New to woodworking and very much need to build a new ammunition reloading bench. The plans I find in some sources are not that great. Anyone have any plans for a reloading bench they care to share, or know of? Sure would like to see good plans published somewhere. Ammunition reloading is growing rapidly and many of us need a good workbench. I may try to use one of the workbench plans found here and adapt, but someone skilled in woodworking could make a reloading bench that would fill a real void.
– Phil
Replies
I don't have plans but I've built a couple. My 2 cents, the one that lasted had 4x4s for the framework and the top was a sheet of 3/4 BCX bonded to 3/4 MDF for the surface, and soaked in urethane. A single thickness sheet of ply will flex and if you try to mount a press to it, will simply tear out.
4" lags thru the top into the frame for the press. I built a very shallow depth shelving / cubby at the back. It keeps things from rolling off and is very convenient storage for scales, powders, primers, books, etc. I also ran just a little wire in it so that it could be plugged in (it blocked an outlet) and had an outlet mounted at the face.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
It's kind of funny you bring that up, because I'm actaully in the process of designing one now for a client. They are a competitive shooter, who uses various types of reloading equipment, including single stage and progressive presses, to load a variety of rounds.
The client shoots 308 target rifles at 1000 yards, and loads "fireformed" cases one at a time. Plus they also shoot action pistol, and for that they use a "Progressive Press" with lots and lots of 38 wad cutters and 38 supers...
Anyway, some of the things we're incorporating into this bench are a super stable base, with storage for all of his dies and cleaning equipment. Plus the top is going to be very solid, and 3 inches thick. The overall design is actually quite like a woodworking bench, without the vises...
Plus we're devising a little rest that slips into a pair of dog holes, so he can prop his rifle up while he cleans and tunes it...
Anyway, I'd be happy to send you photos when the project gets underway - I have to warn you though, I am several months out..
Gregory Paolini
http://www.GregoryPaolini.com
Custom Furniture, Cabinetry, and Woodworking Instruction
Have you considered static build up on surfaces. I know there are special surfaces (laminate?) that are used in electronics assembly to avoid that problem. How about non-sparking fasteners where they might be accessable to accidental contact?
I wouldn't use plastic lamintate mainly for the reason that reloading benches often time have small item spillage--such as primers, etc. and they are rough to pick up on a slick surface!
I would build a bench mainly for your comfort more than for the equipment. Presses are all basically designed to be mounted on the edge of the bench. Further, if you use a compound press, weight and mass of the bench is reduced.
My suggestion (based on personal experience) is build a very simple, temporary bench from 2 X 4's and plywood. Start reloading on it and then determine what you would do different on your permanent bench.
Incidentally, I've been reloading for almost 30 years now, and have had my equipment set up on very simple free standing and wall mounted benches. I cast bullets, reload rifle, pistol and shotgun.
PS: I got several coffee cans of spent primers. anyone want them cheap????
Edited 11/14/2009 11:33 am ET by Tony Z
Tony,"I got several coffee cans of spent primers. anyone want them cheap????"How do you apply them -- brush or rag?BB
Spray gun!
Started saving them right from the git-go, for some dumb reason and could never break the habit.
That habit could just be coming from that.....
Unique¯ smell.
Couldn't resist.
That habit could just be coming from that.....Unique¯ smell.Couldn't resist.
Bullseye.
Am I Accurate or what....
That habit could just be coming from that.....
Unique¯ smell.
Couldn't resist.Bullseye.Am I Accurate or what....
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Cover that Bullseye with a Red Dot.
Leon
groan
I resemble that statement!
"I got several coffee cans of spent primers. anyone want them cheap????"Sounds like a good match for my "spent" wallet. ;-)
Just to be clear, I'm not thinking about laminant in general, but only the specialty product designed primarily to help drain static build up when working with computer ships. I don't think it need be really slick either. I've seen plenty of matte laminate. But if you aren't concerned about static, then no need for laminate.
Have you considered static build up on surfaces.........
My first thought when seeing this post! NO, I DO NOT reload. I would think a steel (grounded WITH at least 6 Guage wire) is in order.
Steel plate is not that expensive compared to some woods these days!
Gregory,I would be very much interested in what your plans are or photos. I need something sooner, but may do something simple as one suggested here, and then do something that best fits my needs later. One thing you may want to consider that I wish to do is this.http://www.rifleshootermag.com/ammunition/benchs_022607/index1.htmlThis approach has many benefits. Like you client, I will have one single stage press, one progressive press, and an assortment of other tools that are best affixed to the bench, including things like a case trimmer, power source for driving some tools, bench mounted priming tool (if I elect to use vs a hand priming tool), etc.. Another person used inserts as shown in the link that were beveled at 45 degrees on the side. Another small "bench" was fastened overhead or off to the side to store the tools with the inserts affixed. Just slide out the insert with tool on it and replace with another insert/tool. Or, a blank insert to have a bench with no tools. I like these concepts but also wanted drawers underneath the bench and a more complete plan that I have been able to find. I am new to woodworking, but have a Ridgid TS3660 table saw, Starrett square, and will have a Bosch router (fixed and plunge combo). Now, I just need the skills, hence my presence on this site. Thank you.- Phil
What kind of reloading??? Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun???
I shoot competition skeet so I use 4 presses, meaning my reloading bench is 10' long so I can leave all the presses set up and ready to go. I prefer to reload standing up, I find it easier to operate the press and apply the required leverage so the bench is 36" tall. My bench is constructed of 2x4 lumber with lap jointed leg assemblies and a 30" deep top, 2x4 perimeter and front to back supports every 16". I topped it with 3/4" MDF and routed a 1/2" deep x 3/4" wide groove around the top to control shot spills. I also put a full back below the bench for stability.
This bench doesn't move or sway AT ALL while reloading. I built it about 10 years ago and have probably run 150,000 reloads through it in that time.
As has been mentioned I would resist the urge to use laminate. It ends up being a static magnet and is a pain when dealing with powder. (the MDF is my SECOND top the laminate one went away after 2 months).
Often in error but NEVER in doubt!
48725.13 in reply to 48725.1 Rifle and pistol. The bench will be used for other things as well, as I do not have the room to create a bench for general use, and one for reloading. I will be standing as well, As for a surface, I find 1/4" pressboard cheap and easily replaceable. I like the groove idea to catch things trying to roll away. My bench will be attached to a 2 x 4 fastened to the studs in the wall of the house. - Phil
Hi
For full length sizing of rifle cases a piece of I beam anchored to one of the wall studs with a steel plate welded to the top end and the bottom end sitting on the concrete floor,at the the proper height for working in the standing position.
Then the bench can be light. I mounted all my tools, case trimmers. neck turners, cartridge spinners powder measure on Tee blocks what sit in a big machinist vise when in use,
A shelf mounted to the wall above and separate from the bench for powder scale etc.
Vinsulla
Phil, I do a lot of reloading - as recently as this morning for a match in down in PHX this coming weekend. Anyway, what you need will depend lot on what sorts of shooting you do. And what you shoot now may not be what you decide to shoot later. So, you may do well to design in some modularity to your bench. In my case that means that my presses are not mounted to the bench directly but are mounted to pieces of hickory plank or to pieces of 2" lam beam. The wood is then drilled in universal pattern to bolt the the bench in several locations. This way, I can swap out presses that do different jobs (I swage experimental bullets as well as reload for rifles and shotguns). I don't swap presses on a daily basis, but even that is conceivable and doable with a little planning.
Then make some sort of rack to organize your dies. I wish I would listen to myself and get around to that. I spend half my time looking for one specialty die or another.
Worry about static is way way overrated. That's basically a nonissue.
My number one bench is 2" maple. I have a second that is epoxy stuff from a chemical lab bench. These can often be purchased for near peanuts locally, and are ideal for reloading.
Ergonomics are everything. Plan the height and the distances you will be reaching for materials with care.
Brent
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