What do you use for your reloading bench?
- Thread starter FoghornLeghorn
- Start date
I built one of those benches from the NRMA in 1999 when I got back into reloading after a hiatus. I liked it so much, I built another bottom portion to use as a regular work bench, with a vise mounted on it.
Sturdy as can be, rock solid, and not expensive to build. It works for me.
Sturdy as can be, rock solid, and not expensive to build. It works for me.
I use two desks in my dedicated reloading/gun room . These are pretty old pics but from when I first converted the room but it's pretty much the same it just has much more stuff in it now .
I made a way to mount multiple things to the desk like powder measure , trimmer , vise etc
I made a way to mount multiple things to the desk like powder measure , trimmer , vise etc
FrankenMauser
New member
Solid core doors as the bench tops, door jams for a frame around the doors, and scrap hardwood for the rest of the bench.
The last bench that I built was intended to have a 'quick change' system built in for presses, bullet sizers, case trimmers, etc., but life got in the way.
I won't be finishing this bench in that manner, but the next one will have provisions for at least two press positions (at the same time), plus two or more hard-mounting points.
I did get power integrated into this bench, and am very glad that I did it. (Two always-on outlets, plus two switched outlets, plus lighting control.)
The last bench that I built was intended to have a 'quick change' system built in for presses, bullet sizers, case trimmers, etc., but life got in the way.
I won't be finishing this bench in that manner, but the next one will have provisions for at least two press positions (at the same time), plus two or more hard-mounting points.
I did get power integrated into this bench, and am very glad that I did it. (Two always-on outlets, plus two switched outlets, plus lighting control.)
Last edited:
I keep all my dies , small hand tools , lubes , check weights , ready to load brass etc in all the drawers
As seen in post above . I also keep everything else of importance with in reach of the chair . I just need to turn in one direction or the other and just grab what I need . I really like my set up . The only thing I don't like is my back is to the door .
As seen in post above . I also keep everything else of importance with in reach of the chair . I just need to turn in one direction or the other and just grab what I need . I really like my set up . The only thing I don't like is my back is to the door .
Last edited:
sprouticus
New member
I built my reloading bench from scratch. The advantage of this is so I could get the dimensions just the way I wanted.
It ended up being 6' wide 18" deep and 42" high.
https://imgur.com/GtFZIle
The top is three 2x6 sandwiched between some 3/8 plywood.
https://imgur.com/atG5rAI
I started with the pair of towers for each side. I used that hardboard shelving stuff 15" deep & cut to 18" wide. And four pieces of 2x4's for legs.
https://imgur.com/PFxNK0H
Then I attached the heavy top to the two shelving towers.
After that I attached a 3/4 sheet of plywood as a backer.
Lastly I screwed the whole thing to the wall.. (It is super stable, doesn't wiggle a bit)
I left a 3" overhang so I can clamp various tools down as I need them.
https://imgur.com/fpW1sQs
It ended up being 6' wide 18" deep and 42" high.
https://imgur.com/GtFZIle
The top is three 2x6 sandwiched between some 3/8 plywood.
https://imgur.com/atG5rAI
I started with the pair of towers for each side. I used that hardboard shelving stuff 15" deep & cut to 18" wide. And four pieces of 2x4's for legs.
https://imgur.com/PFxNK0H
Then I attached the heavy top to the two shelving towers.
After that I attached a 3/4 sheet of plywood as a backer.
Lastly I screwed the whole thing to the wall.. (It is super stable, doesn't wiggle a bit)
I left a 3" overhang so I can clamp various tools down as I need them.
https://imgur.com/fpW1sQs
Last edited:
ShootistPRS
New member
I have made some really good benches to do my reloading and had to leave them behind when I movd because they were either built in place or they were just too big to move.
After leaving the third bench behind I decided to make reloading stations that were easy to use, solid and yet movable.
I have dimensioned drawings for this bench without the cabinet on top in PDF format that I will provide to anyone for free. It allows me to sit while I reload and has enough room for a press and the other equipment I use. It is 30" wide and 37" overall long. It fits through a 36" door easily and can be made in less than a few hours including the time to get the lumber. I have and use two of these as my reloading stations. I chose to use wall mounted cabinets for more secure storage. I also added padded seating - I am older now than when I designed it.
After leaving the third bench behind I decided to make reloading stations that were easy to use, solid and yet movable.
I have dimensioned drawings for this bench without the cabinet on top in PDF format that I will provide to anyone for free. It allows me to sit while I reload and has enough room for a press and the other equipment I use. It is 30" wide and 37" overall long. It fits through a 36" door easily and can be made in less than a few hours including the time to get the lumber. I have and use two of these as my reloading stations. I chose to use wall mounted cabinets for more secure storage. I also added padded seating - I am older now than when I designed it.
I use a 25 y/o two tier computer desk for work space (powder measure on the high shelf & 2 lamps) lower level for work space, a FA portable reloading stand with 2 Lee single stage presses mounted on opposite sides, some walmart cube shelving for storage and a HD work bench that collects "stuff". The lower shelf is used for storage as well.
GeorgeandSugar
New member
I would have built a reloading table, however my wife had other ideas. The reloading table had to fit into our decor. The compromise was the Husky Work Bench.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Kevin Rohrer
New member
Benches my friend and I built.
Here is an early picture of the bench I built from 4x4s and 2x12s. It will not move in, even in a tornado.
Here is an early picture of the bench I built from 4x4s and 2x12s. It will not move in, even in a tornado.
I take my Lee Hand Press and everything I need to reload , put it in a gym bag and take it to work. I get a lot of important work done (reloading is very important work) while sitting at my office desk!
A desk makes a nice reloading bench and for a pleasant day at the office.
Love that Lee Hand Press !
Have Reloader - Will Travel
Gary
A desk makes a nice reloading bench and for a pleasant day at the office.
Love that Lee Hand Press !
Have Reloader - Will Travel
Gary
Last edited:
Handloader109
New member
I use a HF Woodworking bench for my Dillon 650, works fine, room to store under it and in the drawers. Power in a cabinet and my Lee ss on equivalent of a workmate
Before I started reloading , I had built a 24' x 24' metal building with a concrete floor to use for a storage shed/workshop. In one corner I built a 30"x 8' work bench using the exposed studs and 4'x4' legs for support. It had a 5/8 inch plywood work surface. When I started reloading I wanted to use this bench, but was concerned about the lack of temperature/humidity control in the building and it's effect on dies and press (rust). I live on the Gulf coast. I also wanted to be able to use the bench for other projects. The first thing I did was add another layer of plywood (3/4 inch) to the bench surface. Then I ordered a quick change riser from InLine Fabrication. I also order two mounting plates and a docking station. I use a single stage press for decapping/bullet pulling and a turret press for loading. I can mount a press or swap presses on the riser in less than a minute. When not in use, the presses are in the docking station which is mounted on a wall in my closet. I bolted down the riser towards one end of the bench so I still have plenty of room to use the bench for other things. Works great! Can't say enough good things about InLine Fabrication. If I weren't so tech challenged, I would post pictures.
What do I use? Any and every thing. One of the local hospitals did some remolding, They removed a few heavy solid core doors and wanted someone to haul them off, for free. I was the last person they asked but for me BIG A$$ heavy doors has never been a problem for me. The doors came complete with signs like 'exit' 'women', men, both and kick plates and big handles. Anyhow, I got out of there with 8 of them.
And then there is 'what do I do most of my reloading on? I use stands that look like heavy grinder stands or stands for tables that came out of old drug stores. If I did not have three of them I would go the salvage yard and find a wheel, axle and drum. AND
if I wanted to get serious I would get one out of a mediam sized truck.
F. Guffey
And then there is 'what do I do most of my reloading on? I use stands that look like heavy grinder stands or stands for tables that came out of old drug stores. If I did not have three of them I would go the salvage yard and find a wheel, axle and drum. AND
if I wanted to get serious I would get one out of a mediam sized truck.F. Guffey
drain smith
New member
FoghornLeghorn, I was on an other sight and I remembered this post. You said you are setting it up in your music room. Well, he made a reloading bench out of an old upright piano. It is on the THR sight post photo of your bench. You might want to look into that.
Reload Bench
I had the fortune to work and retire from the mining industry. A Millright pal built my bench. 54"x 26" 3/8 steel plate with a welded 4" backsplash and 2 - 1/4" angle iron legs. The bench is lagged to the wall and legs bolted to the floor. It will not budge nor groan when sizing brass with my press. A bench should be solid. A pegboard back and overhead Sterling cabinet for powder. Game on.
I had the fortune to work and retire from the mining industry. A Millright pal built my bench. 54"x 26" 3/8 steel plate with a welded 4" backsplash and 2 - 1/4" angle iron legs. The bench is lagged to the wall and legs bolted to the floor. It will not budge nor groan when sizing brass with my press. A bench should be solid. A pegboard back and overhead Sterling cabinet for powder. Game on.