Easy Reloading Bench

[Emop]

The reason I saying "easy" is I'm looking for a bench that someone else built, and I only have to assemble. I hope to be a top-notch reloader some day but I needed to start somewhere.
My initial plan is for a RCBS single stage press and other nice hand picked accessories but I want a sturdy bench to work on, and my space is limited. I am looking to do slow production of limited caliber and get as close to perfect as possible. Since it will be my first set-up ever, I can not design the perfect bench so it's just something to start with that will most likely become an auxiliary table in the future.
I found one that looks OK and with an easy price tag $160 - $200 delivered (see attachment) but I'd really like some opinions from you experienced guys

 

[Redford]

That's what I'm using right now. Bolt it to the wall and load the bottom with bullets. Works fine.

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

 

[BC38]

Is that one of the Harbor Freight units?

 

[427mach1]

That should work. You will probably eventually end up adding a bookshelf along the back to hold more supplies.

 

[Regaj]

Precision, top-notch handloading is about process and attention-to-detail.

That bench will serve you just fine!

 

[Maddog 521]

This works for me since I downsized.

 

[hdwhit]

The Harbor Freight bench is a perfectly serviceable unit for most reloading activities.

As Redford said, if you can bolt it to studs in the wall, all the better.

If not, then you can get some 1x3 or 1x4 boards at Lowes or Home Depot and use them to brace between the front and back legs. Remember that dividing an open space into triangles will make the structure surrounding it more rigid.

 

[Twoboxer]

A buddy uses that bench for reloading on two progressive presses. While it was fine for single stage use, the progressives convinced him to bolt it to the garage wall as mentioned above. Or it can be braced if needed.

But you'll probably find it's fine as is for your use. If you outgrow it, you can re-purpose it (if you have the room) or discard it without losing as much as you might with other choices. Go for it.

ETA: Storing bullets and heavy stuff on the lower shelf will help too.

 

[Emop]

That should work. You will probably eventually end up adding a bookshelf along the back to hold more supplies.

Yes. Harbor Freight. They have it for the best price although I’ve seen others that look the same for more but wasn’t sure if they are all identical or not?

 

[Emop]

The only downside I can see is not having use of the drawers with the press mounted in front. Other than that it sounds like it would work well, as many of you already mentioned.

 

[Dobie406]

That bench looks handy, but I found I like to sit closer to my work, so a bench or table that allows me to get my knees underneath works better for me. something to consider.

 

[824tsv]

I'm using this bench and find it more than adequate. I have 3 presses mounted on it along with my lube-a-matic and bench mounted priming tool. Still plenty of room on the top for other work. I don't have mine bolted to anything and find it very stable. I'll post a pic shortly.

 

[AlHunt]

That's a nice bench if you're woodworking. But for $160 you could build a pretty nice bench. Below is my current bench. The top is an 8' 2x12 cut in half and the rest should be self explanatory. Assembled with exterior deck screws and lag screws, I don't think I have 40 bucks in it. You could add angled braces for stability, but it hasn't been necessary. All the force is downwards.

I should move the lower 2x4's from being right on the floor because I can't slide my feet underneath. Maybe I'll get ambitious.

 

[824tsv]

Harbour Freight bench

Here's the pic. I removed the vice as I didn't need it and that frees up the one end. I bought mine on sale at Harbour Freight and used a coupon and got a further 10% off. It cost around $125 after all the discounts. A great bench for the money. I mounted my RCBS Rock Chucker on a Inline Fabrication ultra mount to be able to access the drawers.

 

[GypsmJim]

I bought one of those "cheepie" benches for my son's basement when he bought his new house. Certainly adequate, but a little too wobbly for my reloading. I would have to reinforce it. That's too much extra work for me.

I say "cheepie" because doesn't that describe ALL of H-Fs merchandise?

I built my bench out of $60 worth of twobafores. All were used as received, except for the legs. I only has to make about 8 saw cuts, all straight across.

The top of my bench is a solid 2x4 thick. Built like a brick you-know-what. I then added an 8' formica top to make it look nice, but that extra cost is optional.

 

[Bill Raby]

Looks perfect. If you are just getting started in reloading and have limited space, I would suggest attaching the press with a couple big C clamps instead of bolts. Then when you are not reloading you will have a good general workbench without a press in the way.

 

[stavey]

A good bench is definately important. I have a pdf for a national reloading manufacturing association reloading bench. Very sturdy and very simple. Pictures and sizes to cut all you have to do is cut and assemble. Pdf is too big to attach here, message me your email and I'll send it to anyone interested.

 

[Peak53]

Stability and the ability to attach your press in a functional position is key. I built mine with 2x4 frame, 24" deep, and bolted to the wall.I have a 4" overhang on the front, reinforced with a flat 2x4 underneath to bolt down the press. No wiggles, easy access, and plenty of room on top. Then backed up with recycled overhead cabinets. Guess I need to take a picture someday.

 

[Engineer1911]

Harbor freight bench is great. Add 1/2 inch plywood on the back of the rear legs and on the outside of the legs front to back. You now have 3 sides of a book case for additional shelves, and a very rigid bench.

 

[Emop]

Here's the pic. I removed the vice as I didn't need it and that frees up the one end. I bought mine on sale at Harbour Freight and used a coupon and got a further 10% off. It cost around $125 after all the discounts. A great bench for the money. I mounted my RCBS Rock Chucker on a Inline Fabrication ultra mount to be able to access the drawers.

That's a really nice set-up you made for yourself. Great use of space. Putting the press on that stand make a big difference... well done 824tsv

 

[rck281]

I'm going to be the dissenting opinion. I don't like that bench! Your press will have to be at the end or you will have to remove a drawer. If at the end, there isn't any workspace for cases and loading blocks. I also don't like the full depth bottom shelf. I much prefer to sit into the bench instead of leaning forward. I would remake the shelf half depth.
I purchase a Gorilla bench at Cosco. Very sturdy but doesn't have any drawers, so not ideal. Good luck.

 

[DRAINSMITH]

Oh, Damn the draws work!

And I have more than a single stage mounted!!
I also have mine mounted to the wall 8" L brackets.

 

[Mike0251]

It's a great bench. Get yourself some better screws than what it comes with and use a little carpenters glue too. Then brace the back from side to side and bolt it to the wall. No complaints.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

As with anything that you want to last: use good materials! Some of the benches from HF have pretty low grade wood in places, so inspect it before you take position!

When building new or adding to loading benches 1) Always avoid particle board or composites (there is no long term durability). 2) If using plywood for more than bracing, glue layers together until you have 1.5 to 2 inch thickness. 3) Movement stress comes from all three directions, brace and attach accordingly.

My second loading bench was made from 2x12 waterbed sides and and all bolts and screws were 3" or longer. It lasted through 20 years of use without a need for repair! The move to a condo required me to reduce the length to 5' and relocate the legs, but it is still going strong. (The waterbed parts are already stained and varnished, and usually better quality than "Home Center" wood. The price was always free! [a good 7' bench with legs, a shelf, and bracing, will usually require the frames of 2 waterbeds (any size). However, one large bed will make a very good top!] Keep an eye out for old hippies that are moving!

Ivan

 

[nachogrande]

NOT A BAD ONE THERE.

Another worth looking at if Sears still has them (I imagine they would be on sale) is a craftsman galvanized top workbench. They have different models/options. Mine is "APP" 5' X 2'.Plastic organizer trays on the back & 1 side. The drawers are on ball bearings & will hold a tremendous amount of wt & still slide easily. The galvanized top is worry free with spills. It holds/organizes a ton of stuff & can be disassembled if you need to move it. NOT too big for a mancave. I have built several myself, paid more $ for the lumber & hardware & ended up leaving them when moving. Going on 14 yrs with this one. It looks/works as new. Sorry no pics, try sears web site. I say it A LOT, look for someone that is getting out of the game (died) and buy *EVERYTHING*, chair/lights/books/NOTES/powder/primers/bullets/dies/press etc etc. It will save you a fortune & everything is likely set up. Good luck.

 

[Boudiepitbull]

I don't remember if I saw it somewhere here or on a youTube reloading bench video (yes, they actually exist and I watched just about all of them), but some clever person took the same Harbor Freight bench we're talking about and did a simple modification to the drawers. Realizing that the 4 drawer set up as it comes from HF were too shallow and limiting for storage of his reloading supplies, he left the bottom panel out of the top drawers and used flat mending plates to tie both top and bottom drawers together creating 2 more useful deeper drawers for storage. Just thought I'd pass the idea along if you go the Harbor Freight route...

 

[Skeet 028]

I say it A LOT, look for someone that is getting out of the game (died) and buy *EVERYTHING*, chair/lights/books/NOTES/powder/primers/bullets/dies/press etc etc. It will save you a fortune & everything is likely set up. Good luck.

Went to a yard sale one day. guy had a whole table of brass bullets etc. So made him an offer for the whole thing.. An hour later I had purchased 19 of 23 guns..loading bench (NSSF plan) all his components safe reloading tools... everything. He was moving into a condo. He and his wife were so... appreciative. That was a really big bench... I eventually gave it to a friend

 

[Nevada Ed]

My first loading bench was from a section of kitchen sink counter top.
Nailed a 2x4 across the studs in the wall to attach the back of the table
and added a 2x4 on the left and a 2x6 knee brace on the right to
where I had my RCBS unit attached.

Since the material was paid for it was just the matter of labor,
however the kitchen re-model was a little more expensive.

 

[fredj338]

From HF? It will work fine, add some weight &/o attach to the wall. Another option is a steel work bench with wooden top added. Just don't get one with wheels.

 

[daniel lawecki]

I bought the Harbor Fright wood working bench cover the top with plywood. I put a good grade of cabinet plywood clear coated it real nice.