How to Free-up Space on your Bench - Inline Fabrication

[s&wchad]

I’m sure a lot of you know about Inline Fabrication and their press mounting systems, but I just discovered them last week. My order was delivered yesterday and I just finished installing everything. Wow, I’m impressed!

My NRA reloading bench served me well for almost 30 years. I had an RCBS Rock Chucker, powder measure and case trimmer permanently installed. My MEC shotshell presses were mounted on boards that I C-clamped to the bench when I needed them.

Last month, I picked up a Dillon 650 with a bunch of accessories at an estate sale. It was set up to load 9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W and .45 acp. I almost sold it, but decided it was something I needed to keep. I picked up a larger aluminum mounting plate, moved the Rock Chucker down a bit and permanently mounted the 650.

Then about two weeks ago, I was offered a Dillon 550B that was set up to load .38 Special, .41 Mag, .44 Mag & Special and .30-06/.308. The press ram was seized from years of sitting idle, but the price was right and a little cleaning/lubrication got it running just fine again. I wanted those calibers, but I didn’t want to permanently mount it and lose even more bench space.

Some online searching lead me to Inline Fabrication. I ended up ordering their flush mount quick-change mounting plate, a spacer so I didn’t have to route out the bench, a number of top plates and some storage docks. It only set me back about $200.

While I was waiting for my goodies to arrive, I freed up some space and installed another shelving unit to get my shotshell presses off the floor.

I started installing the mounting system and storage docks last night and finished the job about an hour ago. While I was at it, I plugged some holes in my bench top with wooden dowels and touched-up the polyurethane. Inline Fab makes great products, offers free shipping and include mounting hardware. I did need to buy longer bolts for the flush mount plate, since my bench top is so thick. I’m very pleased with the way it turned out!

These are the other tools that I mounted to top plates.

I was able to fit all four storage docks to the side of my bench, so I now have a lot more free space on my bench when I’m not reloading.

Now I wish I would have spent another $4.50 and bought a cover cap for the mounting base.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Wow Chad, great writeup and photos. I didn't know Inline had those plates. I've been using the plates from Lee and they work OK but those look much better. I just may have to switch over to the Inline plates.

You really freed up space on your bench, nice!

 

[pasound]

Wow! Nice! I will have to look at this system for my bench.

 

[Bruce C]

I bought the Inline high mount back in the winter with plates for the Rock chucker, Hornady lock and lock ap, and Dillon 550C. I wish I would have found them sooner. Really like there product and works great.

 

[s&wchad]

For those of you who don’t know, this quick video show how the system works.

The flush mount plate that I got operates the same way. I chose it because it has a smaller footprint than the riser plates, is less obtrusive and it’s cheaper! All the components are made from nicely finished 1/4” steel.

Had I learned about this before I permanently mounted the Dillon 650, I would have got a top plate for it too and really free’d up space.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4F93tWTC7Q&t=161s[/ame]

 

[rkrcpa]

I have the storage bracket for the extra plates, makes a huge difference swapping presses around. No more finding shelf space.

 

[AJ]

Nice set up. Looks like it will work well. I, myself cheat....I use two benches. One 6 foot and the other 8 foot.

 

[yeti]

Need to get one of those Quick Change with a few plates. Very nice!

 

[Cdog]

So far, one 8' and two 4' benches in my loading room.

At this time I have 6 presses with only 4 setup for use. I probably own more than a dozen powder measures, a half dozen scales, who knows the number of die sets and other stuff?

Seems I'm a bit of junkie...

 

[Paul in Nevada]

I have had my eye on these systems for a long time. I have acquired two additional presses since my bench was first set up.
Good write up, thank you.