Just wanted to share

[RottenApple]

A few months ago, Pop (Pawpaw on the forum), bought us a full set of used reloading equipment. The only thing missing was a bench to set things up on. Until now.... Yesterday, my son and I built the frame to the bench. Here's the plans I drew up using Google Sketchup.



The L on the left is where the press will be mounted. The shelves are removable and will be where books and supplies will rest. Powder will still be stored in a safe area of the garage.

And here is a pic of my son sitting inside the frame.



We'll be adding the surface areas in the next week or so. So what do you experienced reloaders think?

[Don2]

Number one first thing is....YOU HAVE YOUR SON WORKING WITH YOU.
That's #1.....!!!

Bench...Well it will be fine for yall, as you start loading more you will grow out of things or expand into other needs. The most important thing is to get started, I had such a tough time making up my mind on a bench long ago...Finally I got tired of not loading and worrying about the bench and just built one and used it until I outgrew it. DONE

Don't forget to bolt it to the studs or wall to get extra strength....you'll need it.

Don2

[Jumping Frog]

Looks good. Never seen Google Sketch-up before. Once you draw it out, will it give you a plan with the dimensions of all the component parts?

If the frame is finished, you need better crossmember supports along the front edge of the working surface. Also, make sure your top is at least an inch and a half thick.

A loading press will place far more stress on the worksurface than you realize. Also, it needs to be absolutely rock-solid. No wobble anywhere when operating the press. Both you and your son should be able to stand on the work surface at the same time with no visible or perceptible sagging.

[OldCannon]

I use 3/4 cabinet grade plywood with strong brackets supporting the shelving. In places where the workspace mounts to the brackets, I use 8-12" wide sections of the same plywood (basically doubling the thickness). This works really well. I'll post pics in a new thread tonight.

[Jumping Frog]

You can brace it in the press area underneath or on top with thin steel plates to help spread the load, if needed...

I think I went with the belt and suspenders approach, but the end result is my press is rock solid.

One frequent question that newbie Lee Loadmaster users have is problem-solving occasional flipped or crushed primers. I am 100% convinced that 99% of primer or feeding problems (at least on Lee presses) are indirectly caused by press movement during operation due to the mount not being strong enough.

Anyway. my bench top is a double layer of 3/4 inch plywood mounted on a 2x4 frame. On top of that, the press is mounted on a 1/4 inch aluminum plate mounted on 3/4 inch plywood. The press and mount are affixed to the bench top by being bolted into T-track in the bench top. I went the T-Track approach because I can swap out my press and mount my other presses, my Star Lubesizer, a bench vise, or any other bench-mounted tools quickly and easily. For example, it takes about a minute and a half to swap out my Loadmaster and mount the Lubesizer. It gives me great flexibility with a limited amount of bench space.

Anyway, there are many ways to skin this cat; I am not trying to imply my way is the only way (or even the best way). I am simply trying to show you that your bench top should be much stronger and more solid than you may first realize.




This is what T-Track looks like:

[RottenApple]

The frame is made from 2x3 western red cedar so it's good and solid. There is additional bracing for the table top that will be fixed in place after the table is cut and installed. As for the table top itself, I was planning on using 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood. The bottom layer will be construction grade, the top layer will be hardwood.

Jumping Frog, I love the look of that T-Track. Hope you don't mind, but I'm gonna steal that!

[Jumping Frog]

Jumping Frog, I love the look of that T-Track. Hope you don't mind, but I'm gonna steal that!

It wasn't my original idea, just passing it on!

I was discussing benches and press mounting on TheHighRoad.org's reloading forum when someone gave me that idea.

[OldCannon]

Jumping Frog, I love the look of that T-Track. Hope you don't mind, but I'm gonna steal that!

It wasn't my original idea, just passing it on!

I was discussing benches and press mounting on TheHighRoad.org's reloading forum when someone gave me that idea.

There's so much to be said in favor of a T-Track. This is discussed on many forums and on YouTube videos. Me, I'm too lazy to borrow a router and cut a groove, so I just drilled perm holes . If you can though, definitely go for the versatility of a T-Track.

[Don2]

Thinking back several years, I did have this weak bench that I put 1/4" steel plate under and on top of the bench with bolts through the press and through the top 1/4 plate, the table top and then the bottom 1/4 plate and then the hardware.

It was a spot fix, but heck...it was as stable as a solid thick table top could be..!!!
The plates were about 10" square or so????

Best to Overbuild a reloading bench, then you never need to worry about it.
I made my current ones with a welded steel tube frame and solid 2x10 yellow pine tops..It is heavy enough not to need bolting to the wall...But I did anyway because I made tabs for just that purpose...Gotta use'em ifya make'em...!!!!

Put your money and time into your bench. Its pretty much the foundation of your reloading hobby.
And if you want to, go ahead and stand and dance around on the bench top if it makes you happy
I'd fall down...!!!!

Don2