Moving and downsizing, on loading hiatus. I'll be needing a small footprint bench that will hopefully handle both the press (RCBS Rebel) and Lubrisizer (RCBS). Any particular build plans you like?
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Moving and downsizing, on loading hiatus. I'll be needing a small footprint bench that will hopefully handle both the press (RCBS Rebel) and Lubrisizer (RCBS). Any particular build plans you like?
I've always either built to fit the space, or repurposed an existing table or cabinet.
From experience, you don't need all that big of a bench top, unless you want it to become over crowded with stuff.
Robert
Possibly a pedestal-type such as one based on a wheel rim?
DG
The Lee steel bench is about as small as you can get and is highly versatile with the bench plates.
https://youtu.be/F6Xww_gMWng
So My bench is only 2 x 4'. I have my presses mounted on a disc plate base, a 1" pipe runs up to the press mount. A flange just above bench level, allows it to be clamped to the bench edge. I have a Lee C-style press mounted at eye level, for rifle bullet seating. My Forster Coax is at bench height for rifle case sizing and pistol reloading. My Lee Clasic turret is permanently mounted to the right corner of the bench for depriming and my Lee disc powder measure. Let me know if you want pictures? hc18flyer Mounting your press this way, allows an open bench when you want.
This Harbor Freight stand:
Attachment 314149
Mine with a 2x6 riser and drill press.
Attachment 314148
https://www.harborfreight.com/univer...and-59196.html
Costs about $100 less than the 3-legged Lee version, no bench plates though. :neutral:
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I used a Black & Decker Shopmate in my living room when single. Then SWAMBO came long and made me be civilized. I mounted the press on a wood pedestal that I could clamp in the shopmate. Then when not in use fold up and put in closet. Built a TC Hawkins kit gun on it too.... In the living room.
I’d see if you could fit an inline fabrication riser with a quick change plate on top of the harbor freight grinder stand. If it fits them reinforce the stand by bolting ply to the sides, back, and front below the shelf also stack some lead on the shelf.
I have used a wooden riser like the one in that picture and it was very rigid under a rock chucker.
Attachment 314152
Because the wood is wider and can be built even wider, it has "shelf space" that an inline fab riser doesn't, and can be custom built for the proper height.
A wood riser could be mounted "cattycornered", so the press lever is over a front leg for greater stability too.
A 2x6 or 2x8 and some hardware is way cheaper than an Inline Fab. Ultramount.
I have also used drop-down wing/side shelves like this, both bought and made with 2 pieces of plywood and a piano hinge.
https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-s...nge-64726.html
Attachment 314153
jmo.
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You talking build your own? What size space are you trying to put it into. Attachment 314154. This is my design build. I have 2 right next to each other. You know of course no matter how big you build it it’s never gonna be big enough lol. Everything mounts to the top with Tnuts and threaded knobs. Presses, powder measures, whatever can be unscrewed from the top in about two minutes and stored underneath. Did I mention I live in a one bedroom apartment with my wife and he sit in the living room. Send me a PM if you want some more info
I was also thinking one of the Black & Decker shopmate type benches .
If you have an out of the way area that is dedicated to reloading, you could mount a piece of 2x10 to the wall with a couple of legs to make it sturdy. I also thought that an old 2 drawer file cabinet with a wood riser like the one previously posted might work.
I think the harbor freight stand with a swivel top would be slick. You could mount 3 or 4 tools and rotate to what you want. Make a post from 2 x 8s and a flat bearing from mc master carr. The feet would need to be long enough to be stable possibly 1/2" ply wood under them so your chairs front legs can sit on it to anchor it.
As someone who knows your pain I'm in the laundry room.My "bench" is a repurposed cabinet. The top is18and ahalf by25 and ahalf. I have Lyman T-Mag and a Lyman Crusher2. They are mounted on an Inline Fabrication quick change. I can recomend the Inline products. The ability to swap presses is very useful. Ialso have a balence beam scale that stays on the bench top. The lubricator/sizer can be mounted on a quick change plate and used as needed.
If you have a corner available, I’ve found an L shape very efficient. Be sure to plan to secure whatever you use to the floor or strong wall.
I built a cabinet/bench once that occupied 36×42×72 . i could have taken the bench top ends off flush at 36² but chose not to .
37" high bench top 5 shelves 8×33 , 1@24×33 , and 1@35×33 .
But if you want to go really compact I also have a cafe table center base with an 11" triangle of 3/4 plywood attached with the Partner press ram prime set up with Herters and and Lyman 45 lubesizers attached.
Except for one press all my stuff is mounted to hardwood bases (tried pine but the screws pulled out on the sizer) and clamped to the bench with a pair of cheap 4in clamps to keep space free. My bench is L shaped and the hard mounted press is off on the short leg freeing up almost all of the main bench space.
Attachment 314171Attachment 314172
When I was an apartment dweller space was at a premium. I mounted my press to a piece of walnut 12" by 12" and 2" thick. Then I used two C clamps to attach it to the dining room table when I reloaded. When done everything went into the closet on a shelf.