New loading bench setup

[vmwerks]

For reasons I'd rather not go into I moved my reloading bench and supplies to an office at my shop. I am in the process of moving it all back. Due to the recent passing of my father I will be getting a lot of precision rifle reloading equipment and materials. Consequently I need more space...

I had my fabricator weld up a framework for my new bench and cabinet layout. The cabinets are Fastenal overstocks I got for $119 each, more than 75% off iirc. The "pads" index into the cabinet for a no slip fit. In between them I'll have shelving etc. The top joining the cabinets will be 25" deep by 96" long.

1x2 steel frame


Adjustable leveling feet


The cabinets have recess's that index into the frame


Levelled out and ready for test fitting the top


Ikea butcher block top for $169!!

[wood carver]

Looks good, so far.
Will you post more pics as it progresses?

[vmwerks]

Looks good, so far.
Will you post more pics as it progresses?

Thank you, yes I will.. I had posted it into the bench thread but since it's a build I took a hint from Randall and put it here instead. I've already received help in the way of the Ikea counter top etc.

[vmwerks]

Mocking up the press and shelves



Epoxy resin to protect the bench top, garage will smell great tomorrow!

[Bill Steele]

Sorry to hear about your Dad's passing.

The bench is looking terrific, really puts my garage to shame...

Great job.

[Hispanic_Hercules]

Great looking setup I am jealous. I am begining to purchase reloading components as well as ammo is just getting ridiculous to purchase. My condolences about your father.

[croue]

Ikea top? Was it a better deal than the laminated benchtops from more traditional shop suppliers? Thinking about getting into reloading, if for no other reason than having a consistent supply of reliable ammo regardless of what Sacramento does. I reloaded shotgun shells like crazy when I was younger and shot a lot of trap. Any rec's for solid starter equipment and thoughts on the minimum space required? It will have to share my garage with woodshop tools, a motorcycle, bicycles, etc. so space is at a premium!

[Tjfearl]

Mocking up the press and shelves



Epoxy resin to protect the bench top, garage will smell great tomorrow!

Do you do tris or time trials? I also like Fizik Arione saddles. Cool bench too

[oldleo123]

Whatever the reason for the move, this set-up looks great! Sorry about your father.

[vmwerks]

Thanks everyone, my dad was one helluva a great guy and he taught me everything I know.

Do you do tris or time trials? I also like Fizik Arione saddles. Cool bench too

I'm a road cyclist but I've got a TT bike.. currently unassembled.
The Arione, for me, is the best saddle ever made.

Ikea top? Was it a better deal than the laminated benchtops from more traditional shop suppliers? Thinking about getting into reloading, if for no other reason than having a consistent supply of reliable ammo regardless of what Sacramento does. I reloaded shotgun shells like crazy when I was younger and shot a lot of trap. Any rec's for solid starter equipment and thoughts on the minimum space required? It will have to share my garage with woodshop tools, a motorcycle, bicycles, etc. so space is at a premium!

The Ikea top was $169, it looks great and is strong as hell. I am coating it with 5 coats of spar varnish. I dropped the idea of using the thick epoxy coating, I'd have goofed it up. I've got my old bench with a butcher block top, its free to a good home. It's about 5'x24" and has a few drawers etc.

[vmwerks]

Second to last coat.. I'll sand this one completely smooth and spray on the final coat to get a really smooth surface. I'm going to take someone's suggestion in Randalls thread and use T-nuts underneath for the press.

[vonderplatz]

Very nice. Keep up the pics.

[NiteQwill]

Very nice setup.

[jameshenry]

T nuts work fine, make sure you have room on the right for loaded shell bin of appropriate size. Stabilize by attaching to wall studs.

[AR-Realtor]

Second to last coat.. I'll sand this one completely smooth and spray on the final coat to get a really smooth surface. I'm going to take someone's suggestion in Randalls thread and use T-nuts underneath for the press.

Love the way it came out with the resin. I have a MDF top for my bench, so you think the resin would work or is that too porous?