First Reloading bench in process

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

Although it has taken some time, I’m well on my way to reloading. I had an unexpected problem with the RCBS mounting plate, and two of the four wood screws they provided sheared off at the surface of the bench when i test cycled my rockchucker :/
I plan on using a 1/4” hole saw to repair the bench prior to modifying the plate to use larger bolts, washers and nuts. Bench is from sams club, 150lbs, adjustable height , 1-3/4” solid wood top. I’m going to need more light, as well as shelving.

 

[J F Johannes]

Lose the carpeting. Static is not your friend.

Jim

 

[Big_Daddy]

Thru bolt the plate to the bench....
If that truly is carpet, I 100% agree with RatRifle.

 

[Shinbone]

Looks good! Bummer about the failed wood screws.

 

[243Lapua]

I countersunk my bolts a bit more and ran them thru the wood and added washers and nuts.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

that's going to work real good- keep us posted

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

Lose the carpeting. Static is not your friend.

Jim

It’s a drymate rubber backed cleaning pad. I will likely only use it on the bench when cleaning guns, but thank you for the advice

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

I countersunk my bolts a bit more and ran them thru the wood and added washers and nuts.

That’s my plan once the wood screw debacle is resolved

 

[cdhbrad]

That’s my plan once the wood screw debacle is resolved

Your choice on the placement of the Press but you might get a little cramped with it at the far right end of the press if that is where it will be mounted. No room for anything on the right side and you are going to be flush up to the wall while operating the press too. I have a similar type of bench and put my press in the middle with equal space on each side......and it still gets cramped at times

 

[Milo 2.0]

I like a press on the right corner of a bench, I do nothing in that area, ever. I'd lose the powder, primer, and bullets, ammo off the top, find a cabinet to hang above? Also die boxes, and single use items like the concentricity gauge, show and tell only goes so far.
I'd mount my press directly to the benchtop, save the acc base plate for other stuff where you have room on both sides to utilize it.

 

[topclass2017]

Rather then shelves above my bench I use chrome wire racks behind me for most everything. I just turn around and there it is. and I utilize the space under my bench for primed brass, ready to load, stored in plastic storage boxes.

 

[nmkid]

Sir, you do not have anywhere near enough, "stuff". Spend more!

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

Your choice on the placement of the Press but you might get a little cramped with it at the far right end of the press if that is where it will be mounted. No room for anything on the right side and you are going to be flush up to the wall while operating the press too. I have a similar type of bench and put my press in the middle with equal space on each side......and it still gets cramped at times

View attachment 1107715

I actually considered that, and its good to hear your opinion. I may just bolt the press over on the right end with a little space over by the wall. I suppose I can drill out the holes and fill with dowel rods. I'm not sure just how much room I really need on the right of the press. I will be using it to de-prime, resize and prime.

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

I like a press on the right corner of a bench, I do nothing in that area, ever. I'd lose the powder, primer, and bullets, ammo off the top, find a cabinet to hang above? Also die boxes, and single use items like the concentricity gauge, show and tell only goes so far.
I'd mount my press directly to the benchtop, save the acc base plate for other stuff where you have room on both sides to utilize it.

I intend to use shelving above the bench to store some items, but alas, i just got the bench assembled and secured to the walls with stainless angle brackets every 16". The baseplate idea is plausible, but i may just put some flush mount threaded inserts in the bench for my powder measure/stand and return the baseplate. I don't really need it.

 

[cdhbrad]

I actually considered that, and its good to hear your opinion. I may just bolt the press over on the right end with a little space over by the wall. I suppose I can drill out the holes and fill with dowel rods. I'm not sure just how much room I really need on the right of the press. I will be using it to de-prime, resize and prime.

If you think you may have multiple pieces of equipment to mount, take a look at the Inline Fabrication "Quick Mount" system: https://inlinefabrication.com/collections/quick-change-press-mounting-system . I use the base plate, with riser, bolted directly to the bench and the three Presses I have and an RCBS primer are mounted on dedicated plates that easily mount on the base plate. I can switch presses in less then 5 minutes and the presses hang on wall racks when not in use. If you look to the right of my bench, you will see the extra presses hanging there. Inline Fab makes great stuff.

 

[simo hayha]

Your gonna want to bolt or screw the bench to the floor or wall studs. The less a bench moves the better feel you get on the press handle.

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

If you think you may have multiple pieces of equipment to mount, take a look at the Inline Fabrication "Quick Mount" system: https://inlinefabrication.com/collections/quick-change-press-mounting-system . I use the base plate, with riser, bolted directly to the bench and the three Presses I have and an RCBS primer are mounted on dedicated plates that easily mount on the base plate. I can switch presses in less then 5 minutes and the presses hang on wall racks when not in use. If you look to the right of my bench, you will see the extra presses hanging there. Inline Fab makes great stuff.

I originally looked into those plates, but having only one press that needs mounting I opted against it and bought an arbor press. As much as I would like to say ill need another press, its highly unlikely.

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

Your gonna want to bolt or screw the bench to the floor or wall studs. The less a bench moves the better feel you get on the press handle.

Already done, every 16" on both edges against the wall with stainless L brackets.

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

Sir, you do not have anywhere near enough, "stuff". Spend more!

LOL that seems inevitable

 

[6MMsteve]

Your choice on the placement of the Press but you might get a little cramped with it at the far right end of the press if that is where it will be mounted. No room for anything on the right side and you are going to be flush up to the wall while operating the press too. I have a similar type of bench and put my press in the middle with equal space on each side......and it still gets cramped at times

View attachment 1107715

thats a nice sturdy lookin bench you have there A+++++