Workbenches?

[johngalt]

I'm thinking about getting a portable workbench like a Black & Decker Workmate to use for a reloading workbench. I've read here in the past that people have done this when they were space-limited.

I was wondering how that worked out. Is the bench solid and stable? I have a Hornady LNL AP, which I think weighs about 40#.

Thanks.

 

[Cerberus62]

I'm thinking about getting a portable workbench like a Black & Decker Workmate to use for a reloading workbench. I've read here in the past that people have done this when they were space-limited.

I was wondering how that worked out. Is the bench solid and stable? I have a Hornady LNL AP, which I think weighs about 40#.Thanks.

They are not bad at all, have a fairly wide and stable footprint, have that neat adjustable worktop and fold up into a compact package.

With the weight of the press and other stff you should be fine. I have an old one that I use for all kinds of projects and also set up my casting gear when I want to cast outside.

 

[Chuck Jones]

When I lived in an apartment I used a small rolling tool chest as my reloading bench. Bolted my Dillion 550 right to a piece of particle board on the top. I stored tools and dies in the tool drawers and powder and bullets in the deep bottom drawers.

The whole shebang rolled into a closet when I wasn't using it, outta sight outta mind.

great compact set-up

/c

 

[Steve in Vermont]

I mounted a Hornady Classic on a B&D Workmate, along with a powder measure and RCBS Priming Tool. Everything is mounted with threaded bolts, nuts and washers for easy removal. To add strength, and space, I bolted (using recessed threaded bolts) a 2 X 10 pine board to the bench and made it 3 feet longer. I used a 2X4 to brace the end of the board to the floor. I then stained and coated it with polyurethane. Very portable and the height can be adjusted by folding the legs up or down. As to an AP press, I don't believe weight will be a factor but perhaps someone out there can better address this issue.

 

[Squarebutt]

I've used a Workmate and a similar table for years, and they are very stable. I think it's because the feet are set wider than the top. The biggest issue with reloading benches is that they shouldn't rock back and forth when you pull the handle. Forty pounds is no problem.
I think the Workmates are about $30 at Lowe's. IMO you can't go wrong for that price.

 

[SteveFi]

i have a knockoff workmate got for next to nothing - bolted 2 2'x2'x3/4" plywood sheets to the top of it with bolts & wing nuts so I have a 2x2 work surface - plenty stable - tried thinner plywood but top flexed more than I cared so tried 1 then 2 sheets of the 3/4" - 1 sheet was probably enough but still had small amount of flex so I went to 2

 

[Steve in Vermont]

P.S. - Just to clarify, the press and other components are mounted directly over the bench for maximum stability. The 3' extension is for storing lighter items.

 

[Inspector-Callahan]

I have toyed with this idea but didn't think it would end up working with a Dillon 650. Does anyone have a photo of their setup??

Thanks
IC

 

[Rollbar]

Any pictures?

 

[novalty]

I think this is the closest I could find to a picture of what you are looking for.

 

[CGM]

I live in an apt with only one closet allowed for my gun stuff. This is what works fairly well for me with a minimum of construction work. The base is a furniture dolly from Home Depot, four steel pipes from the plumbing section and some plywood. Sturdy enough for two SDB's and my lubrisizer.

Important thing is that it rolls right into the closet and wife is happy!