Bench ideas

[Boolit_Head]

Been thinking about building a bench. Then I got the bright idea to get one of the Harbor Freight 44 inch roller cabinet and put a thick wooden top on it. I was thinking I could overlap the sides and put the presses with rams that hang down on plates on the side. That way the top drawer would not get in the way.

http://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage/tool-chests-roller-cabinets/44-in-13-drawer-glossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-68784.html

Not sure if when the wheels were locked if it would be stable enough though. Any ideas?

[VHoward]

That could work if you loaded it down with a lot of weight and the floor was perfectly level.

[Boolit_Head]

Garage floor so it slopes toward the opening. I was originally thinking of a kitchen cabinet base on each end but the slope put me off that idea.

[runfiverun]

just level the cabinets, a 1x4 or 2x4 on the floor should do it.
I like my benches to lean back towards the wall a bit anyway.
you want a reloading bench to be rock solid.

[VHoward]

just level the cabinets, a 1x4 or 2x4 on the floor should do it.
I like my benches to lean back towards the wall a bit anyway.
you want a reloading bench to be rock solid.
This is what I would do. A solid bench beats a rolling cart any day.

[map55b]

I'd suggest a cleat against the back wall so that you can apply downward pressure on the bench without the back lifting. I'd also suggest a recessed plate with hole taped to mate to your press (and other tools) so you can easily change things around. I have three of these on my bench and it is very convenient. I can mount 3 different presses, a Mec, power measure and small vice to any of the three stations.

http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/IMG_1496_zpsk70tekol.jpg
http://i1172.photobucket.com/albums/r566/map55b1/IMG_1495_zpsu5hk7p5u.jpg

[retread]

I put my heavy wood bench top on old heavy duty file cabinets(one on each end). Tried to upload a picture but something is not working properly tonight. Anyway it works great. I also attached the back to the wall. I too have a slanted floor but a few shins took care of that. It is good and solid! well what do ya know, got the picture thing to work after all.

[Boolit_Head]

I was thinking with the tool roller if I ever move it could easily roll to a new home. That had some benefits. I wonder if I could attach the back of the top to a wall to secure it in some way.

[Ickisrulz]

I think if you have the means, a purpose built bench made from wood would be much better.

The drawers on that roller cabinet seem pretty shallow to me and I'd bet you be fighting to keep the wheels from moving (only two lock).

Does a working height of 40 inches work for you? If you plan on sitting, there's no where for you knees under the bench.

[Plate plinker]

I was thinking with the tool roller if I ever move it could easily roll to a new home. That had some benefits. I wonder if I could attach the back of the top to a wall to secure it in some way.
Sure just fasten a 2x4 backsplash to the top then screw it to walk through that or use quick clamps to a 2x4 that' is attached to wall. Bammo fully moveable rolling station.

[Plate plinker]

186066 What you need is a cart like this red one my FIL gave me it is super heavy .

[Wayne Smith]

You can get or make a caster set that lifts up and the bench sits on legs or wedges down to lift the bench to move it. One set of stable casters on one end and one set of steerable casters that lift up on the other should be stable. That is, if you are invested in moving your loading bench.

[Kenstone]

My last 2 bench builds have been cabinets, book shelf deep, screwed to the wall.
Any horizontal bench space gets used for other stuff, collects junk that has to be moved when you want to reload.[smilie=b:.

My presses are stored elsewhere, hanging on the wall, under towel on right in pic, and changed out as needed.
My scale is at eye level, under that ice cream box
I added a door to keep out curious little fingers...
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/kenstone1/Loading/CabOpen_zpsp5e9k3gc.jpg

;-)
Edit: I load standing :wink:

[Kenstone]

Quick change plates are 6"x6"x1/4" bought off the shelf at a local steel yard for $4 each... I cut one corner off.
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/kenstone1/Loading/IMG_0905_zpsfngwb5tk.jpg
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i399/kenstone1/Loading/IMG_0910_zpsttlyhv7d.jpg

Same plate on every press,
:D

[sparky45]

I was going to say that you were a bit Anal, but the last photo changed my impression.:kidding:
Nicely done.

[Moonie]

186117

This is what I did, got the kit and I supplied the wood, kit here:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200226224_200226224?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Storage%20%2B%20Organizers%20%3E%20Work benches%20%2B%20Work%20Tables&utm_campaign=2x4%20Basics&utm_content=252204&gclid=Cj0KEQiAk5zEBRD9lfno2dek0tsBEiQAWVKyuIZmj2h0 1MiPX2fgpbzyHKkh6Ejgqrl5aQZGHqx6HWkaAi828P8HAQ

[Walter Laich]

I have a rolling table that has my 20 lb lead pot at one short end and MEC reloader at the other.

have a single stage press along one side and it's plenty solid for reloading up to 45-70 rounds.

the progressives are on rock solid benches that are screwed to the wall.

[Jal5]

I have to agree with Walter. While some tasks can be done on a rolling bench, the progressives must be solidly secured to function correctly.

[therealhitman]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?12392-Loading-bench-pics

[laveritt]

I bought a used laboratory table (the kind with large hardwood legs and apron with the black top) at a county schools surplus auction. It is 30" deep x 6" long.
Cost was cheap and it's quite sturdy.