Table / Bench

[CrossedRifles]

This might come off as a stupid question, but will a sturdy office desk be okay for a press and other items? I have no idea how much a press actually weighs and I know it's better to have a really sturdy set-up.

I have no woodshop experience so I'd rather just buy my own table if the office desk is a no-go. Probably only reloading .223 and .308. I still need to go to a class on the 1st of March, but I like setting stuff up beforehand, just to knock things out.

If the officedesk is a no-go, would a tool desk / bench from home depot work?

I have no idea how presses are mounted. I've seen some on the side, I've seen ones that just sit on a bench. Thanks for your help.

[rdfact]

Check out the Reloading Bench sticky at the top of the forum. Others have used desks, kitchen tables, etc. I am currently using a Black and Decker Workmate. If would think if the desk is sturdy enough for you to stand on or sit on without flexing it should suffice for a press. Maybe need at least 1" thick wood.

[1HitaQuita]

Table / Bench

I built my reloading bench for $65 with wood from Home Depot. Only took about 3hrs. 48"x24"x38" (LxWxH) with 3/4" plywood as the table top. Plenty sturdy enough


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[HighLander51]

The weight of the press is nothing, it's the downward force for the primer seat.

You don't need a rebar concrete bench, but something enough to stand up to the loads. This is all from scrap lumber, a Dillon 550, RCBS RockChucker and a Dillon Square Deal..

[sammass]

I also do not have a bench built as yet, gathering materials & cleaning out a corner, but what little I have done, especially with a strong mount, the full length sizing can create some torque. Solid base with either bolts or good clamps seems to be needed. Look at the sticky with all the pics. Enjoy the process. :-)

[h.charlie]

I use my desk, mounted the press to a small piece of wood, then used bent j bolts and wing nuts to make it clamp on to the corner of my desk, Ill take a pic and let you see

[Enfield47]

If you mount your press to a 2x6 and use C clamps to attach it to your table you will have a nice strong mount and it will also some reenforcement to the area your press is at.

I would make sure the desk top is at least 3/4" thick, 1" is better. You will put some considerable force when sizing so you want something that is sturdy. If you're concerned, you can always buy a 2" square of plywood for a few bucks to attach to the bottom of the table under the area your press will be.

['ol shooter]

I use an old steel top desk with the RCBS adapter plate on it, so I can mount the press, trimmer, and a Redding case wall gauge. Been working great for many years, and with the plate mounted off to the side, I can use the desk for cleaning and minor smithing.

[h.charlie]

heres what I did. I thought it turned out nice and is real practical when you have little brats always trying to pull on crap, super easy to take off the desk and throw it up on the side of a shelf

[CrossedRifles]

Nice very creative, seems like mounting it on the edge is the way to go for more leverage and sturdiness. I went through the pic thread as well. Thanks for all your set-up ideas guys.

[damndave]

I'm sure the office desk will be fine. If it's not, you can always anchor it to the wall.

[mchava]

if you still dont have a desk check out the harbor freight work bench its solid for my 550b and a rock chucker press.

http://t.harborfreight.com/60-in-4-drawer-hardwood-workbench-69054.html

[thenodnarb]

If the desk is put together with pocket screw or is made of fiberboard, I'd pass.
You can go the reloading stand route:

http://leeprecision.com/product.php?productid=3877

The best bench is one that is somehow attaches to the wall. Highlander 51 has a great setup that probably never wiggles, and would cost you nearly nothing. I hope you at least have a cordless drill. If not, then get a stand.

[JBoutfishn]

I found a great desk at Office Depot. Using an "L" bracket I bolted the leg under the press to the floor and the back corner to the wall. Quite solid.

[Whiterabbit]

If the desk is put together with pocket screw or is made of fiberboard, I'd pass.

agreed.