have to add legs but it looks pretty good. 1/8" deflection one time, no you should be good you are not swaging.

[finyllw]

Looks fantastic. I am building something like that. I would add some more supports, maybe double up where you all ready have them. When you put your loading machine and all the extras up there it will sag over time.

[Bill Steele]

Hey, those look like boxes of Bergers!

You are making me feel guilty. Maybe I will go down and at least organize things a little, nah...

Nice work.

[Braddah Jay]

Very nice work in progress.

[sdkevin]

Looks nice!

May I suggest some steel rafter/joist pockets where the bench supports meet the wall ledgers.

[ar15barrels]

Looks nice!

May I suggest some steel rafter/joist pockets where the bench supports meet the wall ledgers.

No need.
The braces are notched over the lower support and under the front face board.
The front board was shimmed to perfect level in relation to the back before it was all screwed together.
It's super solid now and will only get better with the top glued and screwed down.

[guns4funca]

Looking good my friend

[ar15barrels]

Wow, add some storage below. What kind of top are you planning on putting on there?

Top will be two layers of 3/4" mdf glued and screwed down.

The storage underneath will be plywood boxes that fit plastic tote boxes.

[sdkevin]

Cool! I have a new appreciation for the loads and vibrations expected of a reloading bench.

[Revoman]

B-U-Tee-FUl!!!

[ar15barrels]

Got two layers of 3/4" mdf on it today.

Here is the first layer screwed down and the glue going down.



The second layer is glued on top of the first layer now.
We put a bunch of heavy stuff up on the bench and I put clamps all around the edges.
I'll pull the clamps in a couple days when the glue is all dry.

[Lead Waster]

Question: Why MDF for a top and not two 3/4" pieces of plywood with a (replaceable) masonite layer on top?

With MDF, just don't spill anything on it!

[ar15barrels]

Question: Why MDF for a top and not two 3/4" pieces of plywood with a (replaceable) masonite layer on top?

With MDF, just don't spill anything on it!

I built my last bench that way and it was solid as all hell!
I never had a problem spilling anything in 7 years on the old bench.
Everything on the bench is dry.
The only fluids are the oil I put on the press rams and maybe some grease on the pivot points.
I don't clean guns on the bench.