Reloading Bench Build

[Oso]

I made plans for some upgrades to my workshop...like 10 years ago. For the past 4-5 years there has been a pile of birch plywood stacked on the floor of my garage workshop...acclimating to the humidity in my shop or perhaps my indecision. I finally decided to start doing something and reclaim the floor.

I have almost completed this beast - If it is worth building then it is worth Over-Building.

 

[joshb]

Looking good so far! No wheels?

 

[Oso]

I have managed to finish the majority of the bench. I just need to sand and epoxy finish the butcher block maple top (72" x 30" x 2")... tomorrow's activity, and build 3 cabinet doors.

I went with the Inline Fabrication Quick Change plate system. The middle drawer will house presses that I am not using as well as tool heads (need to install one drawer above it for tool heads). The bench top will also have a Dillon 1050 permanently mounted on it.

 

[Oso]

Josh... no this thing weighs as much as a Honda. I have enough tools on wheels that it feels a bit like a Rubik's Cue when I need to do a large project. Instead, I settle on a fixed placement and settled on some impressive feet to level the bench!!!

The flange...adapters set into the legs are actually flange nut for a cutoff grinder. I had a lot of fun finding creative solutions and workarounds.

 

[jpx2rk]

Very nice work.

You guys with all of these woodworking skills just kill me. My HD workbench "kit" is green with envy too.

 

[dolek]

Very nice , looks a nice work/storage space .Butcher block top will be icing on the cake . I really like the feet . That would eliminate all the shims I need to use in this old place.

 

[Daddymac]

Very nice, keep us posted on the progress.

 

[rkittine]

Beautiful. I wish I was that talented.

 

[Rick300]

What finish are you going to use on the butcher block? I have one coming that I need to do.

 

[drano38]

Wow, that bench is built like a tank!
Very nice construction. I see you label each piece to keep track of where it goes. I'm doing a window trim project right now, and have to do the same thing to know what goes where, show side vs back side, etc.
Enjoy the bench!

 

[texascavediver]

Where did you get the leveling feet and the flange nut?

 

[Oso]

These are the three components that I used for leveling the bench
1) Heavy Duty Self Leveling Feet
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TFEQ08/?tag=accuratescom-20

2) Flange Adapter that I recessed into bottom of leg to prevent leg from splitting over time
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D6L0ETC/?tag=accuratescom-20

3) Additional Support Feet that I used in the middle to avoid any sagging
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P5WTWH6/?tag=accuratescom-20

I am using an epoxy finish made for counter tops. It is thinner consistency then normal epoxy, which allows it to self-level and release any bubbles.
https://www.rockler.com/mas-table-top-pro-epoxy

There are a number of similar Epoxy Top Coat finishes by different manufacturers that would be just as good.

Update: Covid19 Boredom - I am building a 2nd bench in my shop. I selected/ordered a different type of support feet then what I used in #3 (above). Although both are stamped steel construction, this new model is superior in construction (heavier gauge metal with better finish and the lip that hooks underneath the beam is significantly larger).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083JGY74B/?tag=accuratescom-20

 

[texascavediver]

Thank you for the links.

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

Don't you just hate rolleyes people that have this level of talent...? All I have in common with this gentleman is procrastination...

Seriously, great job.

Rich

 

[Papa Charlie]

Absolutely beautiful. I like the storage for the presses. That will keep them out of harms way. Plenty of drawers to store everything.

Do you plan to have the top overhang the bench?

Depending on the operation, I like to be able to put my legs under the bench sometimes. Also, it allows for a discharge of the primers into a container. I have a 1lb empty powder jug that screws into a lid that I have fixed to the underside of the bench and bored a hole through and through the bench top so the primers drop through into the jug. I tried the tube into the bottle for some time but it was a pain. I also use the Inline Fab quick change only it is the stand. Having to remove the primer catch tube and reset it every time was frustrating. More so when I would start to decap cases and then realize I had forgotten to put it on. When I don't have the press on the mount, I just put a plug in the bench top hole. Also works for cleaning up shavings from case trimming. Just use a paint brush to sweep the trimmings down the hole and into the primer catcher jug.

 

[jpx2rk]

Don't you just hate rolleyes people that have this level of talent...? All I have in common with this gentleman is procrastination...

Seriously, great job.

Rich

Hate is such a strong word, but I agree, it fits this circumstance to a "T". Only problem I have with building something like is I can't draw a straight line with a ruler or builders square.

 

[Mikemci]

As a professional cabinet builder myself, I would like to say, excellent job sir!

 

[Oso]

Thank you for the compliments on my carpentry skills... Honestly, the theme is "Mistakes were Made" and then diligently covered.

The bench top will overhang 1.5" beyond the cabinet doors. In addition to the top's overhang, I would normally have left a 3" recess/overhang of cabinet body over the base to allow room for front of feet to tuck under when standing against the bench. The design for reloading meant that I would never be belly-up to the bench because the distance required to swing the ram arm on the reloading presses.

In order to maximize storage and lift from the support feet, the bench is a bit tall at 38". As a result I am swapping out my Inline Fabrications strong mount press stands for the low mount quick change plate that recesses flush into counter top. I get to build a niece stool or two.

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

I think "Envy" is a better adjective.

That is cabinetry at its' very best.

 

[Oso]

Quick update - I sanded the butcher block maple bench top and completed the epoxy top coat. The MAS Epoxy had a critical failure. Once I thoroughly mixed the two components and stirred with power mixer (paddle spinner with my drill) the mixture turned waxy opaque white. I thought it might clear up as it cured. So far it has not...I am pissed. I'll give it a day, but I am expecting that I will have to scrape/sand all the back to bare wood and try again.., using a different product!!! Screwed

I mixed the proper amount (entire 2 bottles - 1:1 ratio), my temperature was a dry 75F (rare beauty in Houston), surface was clean, wood type is hard maple (extremely neutral wood), wood was seasoned and dry.

Don't use MAS Epoxy!!!!