Couple questions about loading work area setup.

[Xtracrispy]

Been thinking about moving my reloading setup to my brother's house since he has a decent area and a little more room, but had a couple questions.

First, I was thinking of using metal top on a wooden workbench, if the metal was grounded? I figure it would be a little sturdier and easier to clean if it was metal, and grounding it would allow the user to "ground out" before working on dry days when there is a lot of static.

1: So is a metal worktop(assuming it's grounded) good or bad idea?

Second, since it would be in a garage with no cooling, it gets pretty warm. I have a mini-fridge I was thinking of using for powder/primer storage. I know a lot of people use fridges that are unplugged/not working.

2: Would it be a bad idea to use the fridge running, set on the warmest setting, or would that be too cold still?

Thanks in advance.

[krwada]

1. A metal worktop is fine. It does not need to be grounded.
2. More importantly, the work bench should be very sturdy. You will be applying a lot of force with the press
3. Make sure your powder storage is dry. Temperature, just so long it does not get excessive is fine. More importantly, you need to make sure the doors on your powder storage can 'pop' or fly off in the event you have a fire. A tightly sealed cabinet for powder storage is NOT recommended.

Look at the powder mfr storage recommendations and follow them. They ALL have recommendations for proper propellant storage.

[stilly]

Depending on how thick the metal is it could be a PITA to make holes and place certain things. Me, I say laminate or solid wood/butcher block, but I aint against metal. Just kinda like, Eww really? Well if that is what you want to do then go for it... :\

[kdsd731]

I have a metal work bench with a wood core. Need the right drill bits to go through easily. But I'm pretty happy with it.

[brettkeating]

Is that your water heater?

[kdsd731]

Yeah, it's temporary. Not ideal but the only place I can do until I move. I'll risk it. I figure the flame is enclosed and I don't see powder getting inside there to cause any issues.

[ar15barrels]

Not ideal but the only place I can do until I move. I'll risk it.
I figure the flame is enclosed and I don't see powder getting inside there to cause any issues.

All big accidents start with simple innocent mistakes that "all by themself" don't seem like an issue at they time they are made...

http://www.mmopa.com/gallery/281_MMOPA-error-chain-design-handout-09-07-12.pdf

[Jasonaspears]

Yeah, it's temporary. Not ideal but the only place I can do until I move. I'll risk it. I figure the flame is enclosed and I don't see powder getting inside there to cause any issues.

Man...I don't even like being 15' away from my water heater when I hear it kick on.

[stilly]

DAMN-G

Even a red VISE! Good for you

That table looks like it has weak welds by the legs though, is it really rock solid or is there a tad bit of play/wobble?

Also, if there IS a tad bit of wobble, you are not using a LoadMaster so it does not really matter. I noticed that my bench somewhat flexes on the edge now. I think I need a 4x4 or 2x4 to prop it up for strength.

[kdsd731]

Man...I don't even like being 15' away from my water heater when I hear it kick on.

I agree that I would prefer not to sit in front of the heater. But not because of anything happening as a result of reloading. I just can't see anything happening. The powder is only near the water heater when reloading. Other than that it is far away. And it's not like there are flammable fumes like gasoline. My personal opinion is that I would have to have the door open to the flame and literally dump powder on the flame to cause any issues. If somehow a few small pieces of powder made it there I can't picture it doing anything other than igniting the powder for a split second as it passes through the flame.

That table looks like it has weak welds by the legs though, is it really rock solid or is there a tad bit of play/wobble?

For $50 bucks at a garage sale I can deal with some weak welds. lol. It does have a slight wobble. When I move I am going to secure it to the wall or maybe even build a custom wood bench. The wobble doesn't affect my press too much. But sometimes a little hiccup hear and there might be caused from the wobble I feel.

[damndave]

The setup on a metal workbench is totally fine. I don't really see a need for grounding it, but it couldn't hurt.

I keep my powders on a shelf in the garage and they have all seemed fine over the years.

[jonzer77]

Is that your water heater?

[JMP]

All big accidents start with simple innocent mistakes that "all by themself" don't seem like an issue at they time they are made...

http://www.mmopa.com/gallery/281_MMO...t-09-07-12.pdf

Good read, but I thought these traits were a requisite to post on CGN.

THE FIVE HAZARDOUS ATTITUDES

[rromeo]

Do you have a Habitat for Humanity store in the area? I bought a solid core door for $25, that makes a sturdy platform to mount presses.

[Xtracrispy]

I think his bench is pretty sturdy as-is, just figured it never hurts to have some extra rigidity.

So from what I'm getting from the responses, I'm probably over thinking it like usual. I checked manufacturer's recommendations for my Norma powder, and I think it said something like 50* for storage. So I can probably get away with the fridge running on warm, or not running.

If anyone has any more insight I'll gladly take it. Thanks for the responses so far, too.