Reloading bench wood top reinforcement?

[dryhumor]

Building supply stores sell butcher block counter top in 4 6 8 10 foot sections. Not expensive and pretty durable. You might consider getting a side cabinet like the one on the left in pic, and spanning the space between the two. Gives you the legroom for a seat.

I used two bottom cabinets without wheels in my shop for tools. Siliconed wood to the top, siliconed a 2nd hand Corian countertop to the wood, put weight on it until cured. It’s super solid.


My reloading room is too small… I use a walk in closet for an RCBS press mounted on a Shop Fox small work bench. That bench isn’t quite as solid as I’d like, but it works fine.

 

[Paul's Black Rifles]

...
I can tell you from experience that 3/4 in plywood flexes too much. My butcher block surface is solid as a rock.

It is probably way too heavy to be useful but if you want a strong bench top find a piece of lane from a bowling alley! I've been told it won't flex.

Paul

 

[3Ackleys]

I have that same cabinet next to my reloading bench. I mounted a gun cleaning vice to it. That wood is very hard and dense. I think you will be fine leaving it as is.
I have the butcher block top from Lowes on my loading bench. I routered a spot for the Inline Fab. base plate, and can change out all of my presses, etc. in seconds.
Anyway the top on that Husky is harder than the butcher block wood.

 

[Mastershot]

I use heavy clamps to hard the press on the bench. I really don’t like holes in my bench. Makes moving the press around real easy.

 

[jk80]

I got a 10 foot piece of bowling lane off of Craigslist. It's awesome but God awful HEAVY!!! Had to get help to get it in my reloading room. The guy who helped me said to lose his number if I bought anymore! Lol. Absolutely no flex and was priced pretty reasonable.