My old small reloading bench is developing some lean so before it collapses on me Im going to replace it. It was an old computer dsk I reinforce some. Its worked for 8-9 years and was a freebie for me so Im happy with the service.
To save the time and work of making a new bench from scratch Im looking at the Harbor Freights 60" wood workers bench. In the pics it looks pretty good, 4 drawers, a shelf down low and a 2 1/2" thick butcher block style top. Im thinking if I glue the joints on assembly And a little reinforcing along back and sides, again glued joints. And add 2-3 shelves on the back this could be a nice bench for loading. Ill mount my RCBS Summit press so drawers wont be blocked. Im thinking 3/8 or 1/2" plywood on outsides of legs and back below bench top to box it in and stiffen it up. glued and screws to fasten them. 1" X 8" boards for the shelves along the back 1"X4" along back of shelves to keep things in place. I may angle the uprights to get 3 shelves one 8" deep one 6" deep and the top 4" deep The wood block vise will be utilized to hold trimmers and other tools when needed. Im thinking several thread inserts epoxied in so powder measures drop tubes and other things can be mounted with a simple set of strap clamps. Once assembled a light sanding and a couple coats of true oil or minwax antique oil finish rubbed in, maybe even a light walnut stain. The first shelf will be high enough for a couple of those little cabenits with the plastic drawers to set under. The shelves will also be used to store my clamp on powder measures. 2 Harrels, 2 belding and mulls, an old redding and a lyman 55. The screw in mounted will be in a drawer. dies in another, scales on the shelves. Cast bullets in ammo boxes may be in a drawer or on the bottom shelf.
The price for this bench is roughly $159.00. By the time I buy the wood glue up and finish the butcher block top legs feet and shelves it will be way more than that. Let me know what you think of this bench and my plans