Need Reloading Work Area Setup Advice

[bootzey]

Cq cq kb0tdr....

[Texas Sheepdawg]

CQ DE ke4*** BK. Ha ha!

[Variable]

Cq cq kb0***....

Hi Patrick!

N8_ _ _ here! Not trying to be rude-- I just don't post my call sign on public forums-- OPSEC/COMSEC (My tinfoil is pretty tight these days!)

[Variable]

CQ DE ke4*** BK. Ha ha!

Hi Robin! I'm a general class also. I'm not really active like I should be though. I'll get back to it soon. You guys can help me to talk our mod (BWaites) into becoming a ham also.LOL!!!

[Texas Sheepdawg]

Hi Patrick!

N8_ _ _ here! Not trying to be rude-- I just don't post my call sign on public forums-- OPSEC/COMSEC (My tinfoil is pretty tight these days!)

It wouldn't do me any good. I used to be a Reservist coordinator for Memphis Shelby County EMA and also used to be a member of USAF MARS so they already got my number. But yeah, I probably could omit my suffix in the future. I don't get on much either but when the super cells flare up, I am still a member of SKYWARN and I am active then.

[Texas Sheepdawg]

Sorry for the hijack.... I will now escort myself to the dawghouse.

[smoke13]

I just built by first reload bench last week over the holidays. It only took about 45min to throw it together in the basement (basement has hvac & dehumidified but it's an unfinished space). The bench consists of 5 2x4s and 1 extra piece of 3/4" plywood (5'x4') and some misc scrap wood for the little shelf. I think it turned out nice....

[Deezil]

Deezil, thanks for the pic. I've seen that exact bench at Harbor Freight before. That bench was originally purposed for woodworking, did you have to do anything fancy to be able to use it for reloading?

Sorry, somehow I missed this question. I just had to bolt my press to it. It has some peg holes in it that you can fill with plugs if you want, I have not yet but plan to, the drawers are all felt lined too, pretty cool setup.

[LR1955]

I just built by first reload bench last week over the holidays. It only took about 45min to throw it together in the basement (basement has hvac & dehumidified but it's an unfinished space). The bench consists of 5 2x4s and 1 extra piece of 3/4" plywood (5'x4') and some misc scrap wood for the little shelf. I think it turned out nice....

Smoke:

I knew I forgot something. 2 X 4 framing is a requirement. And to add to this, ensure your border 2X4's are sufficiently recessed from the top that your press can be bolted down without the 2 X 4's interfering with the bolts. This also means your ability to tighten the bolts.

I have even gone to the point of laminating 2 X 4's together in order to have a more solid top with 4 X 4 legs that are heavily braced so the thing remains rock steady when working a press.

LR1955

[michaelmew]

... And to add to this, ensure your border 2X4's are sufficiently recessed from the top that your press can be bolted down without the 2 X 4's interfering with the bolts

So, what is the press mounted to, just the 3/4" ply, or did you add 2x support and bolt through those as well?

[LR1955]

So, what is the press mounted to, just the 3/4" ply, or did you add 2x support and bolt through those as well?

Mike:

A bunch of things come into play. Needless to say, unless your 3/4 plywood is very well supported, it will bend when you work the ram. Of course this depends on how deep and long the bench is. I don't have any rule of thumb aside from ensuring that the portion of the bench that will take the press needs to be pretty stout. With the Grendel or other shorter cartridges, it may not matter but if you get into .308 or bigger cartridges, you will eventually end up putting a lot of force on a ram handle for one reason or the other when sizing.

So, support that part of your plywood and before you put things together, put the press on and see where the securing bolts will end up going. Another good idea is to be sure you can get a tool under your press to tighten or loosen those bolts.

LR1955

[smoke13]

michaelmew: Yep, you can kind of see in the picture that the press is on top of a 2x4 block that is bolted down through the plywood which is support by 2x4 cross pieces. Basically the plywood is screwed down to a 2x4 square frame. If you want I can post a little sketch with the dimensions. The table is pretty stout but inexpensive to make.

[michaelmew]

If you want I can post a little sketch with the dimensions.

That would be cool, thanks. I've got something in mind, but a sketch could be helpful for anyone else following along. I am in construction so I'd love to see a sketch anyways.

[Deezil]

agree'd, I too am looking to build another

[JASmith]

I laminated two 3/4inch plywood together and allowed just enough overhang for the bolt-holes in my T-7 press. The combined thickness is 1-1/2" which is the same as a 2X4 but the assembly tends to be at least as stiff, possibly stiffer than the 2X4.