Reloading bench build

[Shinbone]

Finally got off my azz and cleaned up some space in the basement for a reloading/light gunsmithing bench. This included reinforcing the pre-existing benches and replacing the bench tops. I also added about 600W of T5 fluorescent lights. Still acquiring gear, so I can't do any actual reloading, yet. But the space is now organized and usable. Next major purchase will be a scale w/ automatic powder dispenser.

before



after

 

[centershot]

But the old one had class!! Nice improvement.

 

[Daddymac]

Bet you can't find crap now.

 

[DirtySteve]

Ok, I saw the top photo and thought, finally a reloading area like mine. Imagine my disappointment when I saw the second photo........ Looks great though...

 

[Homerange]

You ditched the drawers ?

 

[Shinbone]

You ditched the drawers ?

Unfortunately, yes. They were hard to slide in/out, two were broken, and that front piece was a 1x10 that was pretty flimsy due to the big cutouts for the drawers. So I yanked it all off and replaced it with a solid 2x8. Drawers would be nice, but more complicated than I wanted to get with that old dilapidated work bench.

 

[dolek]

Looks great ,nothing like starting with a clean slate.

 

[topclass2017]

looks good! any bets on how long it will take to resemble photo #1? just asking, not trying to stir up a hornet's nest....

 

[jetboat]

Can you come to my house?

 

[1lessdog]

Yrs ago I bought a old teachers desk at a auction for 10.00. It is the best loading bench I have ever used. Very strong and lots of storage.

 

[David Christian]

Wow, the new photo looks great! Now I have 2 questions. Where did all your reloading equipment go? How do you expect to load on such a prestine surface?

Good work!

DC

 

[JustinP]

Looks excellent. I went away from flouro light tubes to LED strip lights because for some reason I don’t fully understand, they were interfering with my electronic scales. On the plus side, the LEDs are also cheaper to run...!

 

[Bc'z]

I cant believe you got rid of the Christmas tree.

 

[Shinbone]

I cant believe you got rid of the Christmas tree.

Many great sacrifices were made!

 

[Shinbone]

Looks excellent. I went away from flouro light tubes to LED strip lights because for some reason I don’t fully understand, they were interfering with my electronic scales. On the plus side, the LEDs are also cheaper to run...!

There were already CFLs in that space, and, when I wanted more light I installed the 4' T5 fluorescents tubes because you can buy a lot of Lumens for relatively cheap. This was all before I started researching digital scales. Now, I read lots of stories of fluorescent lights interfering with digital scales, and I am concerned I will have the same problem. The lights are already installed, so I've decided to wait until I get a scale and then deal with whatever problem I may have. I may have to convert to LED. I hope not, though.

I've scoured the reloading forums looking for a scale that is immune to fluorescent lights, but I have not heard of such digital scale. My plan is to go with an Autotrickler, so my scale will have to be compatible with that system. But, there is still a range of scales to choose from. Still pondering this one . . .

 

[Liven The Dream]

Looks nice.
How about a update on the Black Pipe Strap ???
Like your chair 1952 to 2018 ?

 

[rebs]

what are the white blocks separating the shelves ?

 

[JSH]

Dunno what part of the country your in. I would be concerned with any metal close to the bare concrete blocks. They can cause problems with temperature swings.
Buddy had some problems and he put up styrofoam blue board and problem solved. I have gotten in the habit of putting it up when ever I put anything permanently up against a basement wall

 

[rkittine]

Three years ago I bought two major bench kits. They are still sitting in the garage waiting for me to get of my a$$. Nice job.

Bob

 

[Shinbone]

Still got the 1950's swivel chair, it's just been pushed off the side. It takes up more space, but may get rolled back into place if the stool doesn't work.

The shelf spacers are 5"x5" white vinyl fence post, cut to length. For now, I wanted shelving that was simple, low budget, and easy to reconfigure. I may install more permanent shelving as I use the space and finalize design details.

You guys are noticing more detail in the photos than I ever did. Not sure what "black pipe strap" refers to?